How does fasting work?

We could compare the process of fasting as the internal clearance of debris and stuff that blocks natural, healthy flow of life energy.

This debris could be compared to scale in boilers, washing machines, kettles etc, in areas with hard water, like London or South East. The scale accumulates on the walls of pipes in boilers and other devices and if not removed it may cause damage to those devices or reduce effectiveness of their work. It is very similar with this unwanted debris that accumulates in our organs and cells over a period of time, especially due to the wrong attitudes to diet / food - and life in general.

In the age of materialism it is more and more evident. Many people, nowadays, are confused about real values and purpose of their lives and indulge in money-motivated activities and values related to accumulation of wealth and power.

In boilers and kettles we regularly use de-scalers or other related devices - in our body we use fasting, which aims at restoring good functioning of our body and mind. Both remove the scale or debris which is unwanted.

When we do not eat we burn the inside reserves, first is the fat tissue and the last is (almost negligently small) the heart, the brain and the nervous system. So even if we lose a lot of weight our mind will still be clear and the heart will be working. These are two main pillars of the Life Force we possess.

Once we start fasting, the internal energy store in the form of fat, muscles etc will start ‘melting’ and with it the debris which has attached itself to organs and cells. So the fasting works on both the extracellular level and intercellular level.

First day or two we may feel headaches due to this burning of internal reserves and release of various poisons and debris from the body, but after that it gets better and the mind gets calmer and clearer. It is also true that due to the slowed metabolism, we feel that our body temperature is lower - and it is - and also we feel that time passes much more slowly than before.

As we do not eat any longer, during fasting, the energy that was previously used for digestion, is no longer wasted on that, so it is now used on clearing the debris and renewal of the cells and tissues.

It is recommended that, prior to engaging in fasting, we cleanse our digestive system, i.e. guts and also liver and kidneys. As these three will be needed as a support during the fasting and their health (achieved by cleansing them ) is vital in our successful fasting; and successful fasting means restoration of health (better feelings, stronger immune system, better functioning, more joy , clearer mind,calmer mind etc).

Some methods of cleansing / clearing the guts, the liver and the kidneys will be addressed separately in a topic: 'Preparatory cleansing.'

To start the process one takes purgatives - and they cleanse the guts which also removes the feeling of hunger too. The use of purgatives could be repeated after 2-3 days of fasting, in case the first time the guts were not fully cleansed.

During the fasting process it is recommended to drink water, at least 2 litres per day - and one can start with water as soon as the purgatives have worked successfully.

Drinking water is important in the process of breaking down the fat tissues in the body. It is possible to drink even more than 2 liters per day, say 3-5 liters. There will be more urine elimination only and it will be of a more bright colour.

Distilled water seems to be cleansing the body (of its impurities) better. From the 3rd or 4th day of fasting it is recommended to drink mineral water (with CO2 in it). Bicarbonates in water serve as buffers which moderate the effects of the 'acidic crisis' which occurs during fasting. People can choose what temperature of water suits them and the quantity they are comfortable with.

Activity is encouraged, but not extremely vigorous. Walking in parks or other natural environments is probably the best one to practise. Slimmer people should exercise less than people with bigger body mass.

Sweating is good, during walking, it helps eliminate toxins. But the regime of activity is something individual people decide for themselves - and what they feel is appropriate for their body constitution.

It is also recommended taking a bath once a day, to help the skin restore its moisture (which during fasting gets dry(ier). The contrast type of showering is also recommended (cool water / warm water –alternatively). Soap is to be avoided as it affects the skin. Simply, do it by water itself and massage with a wet cloth.

Mouth should be rinsed often, with cold water, herbal infusions, or diluted sodium bicarbonate to keep it clean and wash out the ‘debris' / 'mucus' etc - which will accumulate during fasting (on the tongue, in the nose etc).

During the fasting it is best to avoid synthetic clothing, cotton is best - in summer - and both cotton and wool in winter.

Do not be tempted to use food - fasting is recommended to be practised away from people - and their possible influences; do it on your own, basically.

Going back to food, after fasting, must be gradual!

First day: mix freshly squeezed juice with water (1:1) and drink it every 1-1.5 hours (one cup each time). Carrot juice or apple juice would be good ones. But that does not exclude other fruit or vegetable juices either.

Second day: it involves 4-5 meals (smaller) of vegetables, or of fruit. All should be fresh. Some experts suggest using garlic as it activates digestion and disinfects the body. This suits people who are bigger in size.

From the third day you can boil beetroot or potato. We can add, to the previously used food, dry fruit soaked in water with some honey.

Fourth day: we can use kasha (boiled grains) from buckwheat, oats, barley, millet, etc with added oil (cold pressed olive or any other one). Some seeds and nuts could be introduced on this day too.

Fifth day: we can introduce legumes: peas, beans, chickpeas, in a form of a ‘kasha’ i.e. boiled like a stew / soup.

Sixth day: we can introduce bread with salt in it (best if made from sprouted cereals, integral - wholemeal rye bread or similar.

In the days after that, it is best to avoid meat, milk, dairy, eggs or to minimise them. Vegan diet is best, overall.

Author: Brian

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