Re: New to fasting!

Pure water fasting, which is much more of a healing modality than a method for rapid weight loss, demands that no supplements be taken during the actual fast. A few fasting practitioners allow small amounts of fresh lemon juice with the water, but no vitamins and especially no herbal teas. A true water only fast should be almost like going into hibernation. Bedrest is needed with little or no exercise. Even things like television, radio, books and newspapers are discouraged to avoid undue stimulation. Water only fasting provides a deep detoxification and for many people a chance to allow their bodies to heal naturally. Water only fasts seem to be greatly beneficial to those with auto-immune diseases and cardio-vascular conditions. This type of prolonged fasting needs to be done with medical supervision. The addition of vitamins, minerals and teas can be dangerous to someone doing a water only fast. Blood tests can show electrolyte levels and help the experts determine how long a patient can safely continue his fast.

Shorter fasts can pretty well be anything goes. When weight loss is the primary goal, fasting can be compromised by juices, broths, occasional meals and many other ways mentioned in the fasting for weight loss forum. As long as the person doing the fast is aware of potential problems and is being as safe and cautious as possible, there is nothing wrong with fasting with teas, supplements and juices. However fasting for weightloss is basically just an extreme diet-a calorie cutting method. Water only fasting is for those serious about deep detoxification in order to allow the body to heal its self from chronic, often debilitating conditions. It is difficult, can be dangerous when done without supervision and the discipline must be taken seriously.

While give and take from all fasting forums is welcomed and encouraged, so we can learn and share experiences from each other, this forum is committed to the water only fast for healing. Much of the information comes from the writings of Fuhrman and Bragg.