Healthful Fasting?

[borninquisitive]

I would like to know of a safe, effective way to "fast?"

Fasting for a length of time and with just water...doesn't sound safe to me.

Anyone have an idea of a safe, effective and short fasting method?



Thank you,

Kate

[star queen]

Fasting is never a great idea. No fasting is healthy if it is longer than one day. There are different levels of fasting.  A total fasting state is when you don't eat or drink anything.  That is okay for a day or two in cooler climates, but in hotter climates it is too long.  You can dehydrate very fast and die.  Partial fasting is only slightly better.  Some people drink only water and don't eat. This is okay for about 4 days or so. Afterwards your body has used up it's reserves and starts breaking down muscle for energy.  It can use any muscle, including the heart muscle, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.  Not fun. There is a modified fast, which I suppose is the "safest" fast.  Many people use this one for a fast start to a diet.  You eat nothing and drink water only for three days, then add juice and vitamins to the water for three days, then you add clear broths for three days and then add bland foods and gradually go back into eating your "special" diet, whatever that may be. This is not a good idea at all.  You are starving your body for three days, then adding juice and all you get is watery diarrhea and stomach cramps and moderate to severe dehydration that can sometimes require hospitalization.  You will have no energy and often the high sugar on your empty stomach after nothing will give you stomach pain. You can't sleep, get nervous, and can suffer from painful muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. Dehydration and it's complications are a BIG problem.  The addition of broth won't help your diarrhea, but will help with electrolytes if it is salty.  You can lose up to 20 pounds this way, but Besides being extremely unhealthy, it is all water and muscle loss and will come right back on when you start eating again. This and ALL of the fasting plans can land you in the hospital with serious and life-threatening complications.

[myproblem]

Are you trying to fast for  the health benefits, or for religious reasons? A 24-hour fast with no food or water is considered safe for people with no health problems. If you have health problems oof any kind, especially diabetes, consult you Dr. before skipping meals. A water only fast still should not extend past 24 hours. Your body needs nutrition. There are some health benefits to a 24-hour fast. It's actually supposed to be good for your digestive system. Just do it wisely.

[kdawggy]

The last two posts are rife with misinformation.  I have done two successful fasts of 5 and 7 days of only water.  I felt fantastic after each.  Read one of several books by MDs on the subject.  Here is a primer as I have read alot on the subject:

On the 1st day your body uses up your glycogen stores, which is primarly in your liver.

On the 2nd day your body, less the glycogen, panics and breaks down glycogen from amino acids in your muscle tissue (think of it this way: your body is "smart" it will not take any non-vital tissue, unless of course their is nothing left --starvation).  This muscle tissue is only 2 or 3 ounces for the entire day (about 1/8lb for the mathmatically challanged)

Around the 3rd day the magic begins.  Your body switches over to Ketosis.. which is a MUSCLE SPARING process.  It is a survival mechanism ingrained in our bodies for eons.  Mind this.. your body will continue to burn some muscle tissue (very neglible) because your brain requires glucose (not ketone bodies produced by ketosis.. which the rest of your body runs like a well oiled machine on) the small amount of glucose needed is taken from non-vital muscle tissue (0.5 ounces a day I believe).  Ketosis breaks down your fat reserves and unhealthy tissue for energy.

Its really no big surprise to me that you ENERGY RESERVES are utilized for energy.

In other words, a 3-10 water fast is usually benefital if you have the will power to do so.

Fasting isn't perfect though and has a few considerations to be made.  In short..
read a book, don't heed the advice above.