LDS Freedom Forum

I had a relative tell me of a man from whom he buys chickens who had just completed a "life-changing" 40 day fast. I had not heard of anyone doing that except the Savior. I realized that it is possible and wanted to ask if anyone has ever attempted such a feat.

In studying the subject, I have learned that there are many who regularly take on 3, 5, 8 and 12 day fasts. Those longer than 3 days being "water fasts" in which water is drunk but food is not consumed.

There are an exceeding number of benefits from fasting that we do not normally consider, from healing, cleansing, fortification of the spirit, mental clarity, subjection of the flesh, to name only a few.

I recommend the book Fasting for Health and Happiness by Ogden Kraut for an in-depth look at the subject. It can be read online for free here http://ogdenkraut.com/?page_id=110

Elijah did too.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God

The narrative uses an interesting phrase, "in the strength of that meat", as if there were some connection with the divinely-provided food, the angelic messenger who twice-bade him to eat, and Elijah's unyielding faithfulness up to that point, even til death.

Elijah and Jesus both possessed the sealing power and were both extremely spiritually developed beings. Only he who's spirit truly rules over his flesh can accomplish such a physical feat, by means of spiritual exertion.

My brother-in-law did it, though he took liquids.
Generally speaking, I think a 40 day fast was probably more along the lines of Ramadan.

Yes, I have fasted many times, water only, 33days and nights has been my longest ... I was aiming for 40 but vanity took over as my skin was dry.

Elizabeth wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2018, 3:05 pm Firstly, tell your body to not expect food but to instead rest and concentrate on healing.
When there is no expectations of food there is no problem fasting.

The body uses fat reserves and in doing so releases and disposes of stored toxins, unwanted bacteria etc.

Clean teeth, gargle mouth and throat often.

The purity of water is important, be sure to drink only pure spring or rain water, or properly filtered water ... always in glass, never plastic.

I always feel great when fasting, both spiritually and physically, with clarity of thought and increased energy.
It is a welcome relief for the body to not have to deal with food

It is a burden to return to eating, but when the skin feels dry vanity dictates healthy food is needed

Arenera wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2018, 1:07 pm

Elizabeth wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2018, 7:14 pm I have extensive experience water fasting. 33 days has been my longest.

How did you feel the first few days when you started?

Did your appetite disappear?

Did you have any physical improvements that you noticed?

Did you incorporate any spiritual components to your fast?

How did you feel afterwards?

Thanks!

abijah wrote: ↑March 26th, 2018, 10:52 pm Elijah did too.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God

The narrative uses an interesting phrase, "in the strength of that meat", as if there were some connection with the divinely-provided food, the angelic messenger who twice-bade him to eat, and Elijah's unyielding faithfulness up to that point, even til death.

Elijah and Jesus both possessed the sealing power and were both extremely spiritually developed beings. Only he who's spirit truly rules over his flesh can accomplish such a physical feat, by means of spiritual exertion.

According to the Apocalypse of Abraham, the father of nations fasted for 40 days as well...and was supported and instructed by the angel Jahoel (Iaoel, Jaoel - there are various spellings almost as though there is some supernatural effort to keep this name hidden) whose dominion was over the leviathan. He also destroyed Abraham's father Terah and his house. It's a great read - highly recommended:

http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepig ... raham.html

This has become a favorite practice with my energy healer friends. They muscle test to see if they should fast today or not. Many try long fasts in an effort to have their spirit control over the body.
They mistakenly think “Since fasting is such a good way to come closer to God, and receive answers, I could use more fasting in my life.” More must be better right?! Not always so. This is a perfect example of looking beyond the mark. We have been asked to fast one day a month. More is not really needed, unless there is a specific family or ward problem. To do a 40 day fast is overkill. I had a friend who did a 40 day fast. He drank protein drinks. It totally messed up his metabolism. He was no better off after this journey.

Mcox wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 3:55 pm This has become a favorite practice with my energy healer friends. They muscle test to see if they should fast today or not. Many try long fasts in an effort to have their spirit control over the body.
They mistakenly think “Since fasting is such a good way to come closer to God, and receive answers, I could use more fasting in my life.” More must be better right?! Not always so. This is a perfect example of looking beyond the mark. We have been asked to fast one day a month. More is not really needed, unless there is a specific family or ward problem. To do a 40 day fast is overkill. I had a friend who did a 40 day fast. He drank protein drinks. It totally messed up his metabolism. He was no better off after this journey.

Yep. Just another example of religious extremism that is out of harmony w The Gospel.

Drinking protein drinks is not a fast.

Mcox wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 3:55 pm I had a friend who did a 40 day fast. He drank protein drinks. It totally messed up his metabolism. He was no better off after this journey.

Elizabeth wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 4:56 pm Drinking protein drinks is not a fast.

Mcox wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 3:55 pm I had a friend who did a 40 day fast. He drank protein drinks. It totally messed up his metabolism. He was no better off after this journey.

i

I agree! He thought he was doing this incredibly spiritual journey. Poor kid.
It’s impossible for someone to fast with just water for 40 days.

sushi_ kinda remembers a local ex stake president said when he was a bishop he did fast almost every sunday....

No, it is not impossible, as I posted previously... a faste, only drinking pure water, is beneficial to health.
However protein drinks are questionable, some are in fact dangerous to health, and obviously drinking protein drinks is NOT A FAST.

Mcox wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 5:21 pm

Elizabeth wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 4:56 pm Drinking protein drinks is not a fast.

Mcox wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 3:55 pm I had a friend who did a 40 day fast. He drank protein drinks. It totally messed up his metabolism. He was no better off after this journey.

i

I agree! He thought he was doing this incredibly spiritual journey. Poor kid.
It’s impossible for someone to fast with just water for 40 days.

Why would anyone want to fast for 40 days? The savior fasted food and drink. We would die.

I think fasting for a day is sufficient for most people to get them to stop feeding the body and nourish the spirit.

Christ did not fast for health reasons. He didn't fast to set a record. I believe he fasted for 40 days because he could and had to. He had to overcome the flesh, to me that means it would have killed any body to do such a thing. Maybe I'm wrong and that's okay, it doesn't matter to much to me as that was Christ's journey.

My journey is different and it doesn't include a 40 day fast or even a 2 week fast.

I think people get carried away with this stuff. It's not healthy to withhold nourishment to our (temple/body). Our muscles, including heart muscle are damaged and destroyed by withholding proper nourishment.

To me, I would imagine sitting in a all white and brilliant room freshly groomed and clean dressed in a pure white robe would be as spiritual or more spiritual to some than fasting ever could be.

Moses also fasted for 40 days. In contemporary times there are documented cases of 40+ day hunger strikes. Convicted IRA terrorist Bobby Sands went on a hunger strike in 1986. He died after 66 days of not eating.

Mahatma Ghandi only lasted 31 days, but he was in his 70s at the time.

I've done it for over a week--it was definitely a good experience. It would have been nice to do it for longer.

For unhealthy, overweight people, it can be the greatest thing that can help them: www.soilandhealth.org/wp-content/upload ... 2moser.PDF

Intermittent fasting--fasting daily--shows very strong health rewards. Hundreds of articles on it, should be hard to miss.

abijah wrote: ↑March 26th, 2018, 10:52 pm Elijah did too.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God

The narrative uses an interesting phrase, "in the strength of that meat", as if there were some connection with the divinely-provided food, the angelic messenger who twice-bade him to eat, and Elijah's unyielding faithfulness up to that point, even til death.

Elijah and Jesus both possessed the sealing power and were both extremely spiritually developed beings. Only he who's spirit truly rules over his flesh can accomplish such a physical feat, by means of spiritual exertion.

Maybe it was similar to Lembas bread

MMbelieve wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 7:12 pm Why would anyone want to fast for 40 days? The savior fasted food and drink. We would die.

Where does it say he fasted from water? I believe this is a misconception we have come up with on our own.

I think fasting for a day is sufficient for most people to get them to stop feeding the body and nourish the spirit.

I have read many studies and personal accounts that describe most of the benefits of fasting begin after the first day.

Christ did not fast for health reasons. He didn't fast to set a record. I believe he fasted for 40 days because he could and had to. He had to overcome the flesh, to me that means it would have killed any body to do such a thing. Maybe I'm wrong and that's okay, it doesn't matter to much to me as that was Christ's journey.

My journey is different and it doesn't include a 40 day fast or even a 2 week fast.

That is how your journey should be– individualized and personalized to you. Others have their own journey and some of those journeys have culminated in 40 day fasts. Those are documented and no, people have not died. My original post was inspired by a man who did in face go without food for 40 days and he said it was amazing and life-changing.

I think people get carried away with this stuff. It's not healthy to withhold nourishment to our (temple/body). Our muscles, including heart muscle are damaged and destroyed by withholding proper nourishment.

You are technically correct. It is not healthy to withhold nourishment from out bodies. However, it is not dangerous or unhealthy to go several days without food. Our bodies do not suffer from having a break. There are processes that occur during fasting that are extremely healthy and beneficial which we do not allow our bodies to perform if we do not fast. There are certain processes that only begin after 3 days, others after 5 days.

To me, I would imagine sitting in a all white and brilliant room freshly groomed and clean dressed in a pure white robe would be as spiritual or more spiritual to some than fasting ever could be.

If that is what you need, fantastic. If you have no interest in fasting and do not believe the accounts of others who share their experiences, why even enter this thread at all?

Elizabeth wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 1:47 am Yes, I have fasted many times, water only, 33days and nights has been my longest ... I was aiming for 40 but vanity took over as my skin was dry.

Elizabeth wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2018, 3:05 pm Firstly, tell your body to not expect food but to instead rest and concentrate on healing.
When there is no expectations of food there is no problem fasting.

The body uses fat reserves and in doing so releases and disposes of stored toxins, unwanted bacteria etc.

Clean teeth, gargle mouth and throat often.

The purity of water is important, be sure to drink only pure spring or rain water, or properly filtered water ... always in glass, never plastic.

I always feel great when fasting, both spiritually and physically, with clarity of thought and increased energy.
It is a welcome relief for the body to not have to deal with food

It is a burden to return to eating, but when the skin feels dry vanity dictates healthy food is needed

Arenera wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2018, 1:07 pm

Elizabeth wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2018, 7:14 pm I have extensive experience water fasting. 33 days has been my longest.

How did you feel the first few days when you started?

Did your appetite disappear?

Did you have any physical improvements that you noticed?

Did you incorporate any spiritual components to your fast?

How did you feel afterwards?

Thanks!

That must have been an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing.

Mcox wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 3:55 pm This has become a favorite practice with my energy healer friends. They muscle test to see if they should fast today or not. Many try long fasts in an effort to have their spirit control over the body.
They mistakenly think “Since fasting is such a good way to come closer to God, and receive answers, I could use more fasting in my life.” More must be better right?! Not always so. This is a perfect example of looking beyond the mark. We have been asked to fast one day a month. More is not really needed, unless there is a specific family or ward problem. To do a 40 day fast is overkill. I had a friend who did a 40 day fast. He drank protein drinks. It totally messed up his metabolism. He was no better off after this journey.

Have you ever studied the benefits of extended fasting? There are varying beliefs but mostly positive results. Some believe we should fast once per week, letting our system rest once a week. Others believe that it is beneficial to fast 3 days, sometimes 5 days, and sometimes more because of the different processes our bodies undertake of cleansing and healing only after a certain number of days without food.

I recommend the book I mentioned in the original post.

There is a guy on lunatic outpost endeavoring to do so, dropping 2 lbs/day = 80 excess pounds to shed.

Today is my first feel good day following Dr. Mercola’s Fat for Fuel, which includes fasting. Typicaly 14-20 hours most days. I began with a 40 hour fast, and eased right into ketosis almost immediately; but then binged on carbs followed by several days of hell.

Sore throat was the worst ever, caused primarily by electrolyte imbalance, and alergy to high fiber dark chocolate bars. Dopped 16 lbs, with 9 more to go.

Future feast days and seasons may make 4-5 day fasts feasible, which have unique benefits, but prolly no good reason to go any longer. I began 40 day fast once, but one day at a time dedicated to a specific purpose.

BeNotDeceived wrote: ↑March 27th, 2018, 10:30 pm There is a guy on lunatic outpost endeavoring to do so, dropping 2 lbs/day = 80 excess pounds to shed.

Today is my first feel good day following Dr. Mercola’s Fat for Fuel, which includes fasting. Typicaly 14-20 hours most days. I began with a 40 hour fast, and eased right into ketosis almost immediately; but then binged on carbs followed by several days of hell.

Sore throat was the worst ever, caused primarily by electrolyte imbalance, and alergy to high fiber dark chocolate bars. Dopped 16 lbs, with 9 more to go.

Future feast days and seasons may make 4-5 day fasts feasible, which have unique benefits, but prolly no good reason to go any longer. I began 40 day fast once, but one day at a time dedicated to a specific purpose.

That sounds horrible! Then again a 40 day fast can't be much better

A few bad words, but: https://www.gq.com/story/six-day-water-fast-diet

Similar to my experience. From what I remember: Once you hit day 3, it's different, you're okay, the control is there. Food becomes interesting. A natural desire to eat better happens. As long as you remember to take it slower, especially sitting and getting up, the dizziness is not that bad. Sleep isn't really sleep; you're not tired like before, it's like a bliss state you're in and out of all night, but you're okay during the day.

The longest fast I have heard about was a one year, 17 day fast, by a massively obese man. It was a medically observed fast, and he visited with his doctors once a week during this time. The only substance he did consume during this time, besides water obviously, was a mixture of vitamins from my understanding. I don't have a lot of time this morning to look it up, but here is a source regarding it.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/ ... 49931.htm

As far as us doing a 40 day fast, I would say to each their own. I would think it seems like asceticism though. Perhaps it makes some much more thankful though as well. I have studied water fasts in the past, and one video I liked with this. The entire video is worth watching, but when she tastes food again for the first time (5 minutes, 32 seconds) after 25 days you can tell how thankful she is for it.

daily semi-fasting possible?!
by 2 meals a day( sushi_ recalls some zen buddhist said more than 2 for animals) and zero meal after 6 pm make early birds and thus breaking-fast after early morning works each day...

"Caloric restriction
In 1935, a study on caloric restriction in mice provided evidence, for the first time, that such an undertaking can promote longevity and disease fighting ability in mammals1. Until then, only studies on yeast and lower animals had been completed in this area of research. The novelty of the mouse study soon wore off, however, and the findings were not revisited until some time in the late 1980’s / early 1990’s, when interest in caloric restriction was renewed. At that time, scientists wondered if the effects would be similar in primates, and, as a result, in humans...


caloric restriction rhesus
https://search.yahoo.co.jp/image/search ... n%20rhesus
"
https://pbnutrition.wordpress.com/2012/ ... striction/