Re: Excessive Fasting?
#85029,
Q. "When is fasting bordering as an eating disorder"?
A. Fasting wouldn't be considered to be an eating disorder, only the result of one. It is really to do with anyones relationship with food on a long term basis and therefore a possible by-product of it. Fasting should not be and does not have to be a habit, but only practiced periodically for cleansing: say about 10 to 15 days twice a year; or for specific health goals and the eradication of disease in the short term, where a long fast or series of fasts may be necessary.
Q. "Does fasting only become a problem when the person is underweight"?
A. Sometimes. Fasting in the underweight means they have far less food reserves and the need for supervision would be imperative in order to fast safely. A lot depends on the reasons for fasting.
Q. "What if a person fasted for a period of time loosing an excess of 250 pounds? Why would that person not be considered just as excessive as someone at a normal weight fasting for the same period of time?"
A. There are better ways of losing weight than fasting, but if one has a goal in undergoing a fast, and once that goal has been achieved, there would be little point in fasting again unless due to reasons given earlier as maintenance in cleansing/healing and periodically.
The danger is with the "OBSESSION" of fasting for fastings sake, which is unhealthy, just as someone may be obsessed by exercise which can take over their lives.
The goal of any faster should be in................
#1. Losing weight (although not ideal).
#2. To cure a disease or health malady via cleansing and healing the body in the short term.
#3. A maintenance schedule of 2 or 3 10 day fasts annually for cleansing and rest.
That's it.
To achieve good health one should include the other elements of health such as exercise, fresh air, judicious full-body sun-exposure, clean water, wholesome organic food, ample rest & sleep and with emotional poise........................the principles and tenets of a system of health care/maintenance/recovery that has no equal....................Natural Hygiene.
Chrisb1.