Fasting could be best described as voluntary abstinence form taking food for certain period of time. Fasting has both medical and spiritual significance. Beyond these two there are many more interesting facts pertaining to fasting. Fasting is a wonderful gift to the mankind since times immemorial. 'It is one cure to many ailments': experts say!

Fasting is undertaken as a ritual in many religions. The concept of fasting has been in vogue in Hindu Dharma almost since 4000 years! That's an awesome timeframe. The religion 'Islam' also allots a particular month- the holy month of Ramadhan- purely for fasting and other consecrating religious rituals. Lent a religious concept in Christianity extends little more than a month i.e 40 days and Christians fast during this period. The many benefits of fasting could be the reason for inclusion into popular religions.

It's better to fast for a period of 12-14 hours without any intake of food. Such abstinence is scientifically proved to show innumerable benefits. When you embark upon your fasting journey, the very first day might prove to be the toughest. Temptation to break the fast would be on the higher side. You may also feel weak and giddy. Slowly but surely you will overcome this most troublesome phase.

The process of cleansing commences with fasting. It could be perceived through the bacterial coat forming on the tongue and bad breathe generated from the mouth owing to it. The body gets rid of fat, dead cells and mucus. When fast is extended toxins from all the major parts of the body- the blood stream, kidneys, liver and spleen are eliminated. When cells get rid of the toxins and other waste materials, their healing process and efficiency improve. Thus fasting sets the body on a very healthy track.

Fasting propels the immune system and rejuvenates the body. It gives a very nice spiritual feel. Fasting is the best way to overcome temptation. What prescribed diet charts fail to perform, fasting does in no time. It is good against addictions. A fasting person will have no way than to abstain himself from a steaming cup of coffee. How wonderful!

Since fasting is a kind of exercise to the digestive tract, it improves the digestive functions and helps curing constipation. Fasting cures unnecessary bloating of the body too, hence is one effective solution for the obesity problem. Fasting is indeed a panacea for diabetes. Scientific researches have shown improved metabolism in diabetics. Since toxins are thrown away during fasting it is one wonderful thing to keep mind alert and clear. This will not only help you concentrate better on the works in hand but also render sound and sweet sleep.

Abstinence from food elevates a person's spiritual quotient. You feel you are the sole commander of your senses. This gives a kind of spiritual bliss. Fasting also helps you understand your affinity to the Divine. When you keep away from food as a sacred religious ritual, eating when you are through it gives you both emotional and spiritual satisfaction. Fasting also reminds you about the condition of fellow brethren who are not destined to get a full platter meal. So sad isn't it?

It is irrevocably proved that fasting is the best way to realize the wonderful healing properties of the body. Plan your fasting regimen right away, but under an expert's supervision.

The Wonders Of Juice Fasting! - From A Medical Perspective

For all those who are fasting, or considering fasting, I hoped a thread like this could be a good motivator. There is an awful lot out on the net about fasting. A few juice proponents are fond of extolling of virtues of juice over water fasting. In no way could I share that view. There are too many giants in the history of water fasts (Sheldon, Bragg, Ehret, etc), some of which have conducted tens of thousands of water fasts. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of fasting sanitariums around the world for that very purpose. Plus a huge body of inspiring testimonies from individuals who have walked the less traveled road.

Fasting goes back to the dawn of life on Earth. Fasting is as old as eating. When not eating, the body is fasting, or at least looking forward to it, reveling in the joy of abstinence and longing to rebuild itself after a thorough housecleaning.

Every night we "fast." When we awake, we have break-fast. Fasting is almost as natural as breathing. In the olden days, leaders, people of rank and others would go into places of solitude to fast for several days on water when they had critical decisions to make. The practice appears throughout ancient literature. Water fasting is the ultimate.

Having said that, there are some who are not ready for water fasting due to fear, lack of confidence, unsupportive surroundings, etc. Or in my case, due to too much toxic buildup to withstand water only, and the inability to sustain the rigors of working. Then there's other demands that make it nearly impossible to "get away." Such a move would require lots of planning. I never got past 4-5 days on water. But I know I will one day. The longest I've gone on juice is 19 days.

This is an incredible article... a rather long read, but well worth it!

Enjoy...

• Fasting to remove unnecessary weight the natural way, plus learning how to keep it off for the rest of your life (nearly half of all Fasting Center International clients, worldwide, are not fasting to lose weight);
• Fasting to remove the 5-to-10-lb. inner, toxic waste dump* now polluting the average adult's cell, tissue and organ storage areas (chemical toxins, heavy metals, drugs, uneliminated metabolic wastes, excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream, arterial plaque, excess mucus and mucoid plaque throughout the system, intestinal parasites, etc., all of which prolonged fasting can remove);
• Fasting to regain the energy you may previously have enjoyed (perhaps when you were more athletic);
• Fasting to elevate yourself out of the clouded consciousness most spend their entire life in (unwittingly), up into the stratosphere of human potential;
• Fasting to heighten mental clarity and all your senses, allowing you to see your life's options in much clearer perspective, and then act upon them wisely;
• Fasting to enhance your innate wisdom, spirituality, faith and human kindness, and
• Fasting to move yourself back toward your life's birthright potential of optimal health, increasing your happiness and healing power as you scientifically reset your body's odometer and greatly enhance your quality of life!