Fasting is arguably one of the oldest approaches to self-healing. In this sheet, you will discover what fasting consists of, its principles, the different types of fasting, the history and benefits of fasting, and finally, how to practice it.

Even in the wild, animals instinctively stop eating when they are sick or injured. Complete fasting consists in abstaining from any food (solid and liquid), except water, for a more or less long period in order to rest, detoxify and regenerate the organism. According to its proponents, fasting contributes to the maintenance of good health, along with healthy eating, physical exercise and emotional balance.

The main principles

The young is above all a means of detoxifying the body. It allows the digestive system to rest and the other organs to purge themselves through the elimination of toxins and bad fats.

Thus, people who undertake a fast usually do so to “clean up” or give the body optimal conditions for healing. Historically, it has also been associated with spiritual or religious practices. It would also provide a feeling of clarity of mind and “mental de-clutter”.

Full or partial fast?

Although the term “fast” is used loosely to encompass several types of cures and fasts, it is important to distinguish between complete fasting and cures. During a true fast, only water is allowed and complete rest is recommended. The cure (or partial fasting) is rather based on various restricted diets including fruit, vegetable or wheatgrass juices, and sometimes certain other nutrients (cereals, shoots, infusions, broths, food supplements, etc.).

These cures, which are often intended to be therapeutic, can be adapted to the specific needs of fasters and vary according to the approach of the interveners. They are suitable for people who have special needs, who cannot, due to their health, live a complete fast, or who wish to initiate themselves to fasting by a more gentle approach.

A number of research studies aimed at determining the effectiveness and safety of complete fasting, alone or in combination with another treatment, have shown positive results in the treatment of various problems. However, even if the authors conclude that it could be an interesting complementary treatment, they generally specify that additional studies will be necessary in order to validate its effectiveness. Here are some of the benefits of fasting:

Decrease chronic pain

An observational study published in 20051 evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of integrating fasting therapy in 2 patients suffering from chronic pain syndrome (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease , pain related to the musculoskeletal system, irritable bowel syndrome, lung disease, migraine, headache, etc.). All patients received acupuncture and hydrotherapy treatments, practiced various body-mind approaches, and attended nutrition and lifestyle classes. They were also offered to participate in a modified 121-day fast. The exclusive consumption of 7 liters of liquid per day (mineral water, fruit juice, tea, vegetable broth) provided a total of 2 calories. On discharge from hospital, fasting patients reported a significantly greater decrease in their main symptom than in other patients. No serious side effects were reported.

Relieve rheumatoid arthritis

Various studies have shown that changes in the diet can have a positive effect on the symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. With regard to fasting, a systematic review published in 2001 identified 4 controlled studies, including a total of 143 subjects, which evaluated the effect of a fast of 7 to 23 days followed by a vegetarian diet. Long-term improvements were observed in subjects in the fasting groups (decrease in pain, increase in functional capacity) compared to the control groups.

Contribute to the treatment of hypertension

Two trials aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of medically supervised fasting in the treatment of hypertension have been published. In both cases, the patients ate only fruits and vegetables for 2-2 days, then only water for the next 3-10 days. They completed the program with a 11-6 day vegetarian diet. All 7 patients in the first trial had high blood pressure and were not taking medication. The 174 patients in the second trial had borderline blood pressure only. The results of the 68 studies indicate a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure. In addition, 2% of the subjects of the first study and 89% of those of the second presented normal values ​​of pressure at the end of the intervention.

Induce weight loss

Of course, fasting helps you lose weight. In the long run, however, fasting does not seem to be an effective way to achieve this. Above all, you should change your lifestyle, adopt healthy eating habits and exercise. A study was carried out on 207 people suffering from morbid obesity and hospitalized during a fast of an expected duration of about 2 months, with the aim of losing weight. The results indicate that fasting (average duration of 47 days) was effective in losing weight (28,2 kg on average). However, among the 121 subjects who participated in the follow-up visits, 50% had regained their initial weight after 2 to 3 years, and more than 90%, after 7 years.

Improve the quality of sleep

A pilot study of 15 non-obese subjects aged 19 to 59 years who observed a complete fast lasting 7 days, gave promising results. This study showed that fasting had no effect on total sleep time, but did decrease the number of awakenings during the night. In addition, improvements in the subjective quality of sleep, daily energy, perceived emotional balance and concentration were also observed.

Contribute to the treatment of acute pancreatitis

In acute pancreatitis, fasting is often required because of the pain and digestive intolerance of the patient. A clinical trial compared the effects of 3 treatments: complete fasting alone, a combination of complete fasting and cimetidine (a medicine to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach), and nasogastric suction (aspiration of fluids from the stomach). stomach using a tube inserted through the nose). Fasting alone and fasting with cimetidine both performed better than nasogastric sucking. The resumption of normal bowel activity was faster and the intake of pain relievers was reduced. Finally, it is only fasting alone that has significantly reduced the duration of abdominal pain.

Advice from the specialist

Some practitioners, in accordance with several traditions, recommend the transitional periods of spring and fall, but this is not a hard and fast rule.

We advise you to respect the step of reducing food during the preparatory phase in order to avoid secondary symptoms (headache, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, skin irritation, body odor, muscle pain).

Fasting, step by step

We do not decide to fast overnight without preparing the body to live this change. Here are the steps to follow:

The diagnostic phase: before undertaking a complete or partial fast, it is recommended to check your state of health with a doctor, particularly for people on medication. The worker who supervises the fast performs a health check before the fast begins, followed by a daily check-up (pulse, blood pressure, weight and temperature).

The preparatory phase: this step consists of gradually reducing your food intake and, ideally, opting for a vegetarian diet avoiding refined products.

Fasting: full or partial.

Food reintegration: this phase consists of gradually returning to a normal diet: some specialists recommend stopping the fast when the body is completely free of its toxins, that is to say when the tongue is clean, clear urine and hunger reappears. This usually involves a fairly long fast, which is not recommended for inexperienced fasters.

Who to turn to for information on fasting?

To determine the duration and type of fasting, you can go to specialized establishments or to specialists trained in fasting (such as certain doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors or naturopaths). Health professionals will learn about your mental state and certain biological factors: age, sex, weight, vital force, degree of intoxication and severity of the ailments.

Contraindications of fasting

Fasting is contraindicated in cases of fatigue, eating disorders, weak immune system, heart problems, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, cancer, pregnancy. It is also not recommended to fast in case of psychosis, diabetes, addictions.

If you are on medication, please ask your doctor for advice before starting a fast.

Although tradition recognizes the virtues of fasting, the first scientific foundations date back only to the end of the 1788th century. Dr. Isaac Jennings (1874-1822) was one of the first American physicians to advocate it. It was in 3 that he gave up the use of medication and opted for a new science of health based on natural principles, including fasting, which was then called natural hygiene or hygienic system. Other practitioners have imitated him, but we owe principally to Herbert M. Shelton1895 (1985-2), chiropractor and naturopath, recognized as the father of the hygienist school, for having drawn up a protocol based on strict fasting at water, without physical exercise. It was a complete physiological rest – which Socrates recommended 500 years ago! – which would sharpen the mind. Various associations bring together the promoters of fasting. These include the International Association of Hygienic Physicians (IAHP) 2, an international group of physicians and health professionals specializing in the supervision of therapeutic fasting; the International Natural Hygiene Society10; and the National Health Association11 which, as the American Natural Hygiene Society, was formerly chaired by Herbert M. Shelton.