Liquid Weight Loss
One of the main reasons for fasting is weight loss. This can be good or bad, depending on what kind of fast it is and how long it goes on. One particular fast that is popular for weight loss is the juice fast. This is where the only means of nutrition that the body is getting is juices. They are usually made in a powerful blender fittingly called a "juicer." They consist of various fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and are drunk a few times a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. The idea is for the body to get the right nutrients for survival while not getting excess calories. The metabolism supposedly increases because the liquid form of calories is quickly assimilated.
Organized Fasts
Organized fasts have been known to cure a lot of illnesses. These are called "organized fasts" because they are done at a facility where there is 24-hour supervision. There are always some form of doctors, nurses and aides on staff who assist people. The idea is that if the body is left alone with as minimal movement as possible, it can actually heal itself. People come to these facilities and are given nothing but water to drink and they stay from a few days to a few weeks, depending on their condition. There is a website in Resources with information on one of these places.
Low-Hanging Fruit
Fruit fasts are a popular form of fasting that have been used for better digestion. The premise behind them is that the intestines get a break from digesting big portions of meat, cheese and other hard-to-digest foods. This type of fast mainly consists of fresh, organic fruits that are eaten all through the day for a period of one to two weeks. Another added benefit of this fast is that the body is getting high amounts of vitamins and minerals and also fiber.
Harmful if Not Swallowed
Fasting can have adverse and even fatal effects on the body. If it is a really extreme fast in which there is a complete restriction of food and liquids for a long period of time, it can lead to weakness and even death. Under normal circumstances, a person in this position will become very gaunt, disoriented and have an emaciated appearance. The organs will start shutting down and the brain will cease to function at full capacity.
Slow is the Way to Go
Regardless of what type of fast it is, the end result is always to reincorporate regular food into the diet. Since the stomach has not been fed large amounts of food, it actually ends up decreasing in size. With that being said, food needs to be slowly reintroduced into the diet in small portions. This should also be easily digestible foods like bananas, apples, grapes, oranges and vegetables. If large portions are eaten right after a fast, this is going to cause intestinal discomfort such as gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea.
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