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Measuring the Benefits and Risks of Fasting
Fasting is a ritual that many North American Indian tribes use to stimulate a spiritual life. For others fasting contributes to a lifestyle that promotes health and a sense of well-being. Fasting can rid the body of many impurities and toxins that build up over time through the regular intake of foods. The average fasting times range between two to four days and can involve other practices like meditation. Fasting must not last more than four days (Muniskw). Fasting can enhance a feeling of well-being by allowing the practitioner to focus on spiritual energies while forgoing the immediate pleasures of the body. In order to alleviate some of the general body upsets such as hunger pangs and feelings of light-headedness it is important for the practitioner to focus on a specific goal during the fast. Is there a special message that you wish to receive? These types of thoughts and questions will help center the body while focusing the mind on the fasting process. The Mi'kmaq tribe uses fasting regularly to stimulate the process of spiritual visions while cleansing away natural impurities (Muniskw). It is common for members of this tribe to fast once each month for a four day period. During this time ceremonies will take place that celebrate the beginning of different seasons. In winter the Bear Spirit Guide is sought by the Mi'kmaq to enhance visions Be aware of some of the health effects of fasting like; light headedness, fatigue, and dehydration. Along with a slight weight reduction the loss of essential vitamins and minerals can cause gallstones and other health complications. It is best to fast under the supervision of a close friend who can check in on you periodically. Fasting must not be undertaken by women who are pregnant or those with a chronic disease (Webmd).
For a beginner it would be best to start with a two day fast and then determine if there are any health detriments. If there are no health complications then a fasting practice could increase to the four day level. It is up to each practitioner to decide on the length of the fast, what foods will be eaten before the fast, and what liquids if any will be taken during the fast. Some of the health benefits of fasting are still in dispute but the practice of fasting spans across cultures. With few complications fasting can be an addition to a healthy lifestyle, and help the practitioner to feel a general sense of well-being. Sources: http://www.muiniskw.org/pgCulture2e.htm http://www.webmd.com/diet/fasting?page=2
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Contributor's Note
Interesting Fact: Muslims fast over the course of thirty days during Ramadan. For an expansion on the topic of meditation check here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1026356/the_benefits_of_meditation.html?cat=72
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Juice, water, or tea can be part of a fast in small quantities.
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