Fasting... Are We Doing it Wrong?

[The Airbender]

I have been learning about and experiementing with longer-than-one-day fasting and thought some might find interesting what I'm learning.

We are commanded to fast once per month. Some people say that is enough and if we were supposed to fast more, we would be commanded to.

I am not going to write my sources because they are either the book Fasting for Health and Happiness by Ogden Kraut which you can read for free online herehttp://ogdenkraut.com/?page_id=110 or things you can find by searching o the Google.

Basically, somethings I have discovered are that our digestive system should be allowed to rest once a week just like our bodies and spirits. This could mean that we fast, drink juice, or eat little. This could also be done by shrinking our eating window and eating a smaller dinner or an earlier dinner, on that or even every day. Some people have found great benefit in eating regularly for 5 days, and fasting for 2.

What are the benefits of this rest? Well, from a random website these are listed:

-Having no calories burns approximately 1 pound of fat per day, making it the fastest weight loss method.
-Increases insulin sensitivity as there is less fluctuation in blood sugar levels.
-Improves body repair, recovery and healing from decreased inflammation.
-Lowers stress levels, decreases blood pressure and rejuvenates the body.
-Increases immunity due to better cell resistance.
- Enables reduction in cancer cell proliferation.
- Slows down aging and cognitive decline.
- Lowers the risk of heart disease (2).
- Solves digestive problems such as gastritis, irritable bowels, constipation, diarrhea, gas, dyspepsia, and loss of appetite.
- Water fasting is also an opportunity for emotional and spiritual introspection. People find they have better control over their thoughts and diet, after they are done with this fast.[/i]

Personally, I absolutely love food. I just love it so much I want to cry. This has been one of the hardest principles for me throughout my life because I just want to eat. I'm not overweight (at least not very), but I have a hard time with fasting. I am one of those break-your-fast-at-noon type of people.

There are many people who feel like they are depriving their bodies and/or damaging them by not eating. This is just not true. Our bodies are miraculous creations. Fasting is so, so, so beneficial. Our bodies do not immediately cannabalize our muscle, either. They actually seek out foreign matter (tumors, toxins, growths, whatever), anything that can be turned into fuel, and get rid of it. This is intense detoxing with no needed supplements.

But here is the clincher: This type of cleansing does not even begin to take place until usually about the third day of a fast. "Whaaaaaat?", you say. Yes. It's true. Our body is used to burning glucose, which comes from the food we eat. When it runs out, it begins seeking out fats and other stuff to burn. This is called "ketosis".

But won't we die if we go three days without water? Something like that, yes. That's where "water fasting" comes in. If you are going to do an extended fast, you do not go without water. Your body needs water and you will die without it. But the same does not apply for food, at least not when we are talking about a few days.

Other sources I've read say that around day 8, your body leaves cleansing and detox mode and shifts into major healing mode. That's right! if you have been struggling with chronic problems, just fast!

I do not recommend jumping right into an 8 or 10 day fast. (I have never done one of those, so I do not know how they are). What I have done is a 5 day water fast. Yep. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and all the snacks I usually have in between were replaced by nothing but water for five days. It's not easy. I started with actually fasting for 24 hours instead of 2-18. Then I did about a 2-and-a-half day fast. Then I did a full three day fast. I did 2-3 more reall full 3 day fasts and then this week I completed a 5 day fast. It was about 5 years ago that I did the 2.5 day fast, so don't think I just cranked out a fast every week. No way.

Days 4 and 5 were the easiest. The transition from glucose to ketones during day 3 is killer.

Anyway, take it for what it's worth. Do your own research. Doctors don't talk about fasting because doctors are trained and paid by Big-Pharma and fasting would cut MAJORLY into Big-Pharma's profits.

Has anyone fasted for more than the required 24 hours? What were your experiences?

[Elizabeth]

I have, as already posted in other threads.

Has anyone fasted for more than the required 24 hours? What were your experiences?

[abijah]

I've felt prompted, just these recent few days, like I need to go on another extended fast. I've done 7 days before (no food, limited water), but I'm thinking a bit longer this time since I felt I could have then. Maybe 10 or 14 days. But I wouldn't limit my water, the climate I'm living in right now is much too hot and dry for that.

I think a lot of people misunderstand the law of the fast, and make all these silly hedges around the law. Abstinence from water for example.

[Elizabeth]

Inform your body not to expect food and to concentrate on healing. Drink good quality water and all will be fine.

[kittycat51]

My sister does 5 day fasts all the time. She has done 10 days before also. She says it brings clarity, (clear thinking) clears toxins, removes pain, clears inflammation, etc. I had wanted to try it before but like Airbender says, I love food, I love to eat. Unfortunately having IBD makes me not be able to eat what I want.

Last fall I had a bad flair episode of my IBD and along with that I became severely crippled with my joints, rendering me in bed screaming from pain. (Pain meds don't necessarily touch it) Out of desperation I began fasting. Of course with no food going in, my gut calmed within 24 hours. By the 2nd day the pain in my joints was half of what it was and I could move again. Starting the 3rd day, my pain was even less than the day before. I was ecstatic. I actually only did it for 2 1/2 days. (I was afraid of going longer) The first day is the worst for hunger, but after that it got easier and even at 2 1/2 I wasn't really hungry. (I did drink plenty of water the whole time.)

After reading more on fasting and the health benefits, I decided to just make every Sunday, my no food day. This really helps give my gut a rest. 24 hours is no big deal as a Church member because of growing up fasting once a month.

Always do your homework before diving right in.

[Juliet]

I did a four day fast that I ended because I had pain in my heart. The fast started tackling scar tissue in my heart. I had to stop my fast because I couldn't heal that way, it was too much too soon for my body. But I have come a long way in my heart's health since then. I wish I could fast more often but I have been pregnant or nursing.

[BeNotDeceived]

I traded much of my soda habit for vanilla unsweetened almond milk. Wish it came single serve in convienent places like soda does, but that’s indicative of our sad situation. UK started taxing SSBs and is already seeing much success.

A couple days a week I’ll intermitant fast 14-18 hours, but was thinking to try a longer period of water and almond milk fasting. Dr. Gundry has really helped a lot of people, including myself, but its difficult to dodge all the lectin laced foods out there, so i just take my proton pump inhibitor, most days.

[True]

Story I posted a couple years ago about a particularly effective fast.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=41254&p=681948&hil ... ng#p681948

[JohnnyL]

Last fall I had a bad flair episode of my IBD and along with that I became severely crippled with my joints, rendering me in bed screaming from pain. (Pain meds don't necessarily touch it) Out of desperation I began fasting. Of course with no food going in, my gut calmed within 24 hours. By the 2nd day the pain in my joints was half of what it was and I could move again. Starting the 3rd day, my pain was even less than the day before. I was ecstatic. I actually only did it for 2 1/2 days. (I was afraid of going longer) The first day is the worst for hunger, but after that it got easier and even at 2 1/2 I wasn't really hungry. (I did drink plenty of water the whole time.)

After reading more on fasting and the health benefits, I decided to just make every Sunday, my no food day. This really helps give my gut a rest. 24 hours is no big deal as a Church member because of growing up fasting once a month.

You quit right before the hardest part, lol!

I think Sunday is an interesting and nice idea. Note that food for Sunday (in the DC) is to be simple, which to me means the opposite of what it usually means for most LDS.

[ParticleMan]

5tev3 blogged on this recently, focusing not on the food and drink aspect but on what the scriptures, specifically Isaiah and the D&C, say about how we should be using our time while fasting:
http://oneclimbs.com/2018/04/08/fasting ... -it-wrong/

[Arenera]

I traded much of my soda habit for vanilla unsweetened almond milk. Wish it came single serve in convienent places like soda does, but that’s indicative of our sad situation. UK started taxing SSBs and is already seeing much success.

A couple days a week I’ll intermitant fast 14-18 hours, but was thinking to try a longer period of water and almond milk fasting. Dr. Gundry has really helped a lot of people, including myself, but its difficult to dodge all the lectin laced foods out there, so i just take my proton pump inhibitor, most days.

The LDS Fast is 24 hours without food or water, practiced once a month. This is called "dry" fasting. It is intended to be a spiritual fast and can include some physical help also. Autophagy increases 300% at 24 hours, only another 30% up to 48 hours.

Water fasting can be done for longer periods of time. Combined with low carb eating (like keto) the body starts burning ketones for fuel instead of sugar/glycogen. When your body is fat adapted and burning ketones, fasting becomes easy. There is also a feeling of peace.

The last couple of weeks i have done 36 hour fasts on Mon, Wed and Fri, i.e. Sun night at 8 pm I stop eating, water fast all day Mon, then start eating again on Tue at 8 am (that is 36 hours). After the first week, it is "easy" to do that the second week and beyond.

While I'm doing this for health/physical reasons, you could easily incorporate the spiritual side.

[abijah]

i began my fast after my evening meal yesterday. the plan is 14 days but if by chance i feel up for longer then i won’t limit myself.

for me personally i’ve felt very strongly and clearly impressed to go on an extended fast, and feel i’ve already been offered a glimpse of the spiritual, physical and mental blessings that god would see fit to give me.

fasting wasn’t a strong point in my family growing up, and therefore i never really discovered the true power of it until my mission. it really has changed my life.

[Arenera]

i began my fast after my evening meal yesterday. the plan is 14 days but if by chance i feel up for longer then i won’t limit myself.

for me personally i’ve felt very strongly and clearly impressed to go on an extended fast, and feel i’ve already been offered a glimpse of the spiritual, physical and mental blessings that god would see fit to give me.

fasting wasn’t a strong point in my family growing up, and therefore i never really discovered the true power of it until my mission. it really has changed my life.

You may need to take some salt supplements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHdVpf ... Tn-KfR9gsl

[abijah]

i began my fast after my evening meal yesterday. the plan is 14 days but if by chance i feel up for longer then i won’t limit myself.

for me personally i’ve felt very strongly and clearly impressed to go on an extended fast, and feel i’ve already been offered a glimpse of the spiritual, physical and mental blessings that god would see fit to give me.

fasting wasn’t a strong point in my family growing up, and therefore i never really discovered the true power of it until my mission. it really has changed my life.

You may need to take some salt supplements.
GkHdVpfYB7A&t=0s&index=2&list=PLxS475bJ ... Tn-KfR9gsl

i’ll look into that, thanks.

[Crackers]

Years ago, I did a week-long fast with no noticeable effect (I drank water). It would be interesting to experiment with different types of fasting again, but with a house full of hungry people for whom I am the main food source, that would be hard right now. I typically skip breakfast and eat only twice a day, which works out well and sometimes skirts the line of intermittent fasting.

[JohnnyL]

Years ago, I did a week-long fast with no noticeable effect (I drank water). It would be interesting to experiment with different types of fasting again, but with a house full of hungry people for whom I am the main food source, that would be hard right now. I typically skip breakfast and eat only twice a day, which works out well and sometimes skirts the line of intermittent fasting.

I can see how cannibals would not like you to be skinny...

[Elizabeth]

I intend to start another extended fast, water only, from 7th May... following a dental hygienist appointment, this is a great time to start a fast when ones teeth have been professionally cleaned.

[Kingdom of ZION]

I have fasted for Forty Days (no food), it is harder on some peoples bodies then others. I was 38 at the time and of a average build, so a pound a day look very drastic towards the end. An example, my temples were sucked in about a inch.

I did it for spiritual blessings and insights, and a answer to one question. I will not glorify it for others, to entice others to do such. If your not commanded to fast such an extended Fast directly from Father, do not!

If you want to seek blessings, are working full-time, do a Jews (Yesraelite) Fast:

*Start your Fast by being Anointed for such (With Oil Consecrated for such purpose & Sealed upon you).
*Do not tell anyone (who needs not know) of your Fast, seek privately blessings from Father, Him only should you confess such too.
*Pray three times a day (I recommend toward the New Jerusalem Temple Mound in Missouri).
*Offer up Signs and Penalties, and pray in the Present (Second) Sign.
*You do not eat while the Sun is in the sky, you can either eat before sunrise, OR after sunset, eating only once per day, one should eat with moderation and thanks giving!
**(The removal of meats, or yeast, or doing grape cleans, if done for health or healing blessing is optional).
*Praying in bathroom (while among others) or solitary places (hill tops, woods, or Prayer rooms and constructing of a Altar, in such places.
*Learning to listen to Father is more important then picking the topic of inquiry!
*Praying until you have answers or witnesses of His blessings (extended prays at times).
**Enemas are part of long water only fast! When you end a long fast, you will not be thinking rationally, and it you eat the wrong things to quickly, you can damage your body, be hospitalized, or even die. It is not something to be taken lightly. I have eaten the wrong thing and spent three days in pain paying for it!
*Ending your Fast by a Prayer of Thanksgiving unto Father.


Shalom

[Elizabeth]

So, did you fast for forty days and nights water only, or do you mean as quoted below:

I have fasted for Forty Days (no food),
....
*You do not eat while the Sun is in the sky, you can either eat before sunrise, OR after sunset, eating only once per day, toy must eat with moderation and thanks giving!

[Kingdom of ZION]

First, sorry about whatever I wrote... toy? I fixed my post

As for going on a real 40 day Fasting verses a Jewish Fast, I fasted for 40 days (and nights), water only.

I noticed that I had what seemed like a head cold in the second week, mucus and sinus. Then it left as sudden as it started, about a week later. I believe that it was stored chemicals and unnatural drug residues taken over half a life time and retained in my cells. I also had someone notice that my breath after 3 weeks started having characteristics of babies breathe, no odor at all or a sweet under tone. In the 4 week, I started having the inability to keep warm, it being in February. Also, when I took a warm bath, it felt like I melted into the water. I had to be very careful, if I would try to rise up to swiftly, I would pass out. I greyed out many times, but only bounce once on the floor, in the front room on carpet. In the final week, I decided I would go south, so I could pray outside on a hill top. I went to Quartzsite, Arizona, it is almost on the Colorado River. There is a Indian Reservation on the Colorado River, and I wanted to be on native lands to pray. Well, first off I got stuck in a river wash. I spent the next few days jacking the car up dozens and dozens of times, I quarried rocks and would place them under the tires and drive forward a few feet until I would fall off of one of the rocks. The jack broke on the very last time I jacked it up, and was able to get out. I spent three and one half days there in that river bottom, and had lots of quality time to pray and commune with Father. Nothing like spending the last of your strength until your as weary and low as the dust and death, and all distractions have been removed, other than your stuck and totally in His hands.

I then went home without the answer I wanted. I was told I was not ready, but I received a promise, that I would obtain what I sought for here in this life, in the flesh. It has been 22 years, and He recently told me, He is waiting upon me to prepare and make the needed space and time. For I knew for years when it would happen, then the time came and I had no time. I have had everything thrown at me that you can imagine! I blew an engine, that required me to remain at work or go broke. It has taken over $10,000.00 to get it fixed and remain in business.

I prayed and ask, was I wrong in thinking that it should have already happened, and I should have received what I was promised. I was told I was not in the proper place, and did not make the required time for it. I feel so bad and sad, when I was told that heaven is waiting upon me!

So, Elizabeth, this is much more then what you were asking... however, when I think back at that time in my life, these memories long not thought of come pouring into my mind. I was a basket-case when I ended that fast. I eat a few things at the wrong time, and suffered needlessly. I could not control my emotions well, as I swept for so many things I saw around me, and I wanted to set all my deeds aright, especially any who I may have ever offended in the past. After attempting to do so with all, I found peace.

Shalom

[Elizabeth]

Thanks Kingdom of ZION for sharing your experiences. Mine were not as dramatic, in all of my extended water only fasts, which have been many, the longest so far being thirty three days and nights, I have felt great, and only resumed eating with reluctance

It is important to note however that I have no addictions, I only ever consume "healthy". Those who eat and drink "unhealthy" suffer withdrawals.

[Kingdom of ZION]

Thanks Kingdom of ZION for sharing your experiences. Mine were not as dramatic, in all of my extended water only fasts, which have been many, the longest so far being thirty three days and nights, I have felt great, and only resumed eating with reluctance

It is important to note however that I have no addictions, I only ever consume "healthy". Those who eat and drink "unhealthy" suffer withdrawals.

I have no additions and I have not ever suffered any withdrawals. It was for a special purpose that I fasted. I would do it again, if the Father required it of me. I find it not required at this point in my life. Maybe when the time comes, and I feel the need to fast for others, and Father's intervention in His peoples plight or short-comings. Time will tell.

Shalom

[Elizabeth]

Many who eat processed foods and sugars do not realise they are addicted.

[Arenera]

Bob Huybrechts has been fasting on a regular basis for 37 years. The first time he did it, he totally dissolved and cured his kidney stones. Now, he just does it to detoxify and grow younger. It's springtime and time for spring cleaning in the temple of your body. Bob explains how the principles of Herbert Shelton can help you live longer and be much healthier.

In conversation with Hugh Reilly and Ravelle Réné on Liquid Lunch at ThatChannel.com (http://www.thatchannel.com) 2015-04a-27 water fasting weight loss nutrition.

I think he is missing some science but fasting can be very therapeutic. Hunger disappears when you start burning fat or ketones. Energy does not come from carbohydrates. Glycogen is an energy source but your body only has 24-48 hours of storage. You have many days or months of fat storage to provide energy in the form of ketones.

[True]

I intend to start another extended fast, water only, from 7th May... following a dental hygienist appointment, this is a great time to start a fast when ones teeth have been professionally cleaned.

Can you do this when you are a normal weight? You won’t die or seriously ruin your health? I really have contemplated doing it and have done extended fasts but ate once a day.