Fasting: Contentious Topic or Beneficial Process

By Helen Duggan

Like many things, the popularity of fasting seems to rise and fall with the times. Those on both sides of the fasting debate put forth virulent and plausible arguments to defend their positions.

However, the fact remains that the assault on our systems from current environmental conditions and farming practices (pollutants in the air we breathe, the foods we eat and the water we drink) can overtax our bodies. Over time,the digestive and elimination processes can be come distressed and undermined.

Dr. Bernard Jensen, D.C., author of "Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management" contends that all health problems spring from unhealthy conditions in the bowel. Even Socrates was quoted such a long time ago as saying, "Death sits in our bowels and waits." Another old adage advises us to "let your food be medicine and medicine your food." For a graphic and arresting view of just how critical bowel health is, read Dr. Jensen's book. It will quell any skepticism!

Some contend that either fasts are just not a healthy practice while others suggest that they do have merit but are too challenging to undergo in winter. However, a yearly regimen of two cleansing fasts (spring and winter or spring and fall) can be easier, more pleasant and certainly more rewarding than you might think.

Spring fasts or detoxifications can be far more lengthy and elaborate than fall and winter fasts. Increased physical vitality and an abundant supply of fresh produce available in the spring and summer can make the cleansing process especially pleasant and beneficial.

For a winter fast, something of a shorter duration works well. Are you finding yourself greeting the new year a little more "robust" around the middle than you'd like, as the Christmas season fades from view? Well, these three simple steps might dissipate your lethargy, bolster your optimism and usher in new vitality:

Day 1:

1. Eat a variety of raw, fresh, organic fruit in the morning (snack on fresh fruit and raw vegetables during the day as you feel the need to eat).

2. Eat fresh organic salad of raw vegetables for lunch and for dinner.

3. Eat nothing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 9 p.m. drink the following; juice of 2 oranges, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tsps psyllium powder. Mix in blender, drink immediately.

Day 2

1. Drink 8 oz. of prune juice. In 1/2 hour drink a second 8 oz. glass of prune juice.

2. For the entire day drink only apple juice diluted 50-50 with purified water. Take as much as you can and drink slowly.

3. Drink 8 oz. of prune juice just before bed.

Day 3

1. Drink 8 oz. prune juice upon rising.

2. Repeat Day 1 but omit the evening blender drink.

3. Drink 8 oz. of prune juice just before bed.

Day 4.

Return to your regular diet. Eat slowly and consume small portions. If a sensible cleansing regimen interests you for the spring, please fax me your at (250) 468-9897. It is a cleansing regimen that is nutritionally sound and easy to follow. A prudent fast that includes nutrients and sufficient liquids can act as a wonderful rejuvenating process for your entire system.

Should you currently have any health concerns whatsoever, consult your doctor before embarking on a fast of any kind.

Fasts and detoxification regimens can give us all a momentary pause in our eating habits during which to contemplate and reassess our nutritional choices. They invite dietary change and a restructuring of our eating style.

Fasting can give us a deep tissue cleanse and even remove compacted material from bowels and colon so that our internal organs function more optimally, allow for better extraction of nutrients from the foods we ingest.