subject: The Fast Diet - Is Fasting Unhealthy? [print this page] Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight has almost certainly heard about some variety of the fast diet. And even though people may fast for a number of reasons, including spiritual and religious situations, the biggest reason by far seems to be for health reasons, in particular the weight loss and detoxification that fasting helps to bring about.
It is very well known among people who participate in fasting to lose weight on a regular basis that fasting can also help the body to cleanse and rejuvenate itself from the effects and ravages of disease. What may not be quite as well known, or acknowledged, is that when fasting is taken to the extreme, it can be very dangerous, especially if the participant has unknown health issues and didn't consult a doctor prior to beginning his fasting diet.
If you are suffering from disease or sickness, and are older, pregnant or breastfeeding, or under the age of eighteen, then fasting is probably not for you. But if you're a strong adult interested in losing weight, or rejuvenating your body, then a supervised fast should be safe for you. Fasting weight loss is something that is known as both a rapid and a proven effective, weight loss method.
There is some debate however, as to whether this type of weight loss is healthy or safe. The most important thing that you want to do when you fast, is to make sure that you inform your doctor of your intentions. Make sure that your doctor clears you for fasting, for a certain amount of time. If he or she advises you to only fast for two weeks, then do not fast longer. Chances are you might have a low blood sugar, or some other condition that will cause complications when it comes to fasting.
When you begin your fast, you want to go into it gradually. Most people find it easier to begin with one meal a day, while continuing to eat fruits and vegetables for the other meals of the day. Then you can gradually phase out that last meal. Going into a fast diet very abruptly can cause you some serious complications, but you should be fine if you follow your doctor's recommended guidelines.
Your doctor may advise you to continue consuming fruits, fruit juice and vegetables throughout your fasting diet rather than going on a full blown fast, or he may recommend that you just do a partial fast. Whatever he recommends, that is exactly what you need to do.
Don't take chances with your health. Even if you are advised not to go on a full fast, you will still lose weight and meet your health goals if you follow the rules. Always be careful when embarking on a fast. Complications from fasting with no food at all could mean some very serious health risks for many people.
