The most important thing is to listen to your body.
Fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast (dry fasting) is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days. Water fasting allows drinking water but nothing else. Other fasts may be partially restrictive, limiting only particular foods or substances. A fast may also be intermittent in nature. Fasting practices may preclude intercourse and other activities as well as food. Wikipedia
According to Dr. Michael Mosley – author of The Fast Diet books “Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity,”
“A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body,” he adds, noting that after a few days of fasting, higher levels of endorphins – “feel-good” hormones – are produced in the blood, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
There’s been a significant amount of research on fasting and the benefits it can have on our bodies. It’s important to approach fasting in a serious manner and be sure to listen to your body. If you are interested in fasting in Costa Rica you can visit Tanglewood Wellness Centre and they will be hosting a Jungle Detox retreat in November for people who want to turn their health around. He’s an expert in fasting! He’s taught thousands from over 90 countries how to achieve these results. An original thinker, gifted speaker, frequent talk-show and webinar guest, article author, reiki-master, 25-year raw vegan, poet, permaculture instructor, and author of the unconditionally-guaranteed Creating Perfect Health System, Loren can show you how to maximize your health…guaranteed!
3 Benefits of Fasting
Fasting promotes the secretion of Human Growth Hormone, which is important for burning fat. Fasting can also promote muscle building while decreasing insulin levels. When you combine all of these, fasting can, in fact, heal the human body. The body is designed to heal itself. Thus when you fast you give your body the chance to do the healing work by itself.
Fasting can slow down the aging process- As previously mentioned, fasting can cause the body to produce more Human Growth Hormone. This hormone is closely connected to the aging process. When the body produces less HGH, it tends to age faster too. So in effect, it is safe to conclude that fasting can help the body age more slowly.
Fasting improves your brain function because it boosts the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This protein activates the brain stem cells to convert into new neurons and triggers other chemicals that promote a balanced health. It also protects your brain cells from changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
Fasting also facilitates in giving the digestive system a rest to allow for the body to cleanse and detoxify. It promotes greater mental clarity and goes deeper into help cleanse and heal the “stuck” emotional patterns. Our bodies innate intelligence is to heal itself, and when we detox and fast we allow the body to go back into balance. Fasting is also a great tool for promoting inner stillness and enhancing spiritual connection.
“Fasting is the greatest remedy —
the physician within.”
~Paracelsus
Fasting is not your “cure” for everything. What it does is bring the body back into balance or create the environment in which healing can occur if that is what you are seeking, intention and the willingness to be healed plays an important role. Our bodies know how to heal themselves we just have to “get out of the way” and this means on all levels and fasting has a way of rebalancing us on a physical and subtle level. Fasting has a high benefit to chronic degenerative diseases that modern medicine is at loss to cure. If you are sick and feel hopeless then think again, fasting might just be your saving grace!
Because fasting also improves mental clarity it can become a tool in your life to offer you much freedom, flexibility and energy to get work and projects done that are important to you. Some artists and writers often talk of fasting during their creative phases for inspiration to help the momentum flowing. On an emotional level, you will feel calmer and happier, depression lifts and life seems more easy and light as the obstacles are lifted from your heaviness. Doctors have reported patients have improved concentration, less anxiety, and better sleeping patterns.
Longer periods of fasting brings best results but is not recommended to do on your own. If you want to learn more about fasting and the benefits join Loren Lockman for a detox retreat at Tanglewood Wellness Center
Costa Rica. This Jungle Detox retreat is focused on balancing the mind, body, and spirit with organic food, daily yoga and meditation practices and discussions on fasting and detoxifying. Find out more by clicking here.