Fasting
In the fashionable dieting
scene, fasts followed swiftly on the heels of the discredited
restricted-food diets popularised by starlets. Fasts, we are told, give
the digestion a spring clean, easing out toxins and removing all trace
of junk food.
Fasts have their uses, but
their dangers and disadvantages seem to outweigh their overall value. If
you do fast, you MUST drink a large quantity of fluids like water,
herbal teas and diluted natural fruit juices. you should drink at least
2.3 litres (4 pints) per day and preferably more. Otherwise you will
feel dizzy, enervated and headachey.
Disadvantages
of fasts
-
There are several groups
of people who should not undertake fasts. They are: pregnant or
nursing mothers, diabetics, people with kidney or heart disorders or
gastric ulcers, the underweight, elderly and anyone with a serious
illness or taking medication. It is mandatory for anyone intending
to undertake a fast for more than one day to consult their doctor
first. Sponsored fasts have become a fashionable and perhaps
apposite way of raising money for the Third World, but the above
contraindications to fasting must be taken into account.
-
Fasting is not
productive in the long term as a method of losing weight even for
the obese.
-
The body does not need
cleansing in this way. The digestive system, like the ear, for
example, is designed to be self-cleaning and is highly organized.
Plus
points
-
Fasting may be useful in
isolating food allergies, under supervision by your doctor or
dietician: foods can be re-introduced one by one.
-
If you are fit and
healthy and have had a bout of overeating and overdrinking, fasting
for one day may make you feel more alert and lively, and give you
new determination to stick to a healthy diet. it is not advisable to
make fasting part of a regular dietary plan. Recent claims that
regular fasts prolong life have not been substantiated: eat a
balanced, healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements
as well as proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Return to Tips & Information
Please
read the disclaimer. Copyright ©
2006 All rights
reserved.
Please send your questions or comments
to support@2beaut.com
