Re: fasting - book recommendation! Egads!!!

July 26, 2002

" Cleansing, fasting and detoxification " are contradictions when used

in trio. There is nothing inherently cleansing nor detoxifying in

fasting.

The cons of depriving oneself of needed nutrients and calories far

outweigh the pros, despite what " Haas, elson " may say in his book.

I would assume that the " fasting " involves fruit juices or something

to that effect.

Metabolically, the human body needs, on average, more than 1,000

calories a day to carry out its most basic functions, sans exercise.

To consume that many calories in fruit juice means consuming a LOT of

sugar; negligible protein (which the body needs to build tissue EVERY

DAY lost through injury as well as normal cellular breakdown), and

little fiber.

Drastically limiting calories can have disastrous effects on one's

metabolism, and can throw the body into " starvation mode " , thereby

making it more efficient and prone to storing every little calorie

ingested in excess of its resting metabolic rate as FAT. Just look at

such famous examples as Oprah Winfrey and Carnie ; women who

tried `liquid fasts' only to see the unwanted consequences on their

physiques, and who now eschew fasting and liquid diets (in addition

to embracing lipo and gastric bypass surgery.)

Regular exercise and eating more low calorie, fiber rich, and

nutrient/anti-oxidant dense foods (such as broccoli) are

more " cleansing " and " detoxifying " than fasting. Fiber

actually " cleanses " the colon; not fruit juice, nor abstaining from

food.

I was born and raised Catholic, so no one need e-mail me about the

religious implications of fasting. I'm well aware.

--Jillian

> This is the best book I own on the subject. It is very informative

and

> interesting and lays everything out in charts after the technical

who-ha in

> the front.

>

> Blurb from my library

> Author: Haas, elson m., 1947

> Title: The detox diet:a how-to & when-to guide for cleansing,

fasting &

> detoxification

>

> Believing that most medical problems may be treated and even

prevented by

> cleansing, fasting and detoxification, Elson S. Haas, M.D., (A Diet

for All

> Seasons, 1995) offers The Detox Diet: A How-to & When-to Guide for

Cleansing

> the Body. Haas discusses gastrointestinal tract health and its role

in

> overall well-being and offers a simple yearlong detox program as

well as

> eating plans for specific detox situations. Charts, tables, menu

plans and

Cahners

> Business Information, Inc.

>

> Fasting is a spiritual endeavour so take great care that every

experience

> during your fast is deliberate. In addition to not eating try not

using

> electricity, walking everywhere, being as quiet in mind and body as

possible.

> You should have your fast set in your mind at a future point in

time so on

> that day all debts are paid. That can mean bills literally, other

> correspondence, housework, errands, other appointments all those

things you

> keep meaning to do should be completed and checked off on the old

mental

> checklist. Don't read the paper or look at your mail just listen

to the

> noises in your environment. Please let me know how it makes you

feel and

> affects your skin.

>

> Jana

>

July 26, 2002