Fasting > Common Physical Reactions
To Fasting
(Excerpts from Fasting To Freedom)
by Tom McGregor and Ron Lagerquist
BACKACHES. Back pain may increase due to toxins in the
lower intestine. The blood vessels that draw nutrients
from the colon are very close to the nerves of the spine.
Back pain often decreases after elimination of the toxins.
Back exercises also can relieve some
pain. A cold pack also will help. Using the enema kit
will be the best remedy.
BAD BREATH. Waste passes through the lungs which are
an eliminative organ. Brushing the tongue with a tooth
brush, using dental floss and rinsing with mouthwash
will reduce bad breath.
CANKERS. These may develop from a toxic buildup in the
mouth. Unhealthy bacteria increases between the teeth.
The tongue becomes coated with waste. To stop cankers,
gargle with sea salt mixed with water several times
daily. Dabbing the sore with tea tree oil or vitamin
E quickens the healing process.
COLD VIRUS. Mucoid is the perfect food for viruses.
Toxins weaken the immune system. When large quantities
of toxins and mucus are in the blood due to a fast,
they can cause a susceptibility to colds. To fight a
cold, continue fasting to eliminate the mucus. Reduce
the liquid intake and drink lemon juice. When your body
is clean from mucus, you will never catch a cold again.
BLACKOUTS. During fasting the body conserves energy.
The heart pumps slower and blood pressure lowers. Standing
or moving quickly from a resting position will cause
the blood to flow to the legs. For a few seconds, the
brain may not get enough oxygen, causing blackouts and
dizziness. To stop a blackout get down on one knee or
sit. Lowering your center of gravity will instantly
stop a blackout. Blackouts are more frequent during
water fasting.
DIARRHEA. Fruit juices have a laxative effect which
is more pronounced after water fasting. It can be stopped
by using the enema. Using psyllium husk during diarrhea
will help regulate the system.
HEADACHES. Toxins can cause muscle tightness in the
neck and shoulders. This can result in tension headaches.
Massaging the neck and shoulders will help relieve the
tension. The herb Fever Few, which is available in health
food stores, is well worth trying.
MUSCLE TIGHTNESS. The muscles may become tight and sore
due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected
as toxins accumulate in the legs. A self massage, hot
baths, stretching and exercising will help to release
the toxins.
NAUSEA.
When waste is released too quickly by the lymph glands,
some of the toxic overload is taken by the liver and
secreted with bile into the stomach. This causes nausea.
Drinking water or carrot juice will dilute the bile
and toxin mixture helping to flush it from the system.
NERVOUSNESS. The elimination of toxins can irritate
damaged nerves. Exercise will relieve tension. Use quarter
slices of avocado to slow the fast.
SKIN
DISTURBANCES. The skin may become oily as rancid oils
are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin
may have a few days of pimples or boils. A pallid complexion
is also a sign of waste in the blood. When cleansed
of mucus and toxins, the skin will be healthy, soft
and unblemished.
TIREDNESS. Tiredness is normal during water or restricted
juice fasting. If the tiredness is too much, increase
the quantity of sweet juices like melon and carrot juice.
HEART DISEASE. Include bananas and avocados when juice
fasting to balance the blood sugar level. Toxins in
the blood and reduced blood sugar levels may cause a
weak heart to labor. Like any other organ, the heart
needs nutrients, a toxin-free environment, and time
to heal. (refer to How to Get Well by Paavo Airolea)
HYPOGLYCEMIA. Do not juice fast unless you use bananas
and avocados to balance the blood sugar level. (refer
to How to Get Well and Hypoglycemia: a Better Approach
by Paavo Airolea)
KIDNEY PROBLEMS. Fasting can irritate damaged kidneys
due to the amount of toxins they filter. Try short juice
fasts of 3 to 5 days before progressing to longer fasts.
Avoid high-protein meals, refined flours, commercial
oils and fats. (refer to How to Get Well by Paavo Airolea)
LIVER DISEASE. The liver can become toxic due to abuse.
If the liver is badly degenerated, cleansing must be
done in stages. Start with short juice fasts and lead
to fasts over five days. Avoid heavy proteins, refined
flours and fatty foods. Eat meals of fruits or vegetables
between the fasts. (refer to How to Get Well by Paavo
Airolea)
AGING. There is no such thing as being too old to fast--it
is exactly what the body needs to feel young again.
Shorter fasts are recommended to start. Assess your
physical state as you proceed. If juice fasting becomes
too intense, bananas and avocados will lessen the intensity
by slowing the cleansing.
ULCERS. Fasting will help significantly. Choose the
juices that do not irritate the condition. (refer to
How to Get Well by Paavo Airolea)
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