We will be starting our three day "spring cleaning" fast on Friday. We are focused heavily on preventative, proactive, self care. Fasting is something we have incorporated into our heath and wellness routine.

I've been feeling very sluggish and uninspired lately. This was a long winter and I just don't feel that vibrancy and excitement that normally comes with warmer weather. We are doing this fast now to help break this cycle.

Fasting and the positive effects it can have on our bodies is really quite fascinating. I though I would share a bit about why we've chosen to do this and what it's all about.

Now before I get started I'd like to mention that I am not a scientist or doctor and I am not suggesting you do anything radical without doing your homework, consulting a physician. If what I write grabs your interest then please do your own reading and research before proceeding!

The Studies

Dr. Valter Longo is the Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences, and Director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California. He along with other scientists at this institute are working to identify and test dietary, pharmacological, regenerative and engineering approaches to prevent multiple diseases of ageing and maximize health span. source. They've done clinical trials and the results look very promising. Reading through their trials and papers was enough to convince me that this was worth trying.

Longo has also developed a longevity Diet that Mimicks Fasting, I haven't tried this and won't be writing about that today.

How Fasting Works

Basically, when you "starve" it forces your body to use its store of fat, glucose and ketones. To save energy it will also get rid of damaged and unneeded immune cells. These studies have shown that when we fast for a prolonged period of time, our white blood cell count goes down. When we end the fast, the body regenerates fresh new immune system cells.

According to Longo, most people can actually go 60 days without food, not that anyone is suggesting you try this! We aren't nearly as fragile or dependant on three meals a day as we've been led to believe.

I read an article that touched on the fact that our ancestors didn't follow a three meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks) system. In fact, many of our ancestors frequently experienced famine. Food use to be more precious and harder earned that it is for many of us today. source

Regardless on your opinions of fasting, it's hard to argue that we've really fallen off the tracks when it comes to nutrition. In a time when we should be healthier than ever before with the abundance of food at our fingertips, we aren't really doing all that well on the health end of things.

There are numerous cultural and religious traditions throughout the world that incorporate fasting practice into their doctrines, Here's one article postthat touches on this. It seems as though fasting has always been part of the human experience in one way or another.

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The Fasting Experience

I really love eating food. Although fasting is really not that hard (and it gets easier each time you do it) there's no doubt that fasting is a test of will power.

It's really nice if you can plan a fast when you aren't too busy and can do it with someone. You can encourage one another when your resolve weakens and also torture one another with talk about future tasty meals! It's a good bonding experience.

Keep You Mind Busy

It's a good idea to keep your mind busy. Read books, chat on steemit, go for strolls, play music, meditate, do light yoga, and keep yourself engaged.

Headaches

You'll likely experience periodic headaches and may even experience constipation/diarrhoea depending on your lifestyle choices and what your body is 'detoxing' from. Just keep drinking plenty of water to keep flushing out your system while staying hydrated.

Resting & Naps

We do experience cloudiness and sluggish at times and will allow ourselves to take naps. We also have moments of high energy and a wonderful clarity. Just go with the flow. This is why it's best if you can do your fast at home and not be driving or working in a busy job.

We always feel amazing after completing a fast. Our mind is sharper and we've got oodles of energy! Our taste buds and sense of smell are also amplified. A slice of orange after a fast just explodes in your mouth.

Our Suggestions

If you are planning a fast we highly recommend that you do it when you don't have to be driving, at work or doing heavy exercise. We ended up having to stack two cords of wood during our last fast and it was extremely tiring.

Breaking the fast

Once you have fasted it can be a good idea and try to eat better foods for a while. You've got a clean slate so to speak so there's no sense eating junk. We have done high protein Keto type meals following our fast but I would like to try a more pescetarian or Mediterranean type diet this time.

Fasting is a good time to slow down, relax, reflect and enjoy some fresh air. Take it easy and don't over exert yourself.

Further Reading

Fasting: Awakening the Rejuvenation from Within | Valter Longo | TEDxEchoPark

Fasting diet 'regenerates diabetic pancreas Source: BBC

Five-day fasting diet could fight disease, slow aging Source: sciencemag.org

Diet that mimics fasting may also reduce multiple sclerosis symptoms Source: USC

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