Friday, August 27, 2010

How to Properly Break a Fast

How to Properly Break a Fast



Fasting involves the restriction or elimination of food intake for a period of time. Properly breaking a fast means resuming normal eating patterns. How you start eating again can be as important as the fast itself. Most people find that it can take some time before their bodies are able to completely re-adjust to eating regularly. Follow these steps to learn how to break a fast properly.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Cherries, grapes, prunes or sauerkraut




L-acidophilus supplements




Distilled or purified water







Decide If You've Accomplished Your Goals by Fasting




1


Define the reasons to break the fast, whether it's because you're feeling that you have accomplished your health goals, have completed the specified time period or whether you're experiencing too many side effects. Often your own body will tell you when to quit because you no longer have any energy reserves, or severe hunger pangs will return.





2


Consider switching to a juice fast before eating solid food again if you've been on a long water fast. Consult fasting resources such as Dr. Ben Kim's Web site (see Resources below) for information on the best way to break a fast.



Properly Break Your Fast




1


Make your transition back to food very gradually. Take about half the time you spent on the fast to return to your normal eating habits. Start with juices and broths.





2


Considering taking L-Acidophilus supplements to return the normal balance of bacteria and enzymes to your digestive tract. They're usually quite inexpensive.





3


Continue drinking plenty of distilled or purified water during the transition period, at least 7 to 10 glasses, each 8 oz., per day.





4


Choose foods with laxative effects for your first solid meal, such as cherries, grapes or prunes. Sauerkraut is also useful during this time. It helps restore the bacterial balance in your body.





5


Wait for a few hours after eating your first solid meal in order to ensure it will not make you sick. If all goes well, you can resume eating your normal, and hopefully healthy, diet soon. Remember to eat properly and nutritiously after breaking a fast to restore vitamins and minerals to your system.








Tips & Warnings










It is generally considered important to be under medical supervision during any prolonged fast, especially if you're being treated for specific medical conditions or if you're taking prescription drugs.








Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms from fasting, like fainting and gastrointestinal pain, become too severe.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2032965_properly-break-fast.html

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