COFFEY BREAK
for
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES
a different kind of coffee break with Gerry and Ray Coffey
Disease-Free Living Through Fitness and Nutrition

ADVICE
We began this Advice section as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health.  We believe that the information contained herein is true, but are not presenting it as the only solution to a problem.  We, personally, have found that a vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found.   Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body.  If you have a health problem, see your own physician.

FASTING ON WATER ONLY

QUESTION:

Dear Gerry,

I just read your online articles about fasting and water-fasting, and found them very helpful. However, I'm wondering if it is safe to water-fast for at least 10 days without professional supervision, and without drastically changing my diet beforehand (I eat mostly whole-grain, organic bread, fruits and vegetables, and organic milk and yogurt, though occasionally I eat meat).

ANSWER:

Hi, A:

First time fasters being totally unaware of what to expect and how they might feel would be very wise to do so under the supervision of professional who can monitor their vital signs and advise them what to expect.

That said, the first time I fasted on my own, with very limited knowledge, I fasted for 7 days. It was very difficult for several reasons, one of which I didn't realize I should be drinking a minimum of two quarts of distilled water a day and maintain complete bedrest.

QUESTION:

The reason I ask, and that I'm so desperate for advice, is that I've begun reading the New Testament and am very torn about what to believe, and I want to follow Jesus's example of fasting to cleanse himself and reflect (though 40 days seems like too much to me) to help sort through the doubts I'm having. Ideally I would like to spend most of my time reading the Bible, but I also have to work during the day.

I have never fasted before. I don't want to hurt my chances of spiritual redemption, but I also don't want to hurt my body.

Thanks for your patience.

Sincerely, A

ANSWER:.

A water-only fast is contra indicated unless one can have complete physiological bed rest. However, a vegetable juice diet (made from freshly extracted carrot and "green": Romaine, Cabbage, Cucumber, etc.) juices might be just the thing for you as it rests all the internal organs because they don't have to digest whole foods, yet it is liquid food the body doesn't have to work for so it still allows the person to continue with normal activities.

Consuming such a nutrient-laden liquid diet will revitalize the organs and allow them to clean and replenish themselves, and as the toxins are released the mind becomes clear and person often becomes more loving, generous and spiritually inclined. (Note: A liquid diet is only a temporary measure as the body needs the fiber and cellulose in whole, preferably uncooked, fruits and vegetables to activate the peristalic system and encourage the vital organs to fulfill their normal functions.

Hope this helps;-)

Gerry