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When To Employ Fasting; Determining Who Should Fast; How Long And How Often (view source)
Revision as of 19:40, 3 May 2021
, 19:40, 3 May 2021→When To Fast
= Lesson 46 - When To Employ Fasting; Determining Who Should Fast; How Long And How Often =
= Lesson 46 - When To Employ Fasting; Determining Who Should Fast; How Long And How Often =
== When To Fast ==
== When To Fast ==
Regarding the proper time to fast, Dr. Shelton maintained that the time to fast is “when it is needed.” He states, “I am of the decided opinion that delay pays no divi- dends; that, due to the fact that the progressive development of pathological changes in the structures of the body with the consequent impairment of its functions does not cease until its cause has been completely and thoroughly removed. Putting off the time for a fast only invites added troubles and makes a longer fast necessary, if indeed, it does not make the fast futile. I do not believe that any condition of impaired health should be tol- erated and permitted to become greater. Now is the time to begin the work of restoring good health; not next week, next summer, or next year.”
Regarding the proper time to fast, Dr. Shelton maintained that the time to fast is “when it is needed.” He states, “I am of the decided opinion that delay pays no divi- dends; that, due to the fact that the progressive development of pathological changes in the structures of the body with the consequent impairment of its functions does not cease until its cause has been completely and thoroughly removed. Putting off the time for a fast only invites added troubles and makes a longer fast necessary, if indeed, it does not make the fast futile. I do not believe that any condition of impaired health should be tol- erated and permitted to become greater. Now is the time to begin the work of restoring good health; not next week, next summer, or next year.”
So it is agreed that, when needed, fasting should begin as soon as possible. But how do you determine when fasting is needed? There will be definite indications that will manifest themselves, and at this point, there will be no question that a fast is required.
So it is agreed that, when needed, fasting should begin as soon as possible. But how do you determine when fasting is needed? There will be definite indications that will manifest themselves, and at this point, there will be no question that a fast is required.
== Absence Of Hunger ==
We can assume that when there is no hunger, there is also no physiological need for food. Hunger will be absent when: (1) there is no need for food, such as soon after a meal, and (2) when there is an inability to digest and assimilate food, such as occurs during acute diseases (e.g., colds, flu, etc.). When hunger is absent, therefore, no food should betaken.
We can assume that when there is no hunger, there is also no physiological need for food. Hunger will be absent when: (1) there is no need for food, such as soon after a meal, and (2) when there is an inability to digest and assimilate food, such as occurs during acute diseases (e.g., colds, flu, etc.). When hunger is absent, therefore, no food should betaken.
In many cases, during acute and chronic diseases, a person may feel hungry. In real- ity, it is not hunger that he feels but a morbid craving for food. Hunger is often misinter- preted by a headache, irritability, restlessness, lassitude, drowsiness, faintness, a feeling of emptiness, gnawing pains in the stomach, etc. In fact, none of these symptoms indi- cate true hunger. Hunger is a normal, pleasant physiological demand for food that is felt in the mouth and throat as is thirst. Since it is a normal occurrence, it is not accompanied by pain or discomfort.
In many cases, during acute and chronic diseases, a person may feel hungry. In real- ity, it is not hunger that he feels but a morbid craving for food. Hunger is often misinter- preted by a headache, irritability, restlessness, lassitude, drowsiness, faintness, a feeling of emptiness, gnawing pains in the stomach, etc. In fact, none of these symptoms indi- cate true hunger. Hunger is a normal, pleasant physiological demand for food that is felt in the mouth and throat as is thirst. Since it is a normal occurrence, it is not accompanied by pain or discomfort.
=== Hunger vs. Appetite ===
One simple method of determining true hunger is to think of how much time has elapsed since the last meal. If you desire to eat while the last meal is still digesting you are not hungry. If your last meal was a heavy one that included nuts or avocado, your next meal should not be for at least four to five hours.
One simple method of determining true hunger is to think of how much time has elapsed since the last meal. If you desire to eat while the last meal is still digesting you are not hungry. If your last meal was a heavy one that included nuts or avocado, your next meal should not be for at least four to five hours.
sation that it is worth going on a fast merely for the pleasure of experiencing it.”
sation that it is worth going on a fast merely for the pleasure of experiencing it.”
== Fasting In Acute Disease ==
The rule of nature in acute disease is go to bed, keep warm, and abstain from all food until hunger returns. Fasting in fevers was commonly employed by Neapolitan physi- cians over one-hundred-and-fifty years ago. They frequently permitted their fever pa- tients to go for as long as forty days without food. Dr. Shelton states, “When in pneumo- nia and pleurisy, the patient is fed, not only is the toxic saturation kept up, but feeding retards resolution; that is, it prevents the inflamed lungs and pleura from returning to normal.”
The rule of nature in acute disease is go to bed, keep warm, and abstain from all food until hunger returns. Fasting in fevers was commonly employed by Neapolitan physi- cians over one-hundred-and-fifty years ago. They frequently permitted their fever pa- tients to go for as long as forty days without food. Dr. Shelton states, “When in pneumo- nia and pleurisy, the patient is fed, not only is the toxic saturation kept up, but feeding retards resolution; that is, it prevents the inflamed lungs and pleura from returning to normal.”
In all types of acute diseases, the whole organism is occupied in the task of eliminat- ing toxins. It is perfectly natural that the body should rebel against food during this time. Such symptoms as anorexia, bad breath, coated tongue, nausea, vomiting, excretion of mucus, diarrhea, etc., indicates that the body is occupied in the work of elimination and is not able to digest food.
In all types of acute diseases, the whole organism is occupied in the task of eliminat- ing toxins. It is perfectly natural that the body should rebel against food during this time. Such symptoms as anorexia, bad breath, coated tongue, nausea, vomiting, excretion of mucus, diarrhea, etc., indicates that the body is occupied in the work of elimination and is not able to digest food.
=== Feeding The Sick ===
During acute illnesses, it is often advised that meat broths be served. These broths not only do not contribute to health but produce the “soil” for disease. During my bac- teriology classes at school, we often used meat medias to culture our bacteria. This me- dia proved excellent for producing large colonies of various types of bacteria since the “soil” or “food” for these bacteria was close to ideal. While we know that bacteria do not cause disease, they are present in many disease conditions. When the “soil” is ideal for bacteria to proliferate, they will do so. This is an excellent indication of toxicosis due to the decomposition of food and bacteria in the stomach and digestive tract.
During acute illnesses, it is often advised that meat broths be served. These broths not only do not contribute to health but produce the “soil” for disease. During my bac- teriology classes at school, we often used meat medias to culture our bacteria. This me- dia proved excellent for producing large colonies of various types of bacteria since the “soil” or “food” for these bacteria was close to ideal. While we know that bacteria do not cause disease, they are present in many disease conditions. When the “soil” is ideal for bacteria to proliferate, they will do so. This is an excellent indication of toxicosis due to the decomposition of food and bacteria in the stomach and digestive tract.
During acute gastritis, the mucous membrane of the stomach is red and swollen. There is little gastric juice and very little acid excreted, with considerable amounts of mucus present. With the stomach in this condition, and with appetite lacking, it would be senseless to eat. Fasting in such a case is the only rational procedure. Without the irri- tating presence of food and its products of decomposition, the body will proceed to heal and health will be restored.
During acute gastritis, the mucous membrane of the stomach is red and swollen. There is little gastric juice and very little acid excreted, with considerable amounts of mucus present. With the stomach in this condition, and with appetite lacking, it would be senseless to eat. Fasting in such a case is the only rational procedure. Without the irri- tating presence of food and its products of decomposition, the body will proceed to heal and health will be restored.
==== Peptic Ulcer ====
An example of feeding during disease is demonstrated in the peptic ulcer patient. Peptic ulcer is the general term given to an eroded mucosal lesion in the stomach or the duodenum. It is claimed that excessive excretion of hydrochloric acid is the cause of this condition. While this may be the irritating or immediate cause, the underlying reason the hydrochloric acid is secreted above normal is due to general enervation and toxicosis. The generally accepted dietary “therapy” involves a “bland” diet. This diet consists of exactly those foods that contributed to the general enervation and toxicosis in the first place. Foods often recommended include milk, eggs, cooked refined cereals, custard, Jell-O, ice cream, white bread, cheese, and creamed soups. These foodless “foods” do not contribute to health.
An example of feeding during disease is demonstrated in the peptic ulcer patient. Peptic ulcer is the general term given to an eroded mucosal lesion in the stomach or the duodenum. It is claimed that excessive excretion of hydrochloric acid is the cause of this condition. While this may be the irritating or immediate cause, the underlying reason the hydrochloric acid is secreted above normal is due to general enervation and toxicosis. The generally accepted dietary “therapy” involves a “bland” diet. This diet consists of exactly those foods that contributed to the general enervation and toxicosis in the first place. Foods often recommended include milk, eggs, cooked refined cereals, custard, Jell-O, ice cream, white bread, cheese, and creamed soups. These foodless “foods” do not contribute to health.
Another example of feeding in disease is dietary therapy for such intestinal disease as diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Instead of searching for the underlying cause of this condition, physicians palliate symptoms and make matters worse. Dietary therapy in such cases would make any well man sick. It includes milk, coffee, tea, carbonated bev- erages, eggs, cheese, meat, soups, cooked strained vegetables, cooked strained fruits, white refined bread, refined cereals, white rice, macaroni, noodles, spaghetti, and other refined products. Man could live many times longer on water alone than he could on the diet described for diverticulosis. Any value found in the fruits and vegetables are cooked away, and straining and pureeing makes them worse. Again, a fast is indicated followed by correct eating habits and the body will once again be restored to normal.
Another example of feeding in disease is dietary therapy for such intestinal disease as diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Instead of searching for the underlying cause of this condition, physicians palliate symptoms and make matters worse. Dietary therapy in such cases would make any well man sick. It includes milk, coffee, tea, carbonated bev- erages, eggs, cheese, meat, soups, cooked strained vegetables, cooked strained fruits, white refined bread, refined cereals, white rice, macaroni, noodles, spaghetti, and other refined products. Man could live many times longer on water alone than he could on the diet described for diverticulosis. Any value found in the fruits and vegetables are cooked away, and straining and pureeing makes them worse. Again, a fast is indicated followed by correct eating habits and the body will once again be restored to normal.
==== Pain ====
Any pain that a person may experience is known to lessen while fasting. Dr. Shelton has witnessed many patients with pains of acute articular rheumatism subside and the patient became comfortable after three or four days of fasting.
Any pain that a person may experience is known to lessen while fasting. Dr. Shelton has witnessed many patients with pains of acute articular rheumatism subside and the patient became comfortable after three or four days of fasting.
== Fasting In Chronic Disease ==
The time to fast is before a disease becomes chronic. If a fast is undertaken when the symptoms of acute disease first manifest themselves and a more healthy lifestyle is adhered to, chronic diseases will not occur. What often happens, however, is that when symptoms of acute illnesses arise, they are suppressed by various drugs, etc. The body is never allowed to eliminate its toxic overloads that have accumulated over a period of time due to unhealthful living habits. Due to this constant suppression and continued bad habits, chronic diseases develop. At this point, many people turn to fasting as “a last resort.”
The time to fast is before a disease becomes chronic. If a fast is undertaken when the symptoms of acute disease first manifest themselves and a more healthy lifestyle is adhered to, chronic diseases will not occur. What often happens, however, is that when symptoms of acute illnesses arise, they are suppressed by various drugs, etc. The body is never allowed to eliminate its toxic overloads that have accumulated over a period of time due to unhealthful living habits. Due to this constant suppression and continued bad habits, chronic diseases develop. At this point, many people turn to fasting as “a last resort.”
This case was an extreme one requiring a lengthy period for recovery but it serves to illustrate what the body can accomplish when given the proper conditions.
This case was an extreme one requiring a lengthy period for recovery but it serves to illustrate what the body can accomplish when given the proper conditions.
== Fasting To Lose Weight ==
Dr. Dewey said, “There are no overweights who would not receive the greatest ben- efit by a fast that would diminish the pounds to that of the ripest maturity of life, a fast that would be determined by the time required to reach the desired number of pounds.”
Dr. Dewey said, “There are no overweights who would not receive the greatest ben- efit by a fast that would diminish the pounds to that of the ripest maturity of life, a fast that would be determined by the time required to reach the desired number of pounds.”
People often ask how much weight loss per day is safe in fasting? Dr. Shelton says that the body itself decides what rate of loss is proper. When fat tissue is soft and flabby, weight is usually lost rapidly in the early days of the fast. In other individuals, the rate of loss may be considerably slower, but the end result will be the same. That is, total weight reduction and improved overall health.
People often ask how much weight loss per day is safe in fasting? Dr. Shelton says that the body itself decides what rate of loss is proper. When fat tissue is soft and flabby, weight is usually lost rapidly in the early days of the fast. In other individuals, the rate of loss may be considerably slower, but the end result will be the same. That is, total weight reduction and improved overall health.
== Drug Addictions ==
Any form of drug addiction is a foolish attempt to obtain relief from headaches, ner- vousness, irritability, and other symptoms through suppression. The craving for these drugs inevitably leads to enervation of the nervous system. Addicts will take their cof- fee, alcohol, tobacco, etc., to “calm their nerves” and they feel faint and weak without
Any form of drug addiction is a foolish attempt to obtain relief from headaches, ner- vousness, irritability, and other symptoms through suppression. The craving for these drugs inevitably leads to enervation of the nervous system. Addicts will take their cof- fee, alcohol, tobacco, etc., to “calm their nerves” and they feel faint and weak without
Nothing enables the drug addict to overcome his false “need” for his poisons better than does the fast. Few drug addicts have sufficient willpower or physical strength to overcome their addictions without help, and the fast will provide such assistance. These people will be able to abandon their former habits and their overall health will be markedly improved.
Nothing enables the drug addict to overcome his false “need” for his poisons better than does the fast. Few drug addicts have sufficient willpower or physical strength to overcome their addictions without help, and the fast will provide such assistance. These people will be able to abandon their former habits and their overall health will be markedly improved.
=== Alcoholism ===
The alcohol habit progresses slowly until it reaches a chronic stage. During this pro- gression, all bodily systems have become enervated and damaged to a certain extent. The alcoholic is a chronically-sick individual. With this in mind we can readily see why fasting is of great benefit in this case. During this period of rest, the abused organism undergoes healing and repair and eventually regains its wasted vital energies. By the end of the fast, the body will have eliminated its accumulated toxins and the nervous system will be restored to health (as far as there was no permanent damage).
The alcohol habit progresses slowly until it reaches a chronic stage. During this pro- gression, all bodily systems have become enervated and damaged to a certain extent. The alcoholic is a chronically-sick individual. With this in mind we can readily see why fasting is of great benefit in this case. During this period of rest, the abused organism undergoes healing and repair and eventually regains its wasted vital energies. By the end of the fast, the body will have eliminated its accumulated toxins and the nervous system will be restored to health (as far as there was no permanent damage).
Alcohol has adverse effects on the nervous system. Brain nerve cells generate and conduct electricity, transmitting information to an adjacent nerve cell by the release of specific chemicals called neurotransmitters. The receiving cell provides feedback to the transmitting cell regarding the message sent. Each cell can receive and integrate infor- mation from many others, a function that alcohol can alter.
Alcohol has adverse effects on the nervous system. Brain nerve cells generate and conduct electricity, transmitting information to an adjacent nerve cell by the release of specific chemicals called neurotransmitters. The receiving cell provides feedback to the transmitting cell regarding the message sent. Each cell can receive and integrate infor- mation from many others, a function that alcohol can alter.
Electrical currents in nerves are transmitted from the membrane of the nerve cells to the inner cell. This mechanism is closed when the resistance of the cell membrane is reduced at any point, resulting in electrical changes carried by sodium and potassium ions flowing across the membrane in a movement called the action potential. Alcohol impairs the opening of the mechanism, so the nerve has difficulty refiring. Neurophysio- logic studies have shown that ethanol inhibits the sodium current in the action potential.
Electrical currents in nerves are transmitted from the membrane of the nerve cells to the inner cell. This mechanism is closed when the resistance of the cell membrane is reduced at any point, resulting in electrical changes carried by sodium and potassium ions flowing across the membrane in a movement called the action potential. Alcohol impairs the opening of the mechanism, so the nerve has difficulty refiring. Neurophysiologic studies have shown that ethanol inhibits the sodium current in the action potential.
Alcohol consumption results in heart enlargement, abnormal heart signs, edema, en- largement of the spleen or liver, noisy breathing, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and disturbances of cardiac rhythm and conduction.
Alcohol consumption results in heart enlargement, abnormal heart signs, edema, en- largement of the spleen or liver, noisy breathing, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and disturbances of cardiac rhythm and conduction.
“When the alcoholic has fully recovered from his illness and hunger has returned, no form of alcoholic drink will tempt him and should he attempt to drink some form, he will discover that he no longer ‘likes’ it. It will bite and sling as it did when he first took it as a youth. He will be a free man again—no longer a slave to King Alcohol.”
“When the alcoholic has fully recovered from his illness and hunger has returned, no form of alcoholic drink will tempt him and should he attempt to drink some form, he will discover that he no longer ‘likes’ it. It will bite and sling as it did when he first took it as a youth. He will be a free man again—no longer a slave to King Alcohol.”
=== Tobacco ===
The use of tobacco results in symptoms of irritability, grouchiness, nervousness, and uneasiness. The user of tobacco may repeatedly try to discontinue this habit but fails and returns to his poison to supposedly sooth those same symptoms that were first induced by the tobacco. He lacks the willpower and determination to stick it out until the nerves have repaired themselves.
The use of tobacco results in symptoms of irritability, grouchiness, nervousness, and uneasiness. The user of tobacco may repeatedly try to discontinue this habit but fails and returns to his poison to supposedly sooth those same symptoms that were first induced by the tobacco. He lacks the willpower and determination to stick it out until the nerves have repaired themselves.
Fasting is extremely useful in these cases. It makes the discontinuing of the tobacco habit very easy, and in a few days, the very taste of this substance becomes repulsive. Dr. Shelton says, “I have seen heavy smokers who smoked half a lifetime, after a fast, become so ‘sensitive’ to the obnoxious fumes of tobacco that the odor of a cigar wafted to their nostrils from a block away was objectionable to them.”
Fasting is extremely useful in these cases. It makes the discontinuing of the tobacco habit very easy, and in a few days, the very taste of this substance becomes repulsive. Dr. Shelton says, “I have seen heavy smokers who smoked half a lifetime, after a fast, become so ‘sensitive’ to the obnoxious fumes of tobacco that the odor of a cigar wafted to their nostrils from a block away was objectionable to them.”
=== Other Drugs ===
In all other drug addictions (such as marijhuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.) rest—physical, mental, and physiological—is the greatest need. After a short time, the craving for these poisons will diminish and soon disappear. The gradual tapering-off process that is often resorted to for drug addicts is not a wise procedure as this process continues to injure, and no real benefits are gained.
In all other drug addictions (such as marijhuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.) rest—physical, mental, and physiological—is the greatest need. After a short time, the craving for these poisons will diminish and soon disappear. The gradual tapering-off process that is often resorted to for drug addicts is not a wise procedure as this process continues to injure, and no real benefits are gained.
At the very onset of the fast, often violent withdrawal reactions take place. It is rec- ommended that these fasts take place under the direct supervision of one who is expe- rienced in fasting. These withdrawal reactions soon cease as the patient continues the fast. The body will then proceed to repair the damage that was done by the drugs, and toxins will be eliminated. Of the many cases that Dr. Shelton has observed at his Health School, he states that none have ever returned to their former drug use.
At the very onset of the fast, often violent withdrawal reactions take place. It is rec- ommended that these fasts take place under the direct supervision of one who is expe- rienced in fasting. These withdrawal reactions soon cease as the patient continues the fast. The body will then proceed to repair the damage that was done by the drugs, and toxins will be eliminated. Of the many cases that Dr. Shelton has observed at his Health School, he states that none have ever returned to their former drug use.
== Determining Who Should Fast ==
Dr. Shelton says, “There, is hardly a time of life or a condition of body in which a fast cannot be helpful.” There are some individuals who should only fast under supervi- sion, but, in general, everyone can be benefitted by an occasional fast. You do not have to be acutely sick or suffering from some chronic ailment to profit from a fast. This phys- iological rest provides an opportunity for the body to restore vital energy that cannot be
Dr. Shelton says, “There, is hardly a time of life or a condition of body in which a fast cannot be helpful.” There are some individuals who should only fast under supervi- sion, but, in general, everyone can be benefitted by an occasional fast. You do not have to be acutely sick or suffering from some chronic ailment to profit from a fast. This phys- iological rest provides an opportunity for the body to restore vital energy that cannot be
Dr. Shelton states, “Our golden rule in eating has long been: if not comfortable in mind and body from one meal to the next, miss the meal. If the healthy individual overeats, eats under states of fatigue or excitement so that discomfort follows the meal, it is well to miss the next meal. If there is worry, fear, anxiety, grief, inner conflict, or other emotional stress, miss one or more meals.”
Dr. Shelton states, “Our golden rule in eating has long been: if not comfortable in mind and body from one meal to the next, miss the meal. If the healthy individual overeats, eats under states of fatigue or excitement so that discomfort follows the meal, it is well to miss the next meal. If there is worry, fear, anxiety, grief, inner conflict, or other emotional stress, miss one or more meals.”
== Fasting For Children ==
Children often instinctively know when to fast and for how long. When the child re- fuses food, it is best to leave him alone until natural hunger presents itself, and he will demand food at that time. Children will lack all desire for food when they are ill. When they are enervated and toxicosis presents itself in the symptoms of gastritis, enlarged tonsils, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, feverishness, etc., there will be no demand for food. Under such circumstances, the child should be allowed to fast until all symptoms disappear and hunger returns. These children should never be forced to eat as food will decompose in the stomach and its toxins will just make matters worse.
Children often instinctively know when to fast and for how long. When the child re- fuses food, it is best to leave him alone until natural hunger presents itself, and he will demand food at that time. Children will lack all desire for food when they are ill. When they are enervated and toxicosis presents itself in the symptoms of gastritis, enlarged tonsils, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, feverishness, etc., there will be no demand for food. Under such circumstances, the child should be allowed to fast until all symptoms disappear and hunger returns. These children should never be forced to eat as food will decompose in the stomach and its toxins will just make matters worse.
“For there are ways in which the instinctive wisdom of the infant or child in such matters may be far greater than we could possibly guess.”
“For there are ways in which the instinctive wisdom of the infant or child in such matters may be far greater than we could possibly guess.”
== Fasting In Pregnancy ==
Pregnancy is a normal biological process that should not be accompanied by pain, discomfort, or any abnormal condition. In their natural state, animals do not suffer with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Primitive women are said to experience no sick- ness during pregnancy. This indicates that “morning sickness” and vomiting are not nor- mal developments during pregnancy. If a woman suffers nausea and vomiting, it is not due to the pregnancy but to the toxicosis that was developed over a period of time before her pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a normal biological process that should not be accompanied by pain, discomfort, or any abnormal condition. In their natural state, animals do not suffer with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Primitive women are said to experience no sick- ness during pregnancy. This indicates that “morning sickness” and vomiting are not nor- mal developments during pregnancy. If a woman suffers nausea and vomiting, it is not due to the pregnancy but to the toxicosis that was developed over a period of time before her pregnancy.
A few days’ fast (longer fasts should not be undertaken during pregnancy) will en- able the body to rid itself of toxins and thereby provide suitable surroundings for the fe- tus. After the fast, if a healthful lifestyle is led, health will be kept throughout pregnancy.
A few days’ fast (longer fasts should not be undertaken during pregnancy) will en- able the body to rid itself of toxins and thereby provide suitable surroundings for the fe- tus. After the fast, if a healthful lifestyle is led, health will be kept throughout pregnancy.
== Who Should Not Fast ==
As Dr. Shelton points out, the dangers of fasting are so slight they are almost negli- gible or insignificant. He lists several contraindications to fasting that are often made.
As Dr. Shelton points out, the dangers of fasting are so slight they are almost negli- gible or insignificant. He lists several contraindications to fasting that are often made.
5. Difficultbreathing—Ifthebreathingdifficultyisduetoheartimpairment,thefastshould be closely watched and if the heart shows signs of weakening, the fast should be broken. However, Dr. Shelton says that he has fasted many such cases with beneficial results.
5. Difficultbreathing—Ifthebreathingdifficultyisduetoheartimpairment,thefastshould be closely watched and if the heart shows signs of weakening, the fast should be broken. However, Dr. Shelton says that he has fasted many such cases with beneficial results.
== Fasting In Deficiencies ==
Most so-called deficiency diseases are not due so much to lack of essential nutrients as they are due to inability to absorb and utilize those nutrients. Fasting will enable the body to eliminate toxins, restore vital energy, and readjust and realign itself so that all available nutrients can be efficiently utilized. If a healthful diet is eaten after the fast, no deficiencies will arise.
Most so-called deficiency diseases are not due so much to lack of essential nutrients as they are due to inability to absorb and utilize those nutrients. Fasting will enable the body to eliminate toxins, restore vital energy, and readjust and realign itself so that all available nutrients can be efficiently utilized. If a healthful diet is eaten after the fast, no deficiencies will arise.
In fact, certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been known to correct them- selves during the fast while no food is being taken. The body will normalize itself during the fast and utilize stored nutrients.
In fact, certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been known to correct them- selves during the fast while no food is being taken. The body will normalize itself during the fast and utilize stored nutrients.
== How Long, How Often ==
== Fasting Vs. Starving ==
There is a difference between fasting and starvation. Starvation results from food be- ing denied to a person whose reserves have been exhausted, and, in its extreme stages, leads to death. Fasting, on the other hand, is a period of rest and renewal with a potential for remarkable benefits with the body using its stored reserves as food.
There is a difference between fasting and starvation. Starvation results from food be- ing denied to a person whose reserves have been exhausted, and, in its extreme stages, leads to death. Fasting, on the other hand, is a period of rest and renewal with a potential for remarkable benefits with the body using its stored reserves as food.
We are not so much concerned with how long it will require a man to die from want of food, but how long he can safely and beneficially abstain from food. A little over three months are the longest fasts that have been recorded in man and these have been in overweight individuals. The man of moderate weight would not fast so long; and he would not need such an extended period of fasting. It has been said that a well-nourished adult can remain alive from fifty to sixty days without food, provided, of course, that he has water. Hundreds of longer fasts have been recorded and most of these have resulted in great benefit to the fasters.
We are not so much concerned with how long it will require a man to die from want of food, but how long he can safely and beneficially abstain from food. A little over three months are the longest fasts that have been recorded in man and these have been in overweight individuals. The man of moderate weight would not fast so long; and he would not need such an extended period of fasting. It has been said that a well-nourished adult can remain alive from fifty to sixty days without food, provided, of course, that he has water. Hundreds of longer fasts have been recorded and most of these have resulted in great benefit to the fasters.
== Length Of The Fast Is Guided By Developments ==
The organism requires time to do its “housecleaning.” If we were to arbitrarily set a time limit for this important work, we would stand in the way of recovery. The best way to determine the length of the fast is to be guided by the developments. It is not possible to know how long it will take a stomach ulcer to heal, or for an asthmatic to attain full recovery. Since it is not advisable to break the fast in advance of complete healing, you must be guided by certain signs.
The organism requires time to do its “housecleaning.” If we were to arbitrarily set a time limit for this important work, we would stand in the way of recovery. The best way to determine the length of the fast is to be guided by the developments. It is not possible to know how long it will take a stomach ulcer to heal, or for an asthmatic to attain full recovery. Since it is not advisable to break the fast in advance of complete healing, you must be guided by certain signs.
Although it is always best to continue a fast until its natural termination, breaking the fast under such conditions will do no harm as long as proper feeding is carried out after the fast. After a while, a second fast may be undertaken with benefit.
Although it is always best to continue a fast until its natural termination, breaking the fast under such conditions will do no harm as long as proper feeding is carried out after the fast. After a while, a second fast may be undertaken with benefit.
=== The Tongue and the Breath ===
Soon after entering upon a fast, the tongue coats heavily, and this coat may continue to increase as the fast progresses. This coating will persist during the fast up to a certain point when it begins to spontaneously clean itself up. As long as the body is active- ly eliminating toxins, the tongue will remain coated, but when this elimination begins to decrease, the tongue will clear up and remain clear. Dr. Hereward Carrington says, “A short while before the return of hunger, this cleansing process of the tongue com- mences and continues until the tongue is perfectly clean, assuming a beautiful pink-red shade—rarely or never seen in the average man or woman; and the terminus of this cleansing process of the tongue is absolutely coincidental with the return of hunger and of health.”
Soon after entering upon a fast, the tongue coats heavily, and this coat may continue to increase as the fast progresses. This coating will persist during the fast up to a certain point when it begins to spontaneously clean itself up. As long as the body is active- ly eliminating toxins, the tongue will remain coated, but when this elimination begins to decrease, the tongue will clear up and remain clear. Dr. Hereward Carrington says, “A short while before the return of hunger, this cleansing process of the tongue com- mences and continues until the tongue is perfectly clean, assuming a beautiful pink-red shade—rarely or never seen in the average man or woman; and the terminus of this cleansing process of the tongue is absolutely coincidental with the return of hunger and of health.”
The above two conditions serve as a unique and constant guide as to the condition of the tasting patient.
The above two conditions serve as a unique and constant guide as to the condition of the tasting patient.
== How Often ==
As regards to how often to fast, we again must say, rely on instinct. When hunger disappears or acute symptoms appear, a fast is needed. It is important to understand that fasting is a tool that enables the body to redirect its healing powers where needed. It is not a “cure.” You should not use fasting as a crutch to lean upon every time you choose to live unhealthfully between fasts. Fasting is but one part of an entire way of living that will maintain health. In between fasts, the other conditions for health should be adhered to. This includes proper food and water, exercise, sunshine and fresh air, rest and sleep, and emotional poise.
As regards to how often to fast, we again must say, rely on instinct. When hunger disappears or acute symptoms appear, a fast is needed. It is important to understand that fasting is a tool that enables the body to redirect its healing powers where needed. It is not a “cure.” You should not use fasting as a crutch to lean upon every time you choose to live unhealthfully between fasts. Fasting is but one part of an entire way of living that will maintain health. In between fasts, the other conditions for health should be adhered to. This includes proper food and water, exercise, sunshine and fresh air, rest and sleep, and emotional poise.
== Questions & Answers ==
Does everyone undergo violent crises during the fast?
Does everyone undergo violent crises during the fast?
Disagreeable crises only occur in a small percentage of cases. Everyone can fast for a few days without inconvenience. According to Dr. Shelton, most fasters go through even a long fast with nothing more dramatic developing than they experi-
Disagreeable crises only occur in a small percentage of cases. Everyone can fast for a few days without inconvenience. According to Dr. Shelton, most fasters go through even a long fast with nothing more dramatic developing than they experienced during the regular activities of life. Most of the work of excretion is carried on silently and without the production of troublesome crises. In the human body, it is the task of the excretory organs to expel all waste and all foreign material that may find their way into it. They continue to do this, usually with greater efficiency, during the fast.
Can older people fast?
Can older people fast?
# Fasting,asaperiodofphysiologicalrest,affordsanopportunityforrecuperationofde- pleted energy.
# Fasting,asaperiodofphysiologicalrest,affordsanopportunityforrecuperationofde- pleted energy.
# Fasting,becauseitcompelsthebodytorelyuponitsinternalresources,forcesthetear- ing down (by autolysis) of growths, effusions, infiltrations, deposits, accumulations and excesses. These are thoroughly overhauled, their usable constituents are employed in nourishing the vital tissues, their unusable portions are excreted.
# Fasting,becauseitcompelsthebodytorelyuponitsinternalresources,forcesthetear- ing down (by autolysis) of growths, effusions, infiltrations, deposits, accumulations and excesses. These are thoroughly overhauled, their usable constituents are employed in nourishing the vital tissues, their unusable portions are excreted.
# Fasting,bytheforegoingandrelatedprocesses,enablesthebodytoregenerateitselfto a marked degree. It becomes younger in physiological condition. Its functions are im- proved, its structures repaired, and its fitness to live increased. I have heard that fasting has a rejuvenating effect. Is this true? Yes, this is true. The body is constantly going through a process of regeneration. This daily renewal of cells and tissues delays old age and early death despite the abuses that are imposed upon the bodies of most people. Fasting enables the processes of renewal to out-distance the processes of degeneration and the result is a higher standard of health. Regeneration of the muscles, tissues, and bones is pos- sible through this method. During the fast, we may actually tear down much of the body and then rebuild it and have a renewed one. The rejuvenating effect upon the skin is visible to all. Lines, wrinkles, blotches, pimples, and discolorations disappear. The skin becomes more youthful, acquires a better color and a better texture. The eyes clear up and become brighter. One looks younger. The rejuvenation is also present throughout the entire body. Article #1: When To Fast by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton Called the “hunger cure” by European nature curists and many early Hygienists, fasting has shown by “large experience,” as Robert Walter, M.D., expresses it, “... that a mod- erate hunger-cure is exceedingly beneficial in the great majority of diseases. Indeed, in many of them the capacity to appropriate food is entirely destroyed, the very thought of it becoming repugnant to the individual.” “Rest and the hunger-cure,” Walter regarded as the “proper treatment” of those who were suffering from overwork and overeating. He pointed out that when there was func- tional impairment, coated tongue, and bad breath, no food should be taken. When un- comfortable in any way, stop eating until feeling well, he advised.
# Fasting,bytheforegoingandrelatedprocesses,enablesthebodytoregenerateitselfto a marked degree. It becomes younger in physiological condition. Its functions are im- proved, its structures repaired, and its fitness to live increased. I have heard that fasting has a rejuvenating effect. Is this true? Yes, this is true. The body is constantly going through a process of regeneration. This daily renewal of cells and tissues delays old age and early death despite the abuses that are imposed upon the bodies of most people. Fasting enables the processes of renewal to out-distance the processes of degeneration and the result is a higher standard of health. Regeneration of the muscles, tissues, and bones is pos- sible through this method. During the fast, we may actually tear down much of the body and then rebuild it and have a renewed one. The rejuvenating effect upon the skin is visible to all. Lines, wrinkles, blotches, pimples, and discolorations disappear. The skin becomes more youthful, acquires a better color and a better texture. The eyes clear up and become brighter. One looks younger. The rejuvenation is also present throughout the entire body.
== Article #1: When To Fast by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton ==
Called the “hunger cure” by European nature curists and many early Hygienists, fasting has shown by “large experience,” as Robert Walter, M.D., expresses it, “... that a mod- erate hunger-cure is exceedingly beneficial in the great majority of diseases. Indeed, in many of them the capacity to appropriate food is entirely destroyed, the very thought of it becoming repugnant to the individual.” “Rest and the hunger-cure,” Walter regarded as the “proper treatment” of those who were suffering from overwork and overeating. He pointed out that when there was func- tional impairment, coated tongue, and bad breath, no food should be taken. When un- comfortable in any way, stop eating until feeling well, he advised.
Kittridge says, “If a person has a coated tongue, fetid breath, and bad taste in the mouth, you may be pretty sure it will do him good to fast—appetite or no appetite.” Judgement is required, wrote Kittridge, to determine when to put a person who still has an “appetite” on a fast. “When they don’t have a desire for food,” he continues, “no sen- sible man will think of eating or giving others to eat.”
Kittridge says, “If a person has a coated tongue, fetid breath, and bad taste in the mouth, you may be pretty sure it will do him good to fast—appetite or no appetite.” Judgement is required, wrote Kittridge, to determine when to put a person who still has an “appetite” on a fast. “When they don’t have a desire for food,” he continues, “no sen- sible man will think of eating or giving others to eat.”