Intermittent Fasting

I started typing this out as a reply to a friend but then decided to make it a blog and may add more details later. These are just some brief notes on intermittent fasting, something I have found to be very beneficial as part of a health-maintenance regimen. I have done water-only fasts up to 9 days, but 3-5 days seem to be optimal for me. More than that seems to start diminishing muscle tissue. I am of a body type with hardly any body fat no matter what I eat. With that said, depending on your constitution, metabolism and previous unhealthy habits, you may be able to fast longer or you may want to start with a shorter fast of only a couple days.

Leading into and coming off of a fast are very important. The day before starting a fast, I do not eat any meat, dairy, eggs or refined grain products. Salads, fresh-pressed vegetable / fruit juices, and simple whole grain dishes are good to eat before beginning the fast.

While fasting, I only take water and tea (although I drink caffeinated organic tea, be aware that is a diuretic and you may want to only have cleansing herbal teas).

Something I do during the fast that is my own intuitive addition (I have not read anyone else recommend it) is take magnesium oxide and activated charcoal. The magnesium oxide (sometimes called oxy-powder or some similar moniker) is cleansing and keeps things moving. The activated charcoal is effective for absorbing toxins. I think perhaps a reason why people have a hard time fasting is that they don't keep things moving and suffer from toxemia. The combo of magnesium oxide and activated charcoal seems to supercharge the fast and prevent toxic build-up. At the very least, I recommend taking magnesium oxide. And, if you get activated charcoal make sure it is produced from coconut husks. Not the expert, but from what I have read that is the most effective form of activated charcoal.

I break the fast with avocado and sauerkraut. The fats in the avocado are just what the body needs and the probiotics in the sauerkraut support digestion. I used to end fasts with fruit, carrot sticks, or vegetables and none of these were good, it always caused uncomfortable digestion coming off of the fast. I have half an avocado and sauerkraut to end the fast and the same thing maybe 3 times or more during the day on the first day coming off the fast. Small simple meals are important.

The next day, in the morning I might do the same thing. Later, I might have a salad and in the evening do a miso soup with seaweed and vegetables or maybe a simple whole grain dish. On the third day, I mostly go back to eating as usual.

If you would like to add anything or have any questions, please leave a comment.