The Biomechanics of Fasting
The results of fasting are multifaceted and can take many forms, ranging from a profound new consciousness regarding self-destructive habits and their corresponding emotional roots, to a more physical manifestation, including weight loss, increased mental clarity, and pain and disease elimination. Many fasters report a heightened awareness of self and environment, impacting the understanding of one’s role, responsibility and purpose in relation to the bigger picture of life.
We live and die at the cellular level. The state of the cells is the condition of the human being, emotionally and physically, and some would even argue, spiritually. Burdened and bloated or buoyant and beautiful, the health of the cell can ultimately be the determining factor in the quality of happiness, personal productivity and self expression.
What does fasting have to do with this and how does this ancient, yet modern phenomenon physiologically work?
The innately intelligent body is a self-healing and regulating organism that naturally works to repair itself through autolysis, the process of self-digestion. In autolysis, the body simultaneously regenerates new cell growth by eating and eliminating dead cells, debris and dysfunctions that threaten its survival, ultimately laying the foundation for vibrant health.
During the first 12 hours of a fast, the digestive system rests from processing food. The body then feeds on stored glucose and carbohydrates, its preferred energy source. After 24-36 hours, body fluids become more soluble. As toxins loosen and release from their first available reserves, fat and dead cells – followed by degenerative tissues, growths, abscesses, fat deposits, and abnormalities – can be self-digested (or, in other words, broken down) with the aid of enzymes. Without the task and toll of digesting food, freed enzymes scavenge and consume the remains left in the wake of autolysis, including viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus and parasites.
When solid food (which can cause toxins and ill matter to retreat and store) is not introduced, metabolic waste is released into the “sewer” of the body, the lymphatic system. The waste is then released into the blood stream for further filtration by the liver and kidneys. Seventy percent of final elimination occurs through the respiratory system, 19% through perspiration, 3% through feces, and 8% through urine. When the elimination systems are blocked – usually due to being impacted and backed up with mucous, plaque, parasites, fat, clots, calcium deposits, etc – clarity of mind and body is compromised. This is ultimately the core and cause of aging and disease, mental instability, and the general unrest and affliction of a human being.
Generally after the third day of fasting, necessary functioning is sustained through burning fat in a process known as ketosis. Through ketosis, the liver converts stored fat into chemical compounds called ketones, which are then processed through the kidneys before final elimination occurs.
Ketones provide necessary lipids to the brain, which then provide energy to the heart and muscles. Because the system is receiving partial nutrition from stored containment, hunger is known to dissipate during this phase and heightened awareness is often experienced.
After the 6th and into the 10th day, ketosis accelerates at a consistent and steady rate as more toxic waste becomes soluble and available for elimination due to hydration and the cells being able to absorb oxygen. During ketosis, increased weight loss may occur as more fat is burned, but the process protects protein in muscle storage from being absorbed. As protein is reintegrated into new cell growth from unused protein in dead cells, blood protein levels generally remain stable while fasting. The danger of protein depletion during fasting occurs when autolysis has consumed all unhealthy cells and begins to feed on healthy cells. This is the difference between healthfully fasting, and thereby eliminating the base cause of illness, and starvation.
A complete fast is signified by the return of true hunger, a pink tongue free of a white coating, clear skin, and a return of energy, clarity, and vitality.
It is recommended to break a juice fast with blended vegetables on the first day (up to 1 liter), a small salad on the second day with the option of 1 liter of blended vegetables, and to slowly resume eating on the third day with at least 80% living foods. For optimal results be aware of eating only what you need, continue with a daily juice, chew food very well, eat slowly, don’t dine past nine, and be aware of proper food combining.