In the fast lane
It's that time of the year when people start fasting in anticipation of the forthcoming festivities. Interestingly, most religions advocate fasting. But this concept has been modified and changed so much to suit our own individual versions that many people misunderstand the whole idea.
Why fast
Naturopathy believes that fasting properly helps the body to detoxify and get prepared for rejuvenation. Proper fasting, done cyclically, has the potential to cure many diseases. Fasts usually benefit those whose constitutions are acidic, congestive or pitt and kaph in nature. Expecting mothers and children should not fast and people with medical problems should do a medically-monitored fast.
How to fast
There are many kinds of fasts, and depending upon your needs, you can choose the kind of fast most suitable for you.
Lemon water and honey fast:
This entails only consuming the juice of lemons with honey throughout the day. It is a strict fast and should be done only for a day. It suits people with kaphaj or congestive prakriti and should not be done by people with high acid levels.
Fruit juice and vegetable juice fast:
This entails drinking fruit juices and lemon juices throughout the day, without mixing the two.
Different juices have different properties and help the following parts of the body and problems:
Lemon juice:
Liver, gall bladder, cardiovascular problems and cold.
Citrus juices:
Cardiovascular problems, haemorrhoids, varicose veins.
Apple:
Good for liver and intestines. Pear: Good for gall bladder.
Papaya:
Stomach, digestion, colitis.
Pineapple:
Helps with inflammation and asthma with lung infection.
Watermelon:
Good for kidneys. Spinach: Good for those suffering from anaemia and low vitality.
Celery:
Helps those with kidney problems, edema and arthritis.
Beet greens:
Gall bladder and liver.
Wheatgrass:
Good for anaemia, liver and intestine.
Cabbage:
Good for colitis and very effective against ulcer.
Carrot:
Reduces anaemia and improves vision.
Radish:
Effective against diabetes and is good for liver.
How to break a fast
A long fast should be broken properly. When you break your fast, first have some water with 8 drops of lemon and a pinch of salt followed by a light juice like mausmi or coconut water. Follow this up with some dates/prunes/figs (presoaked) and fruits. Now, follow it up with a rice gruel or khichri, after which you can eat a regular dinner.
Healthy fasting
You should avoid fried food, refined food (maida, sooji, white rice, corn flour). Do not consume too much sugar or salt after a fast. Go for a rejuvenating walk, pranayam, body massage, yoga (only those asanas that are compatible with a fast) and meditation along with the fast. However, you should avoid stimulants such as excessive talking, loud noises, tea, coffee (tea lovers can substitute with herbal hot drinks), smoking and alcohol.
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