Animals, ancient peoples and many brilliant, traditional and elder doctors have used fasting or juice dieting with incredible success.  Fasting is only one part of a total health optimizing program and not a panacea, though many chronic, stubborn or frustrating ailments can often be reduced or eliminated.  Even severe conditions such as asthma, allergies, hypertension, lupus, type two diabetes, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, CFS/FMS, acne and IBS have been treated successfully with fasting.  Seasonal, periodic or extended juice dieting/fasting can and does act like “a reboot of one’s system” enhancing cellular detoxification and the return of homeostasis, youth and often even unwittingly, a lightening of not only the body, but the mind and spirit.

The ideal time to begin a fast is when hunger disappears or at the first sign of illness, fever or sluggish feelings.  A short fast can be implemented at any time and even a one day water-only fast or master cleanse  can be very helpful.  Choose a weekend or period of time when you can prepare mentally, gather supplies and set up a good game plan.  Decreasing stress and activities while making sure to maintain or even increase exercise will be essential to burn fat (ketosis) and retain muscle mass. The more rest during the fast, while also balancing with up to two hours of lower-intensity exercise, the better the results will often be.  Walking up and down hills in a peaceful place, yoga, moderate weight lifting and light aerobic activity are ideal.  Their energy will often actually increase during this time and can be directed towards detoxification, weight-loss and healing, instead of other highly demanding bodily functions such as immune, digestive and stress responses.

A positive mental outlook towards fasting is important.  The benefits include weight release, clearer skin, increased elimination, tissue repair, decreased pain and inflammation, increased concentration, etc., in essence, total rejuvenation.  Perhaps the greatest benefit is the satisfaction that one can play a major role in optimizing theirown health.

Only raw, organic juices, broths and pure water should be taken by mouth while fasting and filtered or distilled water are required during this time.  Using juice would actually be considered an elimination diet since carbohydrates and nutrients are ingested, thus ketosis and some benefits can be decreased. The quantity of juice and water should be dictated by thirst and symptoms, although drinking at least 6 quarts of fluids is the standard recommendation by most experienced experts (see book recommendations below).  Losing vitamins or minerals is not usually of concern during a fast; humans have adapted biochemical mechanisms to exist for long periods without food. Serum potassium levels should be monitored weekly for longer water-only fasts as well as comprehensive blood work and frequent UA’s.

Staying warm and cleansing the skin with lukewarm water is encouraged, but extremes in temperature can be innervating and should be avoided.  Dry-brush massage and low-heat FIR saunas to increase lymph flow and detoxification are ideal.  This is an ideal time to consider all forms of hydrotherapy as well.  Also, avoiding deodorants, most soaps, fumes and synthetic chemicals is essential.  

Sunlight is required for healthy cells, mind and body so obtaining between 10-25 minutes per day is recommended.  For deeper healing, rest is the most important aspect of the fast, so a nap or two during the day to balance the increased detoxification and exercise regime is a good idea.   Less sleep at night will likely be required now due to lack of digestive energy utilization and more day time rest, so this should be expected with longer fasting.

Enemas and colonics are not always necessary during a fast but this will depend on the type of fast and individual health (i.e. water-only fasting would require no daily enema).  However, many report daily morning enemas dramatically improve symptoms.  If there is concern about constipation, extra emphasis on pre-fast meals of fresh fruit and vegetables will assist with elimination, and a gentle laxative can be used the night before beginning the liquid diet.  Colonics and coffee enemas can also be utilized periodically to increase cleansing and detoxification of the liver and skin, in particular.  

The body temperature usually drops during a fast, along with decreased blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate.  This is further evidence of the inherent wisdom of the body to conserve energy.  Staying warm will help.  Using a hot water bottle to stay warm at night and dressing up during the day as well as increasing exercising will promote warmth and sweating.

Most discomfort during fasting is usually brief as the body works quickly to restore homeostasis.  In the beginning, patients may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, a coated tongue, body odors, mild palpitations or mucous discharge.  These symptoms are generally normal, encouraged and should only be followed up if extreme or persistent. Fasters may experience all, any or none of these.  If symptoms are intolerable and do persist, breaking the fast very slowly with a small amount of orange or watermelon may be all that is needed, and it may be possible to resume fasting when symptoms disappear.  Sometimes simply chewing the fruit and then spitting it out can be enough to get back on track and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms or thoughts.

Keeping the mind from focusing on food can be done by reading a book (especially a book on fasting) listening to music, writing a letter, going for a walk or watching a movie.  Comedies and/or light-hearted, non-dramatic entertainment and friends are highly recommended at this time.   Do not spend too long at any one activity.  Balancing rest, exercise and honoring yourself and nature are keys to a successful fast.

It is imperative to avoid coffee, tea, soda, cigarettes, toothpaste (brush only!) or anything else by mouth except pure organic broths and juices, water, herbal teas and perhaps no-sodium carbonated water.  Avoid the smell and sight of food if possible.  If it is necessary to prepare food for other family members, remind patients to satisfy the senses with the aroma, and remember they have had a lifetime of eating and will again shortly, with renewed senses and gratefulness.  

Breaking the fast:  “Any fool can fast, but it takes wisdom to break it,” the saying goes, which underlines how important and challenging it is to break a fast.  Foods need to be simple, vegan, whole and organic, that are easily digested, eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly (31-50 times per bite!), while limiting the quantity at first, but enjoyed thoroughly!  Overeating can undo the benefits derived from a fast and is fairly common even with experienced fasters.  So, be VERY careful, make a plan with the healthiest types of foods to start with first.  Another key here is to avoid sodium for the first week or two, at least, to avoid water-retention and strong food cravings.  It is also an opportune time to identify food allergies and intolerances as foods are reintroduced, so have a plan to do this.

Seasonal juice dieting or fasting is one of the quickest ways to decrease inflammation, increase the elimination of wastes and enhance the reparative processes of the body.  Although fasts are generally safe, an appointment for a physical exam or evaluation before undertaking a fast is a must and if there are any medications or any chronic conditions, alterations may be necessary. Having an experienced doctor supervise and guide the process before, during and after is ideal, and can be essential for success.  For further reading I recommend books by Herbert Shelton, Paavo Airola, Steven Bailey, Joel Fuhrman and Alan Goldhamer.


About the author:
Bradley R. West, N.D. is a graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine.  His focus and training is in holistic care.  With an internship as a Hygienic Physician, Dr. Brad uses detoxification and deep healing through fasting, drainage/homeopathy, nutrition and food-as-medicine, exercise therapeutics, targeted supplementation, bioidentical HRT and functional labwork.  His emphasis is on chronic disease treatment, prevention, nature-cure, endocrinology and gastroenterology as well as CFS/FMS.  He can be reached via email at BradWestND@yahoo.com and his website is www.DrBradWest.com