Procedure Followed While Fasting

Posted on September 4, 2009 in Fasting

People fast for spiritual reasons and at times they feel by doing so, they enhance their physical health. Fasting improves one’s will power, gives relief to the digestive system and teaches one to be patient and not be self-indulgent. Many religions expect their devotees to fast like among the Muslims in the month of Ramadan devotees fast throughout the day. Similarly, Hindus also fast during several festivals and also for personal salvation.

Fasting needs to be performed in a particular prescribed way as otherwise it would affect one’s health. Just fasting the way one wants to is not recommended. Be it a juice fasting or water, there is a procedure to be followed.

What Procedure to Follow While Fasting?

People go on short and long term fasts. Some go on a 2 cycle program or a 14 day cycle program. In both the cases, the initial period of fasting lasts for 7 days.
Before beginning one’s fast one must be clear as to why one is fasting? Is it for spiritual reasons or dietary reasons or for guidance or for God’s help in a crisis?
Then one has to decide the method of fasting, whether one wants to fast for a few days or for several weeks or for 40 days.
One initially can begin with few days of fasting and then slowly stretch it to more days.
One has to be clear as to what type of fasting one will undertake, will it be juice fasting? Water fasting? Or fruit diet. In case it is juice fasting, then one must decide how many times one would like to drink? And how much?
Then one has to decide upon which cycle to follow- 7 day cycle or 14 day cycle.

7 day cycle - One has to prepare one’s body three days in advance. In case you are on medication or suffering from a chronic ailment then it is better to consult your physician. Prepare the body to eat small amounts and avoid sugary food foods and those high in fats. For 2 days before the fast, eat raw vegetables and fruits . After the 7 day cycle is over then again prepare your body so that it is in position again to have normal diet intake.

14 day cycle - Make sure all your clinical tests are over such as blood test, urine test etc. Once the cycle has been completed then the tests are conducted again

Preparation for the Fast
2 weeks before one starts to fast, one must avoid taking meat, white bread and sweets. One must limit the intake of dairy products as well. Drink only herbal tea, non-carbonated drinks, juices and avoid drinking coffee, tea, carbonated beverages and alcohol.

2 days before fasting one needs to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of vegetable juices as well as fruit juice. One can take non-carbonated drinks and low mineralized water. In case of constipation one can take salt.

While fasting for 7 days one must stick to low mineralized water, non-carbonated drinks as well as herbal tea. One must avoid alcohol.

Kind of intake to be taken
While on fast one must take an 8-ounce glass of steam distilled water during the day and juices and 2 cups of herbal tea per day. All the juices must be diluted with water adding about 1 part water to 3 parts of juices. Avoid orange and tomato juices and do not take juices with sweeteners or other kinds of additives. These will upset your stomach or cause headaches.

Cabbage and carrot juices are very good. The best form of juice is lemon juice. Add juice of 1 lemon to some warm water. “Green drinks” such celery, grape juice, beet and apple juices are also very good. They are very good detoxifiers. Raw cabbage juice is very good for cancer, colon problems and ulcers. The cabbage juice must be drunk as soon as it is prepared. If it sits too long, it looses out on its vitamin content.

The first meal after the fast must be a small meal. Also, before fasting one must not go on a binge. Cooked foods need to be avoided immediately after the fast as the desired effect of the fast would be negated.

Fasting in different religions
Procedures vary in different religions with regard to fasting Among the Muslims, the holy month of Ramdan is auspicious for fasting. One whole month, the devotees fast throughout the day without taking any water. Only in the early hours of the morning they eat. They break the fast for the day in the evening. They break their fast by eating dates and plenty of fruits.

Among the Hindus, Shivaratri is an auspicious day for fasting. Many women fast the whole day. In fact, on other occasions also they fast. Many unmarried girls fast in praise of Jai Santhoshi Maa to secure a good husband or wives fast in praise of her to protect their husbands from any evil. Karva Chauth fast is very popular in the North of India, when married Hindu women keep fasts in order to ensure long life for their husbands. After seeing the moon in water they break the fast.

Fasting should not be done in light heart manner. One must do it according to prescribed procedures as it may affect one’s health. It is very therapeutic in nature and makes one feel rejuvenated.

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How to Break Your Fast?

Posted on September 2, 2009 in Fasting

Fasting is done for religious as well dietary reasons. It is therapeutic in nature. One has to of course follow certain guideline while fasting. It is not just question of staying away from food. One has to be careful of what one has before the fast, during the fast and after the fast.

Fasting involves refraining from food. It is a difficult task indeed. After all, the temptation to eat is there. It requires a lot of will power. No doubt, one may make a success of it, but the problem arises when one tends to eat more before fasting and do the same after fasting.

Many people have a heavy dinner the night before as they feel they will be fasting the next day and not eating anything throughout the day. This “heavy meal” proves to be heavy on the digestive system, with the food remaining in the stomach throughout the night. Similarly, after fasting many go on binge as they feel they have been deprived of food throughout the previous day or throughout the day. Those who keep a fast throughout the day tend to have a heavy dinner at night. This also proves to be heavy on the digestive system.

Naturally, the question that rises in our minds is what should we eat after breaking a fast? In other words, how should one break a fast? Here are a few tips:

Steps for breaking longer Fasts:

Have one special meal for every five days you fast.
Do not have a heavy meal immediately after breaking a fast.
The special diet should consist of dead fruit juices or perhaps herbal teas. In other words juices which one has bottled or heated to kill enzymes. The enzymes in fresh juices shock the digestive system. Fresh juices that are bottled are pasteurized and the enzymes are deactivated.
Take pure fruit juice which does not contain any sugar.
One should try to squeeze the juice by oneself and then heat it up. Simmer the contents for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature and then let it cool down.
Grape fruits and acid fruits are the best to have.

Steps for breaking shorter Fast:
In the case of shorter fasts, the bacteria does not get destroyed or the digestive system does not get shut down.

One meal consisting of fresh fruit each day of the fast. In case, one fast for three days, then the first three meals should consist of fresh fruit.
One day fast should be broken with fresh fruit.

Other Steps to Follow to Break Fast:

One can take plain yoghurt after fresh juices. Yogurt has “good bacteria” which helps in restoring the intestinal flora.
One can break a juice fast by eating small amounts of raw vegetables and fruits for the initial five to about six days helps the digestive system to “waken” up.
Do not over load the digestive system with food as it causes sluggishness, apathy and depression.
Eat when you are hungry.
On the initial day immediately after the fast, one can eat a piece of fruit in the morning. After that one can take a bowl consisting of raw vegetables for lunch.
On the second day one can have soaked figs or prunes for breakfast. For lunch one can have a small bowl consisting of vegetable salad, which is fresh. For dinner one can have some vegetable soup without salt. In between meals one can have perhaps two apples or fruit salad. This can be had in addition to fresh juices as well as broths.
On the third day one can have the same menu as the second day. The only addition is some raisins or dates.
On the fourth day you can come back to your chosen diet. Only one should have small meals, chew the food properly and eat when one is hungry.

Fasting is good for health as it restores the digestive system. One has to follow certain guidelines while fasting. One needs to eat right before and after fasting.

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Top 5 Types of Diet while Fasting

Posted on August 31, 2009 in Fasting

Fasting is good for health. It rejuvenates the body and promotes a sense of well-being. People diet for religious as well as health reasons. The digestive system is provided some relief, while one is fasting.

Fasting promotes will-power to resist food. Those who want to lose weight will benefit from fasting as they will learn to control their intake of food.

What diet one should follow while fasting?

Types of Diet while Fasting
Generally, people fasting on a purely liquid diet or have fruits as well as liquids. The most popular forms of diet while fasting are :

Water Fasting - Water fasting is good as it gets rid of toxins in the body and cleanses the body system. A person who is fasting remains on water diet. throughout the day. He refrains from taking substances.

Juice Fasting - People avoid taking solids and drink plenty of juices.

Lemonade Fasting - This is a very good way of cleansing the body of toxins. It cleanses the digestive tract. Lemonade fasting is meant to remove the toxins formed due to lack of proper body exercise and proper diet.

Detox Diet - This diet consists of plenty of vegetables and fruits. One should avoid grapefruit as its enzymes obstruct the proper functioning of the enzymes of the liver.

Fruit Diet - Some people take fruits only while on diet, They also drink liquids, but avoid solid foods. This is is also good as the body intake of fruits is met.

Diet plays an important role while fasting. It improves the functioning of the body systems and promotes health.

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How Many People Die a Year from Heart Disease?

Posted on July 8, 2009 in Heart Disease

Heart disease is a major cause of death among Americans and world over. Stress, fast foods and modern living styles negatively impact a person’s health. Stress causes heart disease and obesity which is caused due to bad food habits is a major cause to cardiovascular diseases and other heart problems.

Exercise, relaxation and keeping a positive attitude helps one reduce the chances of developing heart disease. Let us have a look how heart disease affects people:

How many deaths occur due to heart disease?

A person’s death occurs every 34 seconds due to heart disease in the United States.
In the US a person dies of heart attack every 20 seconds.
About 2,500 American die due to heart attacks.
Around 250,000 die due to heart attack before they reach a hospital in the US.
Those below the average level of education suffer from heart attacks more.
The following countries are known for higher death rates due to heart disease. Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and the Soviet Union.
About 6 million hospitalizations take place each year in the US on account of cardiovascular disease.
Every 33 seconds a death occurs due to cardiovascular disease in the US.
Since 1900 onwards, the number 1 killer has been cardiovascular disease in the US except 1918.
Men tend to suffer heart attacks 10 years earlier in life as compared to women.
Over 1,000 individuals die of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) in the US. Most of them are either of middle age or are elderly people.
About 4 % of sudden cardiac death go unexplained. After all, results from postmortem indicate normal heart functioning before death.
A new study conducted by American and British scientists highlights the fact that many young women are dying due to heart disease.
In the UK about 101,000 deaths occur due to coronary heart disease.
By 2010 heart disease will affect the lives of 40 million Americans of the age 65 years and above.
Nearly 28% of adult Americans have two or more heart disease risk factors. It is up by 24 % since 1991.

Thus, heart disease is a major health problem affecting many Americans as well as those living in other parts of the world. Several deaths are occurring due to it. A healthy lifestyle can prevent such deaths.

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10 Major Effects of Heart Disease on the Body

Posted on July 5, 2009 in Heart Disease

Heart disease can lead to death of an individual. The heart supplies blood to the all the parts of the body. Through the blood flow, oxygen and various nutrients are supplied to various organs of the body. Any disruption of this flows leads to failure in the functioning of various organs.

Heart is the central organ of our body. The moment it ceases to function, we die. It is an important muscle of the body. Stress, bad food habits, modern living styles apply pressure on the functioning of the heart and causes several heart diseases, that can prove to be fatal.

What effects does heart disease have on the body?

The person affected by heart disease becomes physically inactive and suffers from constant fatigue.
Disease of the heart can lead to failure in the functioning of various organs such as liver, kidney as well as the intestines etc.
Blood pressure fluctuates and one suffers from either high blood pressure or low blood pressure.
Those suffering from congenital heart disease are faced with death due to heart attack. Oxygen supply may not be there to the brain.
Plaque formation on the arterial walls causes coronary heart disease. The blood vessels get blocked causing damage to various organs of the body.
Peripheral vascular disease is due to blocked arteries in the arms and legs. It presents the mobility of the arms and legs, causing physical disability.
Strokes can incapacitate a person or even cause death.
A woman with congenital heart disease can consider pregnancy but has to undergo tests and evaluation to understand the risk factors involved. There is risk of fetal or maternal death
Heart disease can cause depression in a person.
A person suffering from heart disease undergoes tremendous physical and mental stress.

Exercise, balanced diet and lifestyles, which are less stressful, can, prevent heart disease.

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10 Valuable Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

Posted on July 3, 2009 in Heart Disease

Heart muscle is the central part of our body functioning. If it stops then we cease to exist. In the U.S., many young people are also suffering from heart disease along with the elderly. Many deaths occur due to heart disease. It is the number 1 killer in the US. Naturally, effort needs to be made to prevent heart disease.

There are different types of heart disease such as coronary, atherosclerosis, rheumatic, angina, myocarditis, congential, arrhtthamia etc. Heart disease can occur due to congenital defects, high blood pressure, narrowing of the artery walls. etc. Keeping the heart in good shape is very essential. How is this possible?

How can heart disease be prevented

Proper diet. One must take balanced diet. One should avoid foods that are high in fat content. Have a diet that is low in salt.
Keep a control on one’s weight. Obesity is major factor for heart disease. Being over- weight is not good for health.
Exercise is very essential to keep the body fit. Swimming, walking, bicycling and other physical activities. Walking is a good cardiovascular exercise.
Avoid stress. One must not strain oneself too much physically or mentally. Also one should get rid of worries and tensions.
Positive attitude keeps the blood pressure under check. A general well-being prevails and stress level comes down.
One must quit smoking.
One must relax. Listening to music, reading one’s favorite novel, taking part in extra-curricular activities keeps the mind relaxed.
Medication can prevent or control heart disease, such as aspirin.
Lowering of bad cholesterol with drugs such as statins.
Beta blockers, a type of medication can prevent heart attacks.

Keeping fit both mentally and physically can prevent heart disease. One needs to make necessary changes in one’s lifestyles so in order to avoid stress. Proper diet and sufficient rest can prevent heart disease.

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Women’s Symptoms for Heart Disease

Posted on July 2, 2009 in Heart Disease

Heart disease is on the increase among young men and women in the US as well as among those above 65 years of age. Obesity, lack of exercise, improper diet, stress are factors often held for heart disease in both the sexes. Women are also vulnerable to heart disease. Cardiovascular disease amounts to about 43% of death among women. Despite this, women do not consider heart disease as a major health risk.

Since women are also prone to heart disease, it is advisable for them to understand the symptoms of heart disease that afflicts them.

What are the symptoms of heart disease among women?
Menopause places women at risk of heart disease. Prior to menopause, the estrogen, a female hormone protects the heart by maintaining sufficient levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which protects the cardiovascular system. Estrogen also relaxes the artery muscles.

Symptoms of heart attack:

Unusual fatigue.
Sleep disturbances.
Indigestion.
Shortness of breath.
Anxiety.
Chest pain.
Discomfort.
Dizziness.
Cold sweat.
Irregular heart beat.
Discomfort or pain in either one arm or in both arms.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Angina.
Burning or hot sensation.
Tenderness while touching.
Nausea
Vomiting.
Shortness of breath.
Extreme fatigue.
Tingling.

Chronic Angina

Aching.
Burning.
Sharp pain.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Severe leg pain.
Increased fatigue.

Women need to take the health symptoms of heart disease seriously. If a woman suffers from any of these symptoms she needs to consult a doctor immediately.

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10 Personality Types that impact Heart Disease

Posted on July 1, 2009 in Heart Disease

Personality plays a major role in the development of heart disease. A person’ nature affects his or bodily system and heart is no exception to this. Stress, mental tensions and physical over exertion happens to be a strain on the heart. Highly stressed people are more prone to heart disease as compared to those who take life more easily. Let us see how personalities have an effect on the heart.

Impact of different personalities on heart

A relaxed personality generally is not all that prone to heart disease. He or she takes life easy.
An impatient and over ambitious personality can develop heart disease. Competition in work place in modern times is causing much stress. People are competing hard to reach top positions. It is telling on their system. Heart disease is quite a common occurrence among stressed people.
Those who get angry and flare up easily are also prone to heart disease. Short tempered people, whose tolerance levels are low generally are more susceptible to heart disease. Blood pressure of such people shoots up causing much pressure on the heart.
Amiable and friendly people maintain good health as their blood pressure remains at comfortable levels. They are happy people, well-adjusted with themselves.
People who are suspicious and hostile of others have higher levels of blood pressure.
Physically and mentally active people are also less prone to heart disease. Taking part in sports, playing games, going for walks, swimming and so on and so forth keeps one physically fit. Hobbies, extra-curricular activities keep the mind alive and alert. A healthy mind and body keeps one away from disease.
Personalities which can withstand pressures of life are also less prone to heart disease.
A frank and outspoken person has less problems with his or her blood pressure levels. He or she is candid and open about his or feelings. Those with suppressed feelings usually have higher levels of blood pressure.
Those who can understand and appreciate others problems and feelings lead a healthier life. They are comfortable with themselves and can help those who are in trouble. They are caring and loving personalities who are liked by all and receive love and affection from others. They face less blood pressure fluctuations.
Introverted personalities are also prone to heart disease as they tend to hide their feelings and remain aloof. They are not very sociable.

One’s nature determines one’s health condition. An easygoing and relaxed person leads a healthier life as compared to one who finds life difficult to handle.

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What is the Definition of Cardiovascular Health?

Posted on June 24, 2009 in Heart Disease

Cardiovascular health refers to health of the heart as well as the blood vessels. It is important to have proper blood supply to various organs to maintain good health. Heart is the muscle which pumps blood to various organs. If there is any damage to the heart, then other organs also get affected. In case the heart muscle fails to function, then we die.

The heart needs to be well preserved at all times. Proper exercise, healthy habits and positive thinking help to us to maintain healthy lifestyles, which in turn will maintain proper functioning of the heart as well as the entire body.

Main diseases of cardiovascular health problem:

Stroke.
Coronary heart disease.
Heart failure.
Peripheral vascular disease.

Casual mechanism of cardiovascular disease:
The main casual mechanism of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis, which is caused due to excessive buildup of cholesterol, fats and other substances in the inner lining of the arteries. This build up of fats becomes serious when it blocks the blood supply to the heart (which causes angina or heart attack) or the brain causing a stroke).

Death toll caused by cardiovascular diseases:
Many people die of cardiovascular diseases. More Americans die of it rather than of cancer. Other countries in the world are also faced with this health problem. Bad food habits, hectic lifestyles due to modernization and obesity are some of the causes for this health condition. Smoking is also a major cause of heart disease.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease:

One must exercise a lot.
Eat right. It is necessary to avoid fatty foods and too much salt.
Keep one’s weight under control.
Control stress levels.
Positive thinking.
Relax.

Treatment of cardiovascular diseases:

Medication is prescribed by physician to control the disease.
Surgery is performed in serious cases.

Cardiovascular disease can lead to death eventually. One has to be careful. Of course, it is reversible and can be treated.

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What foods should I avoid to prevent heart disease?

Posted on June 23, 2009 in Heart Disease

One has to be careful about one’s diet in order to prevent heart disease. One should eat carefully. It would be better if one consulted a dietician. One needs to keep a check on one’s calories.

Obesity can cause heart disease. Being over weight is not only aesthetically ugly to look at but health wise also it is not advisable. The only way one can control one’s weight is to eat right, and avoid foods that contain more fats. Diet and exercise are essential to keep normal weight.

To avoid heart disease, one needs to be aware about the foods that can prove harmful to the heart. Let us have a look at them.

Foods that need to be avoided to prevent heart disease

Whole milk.
Meats with less fat.
Red meat.
Sugar.
Hydrogenated oils such as stick margarine
Animal fat foods such as cheese, sauces.
Hot dogs, Hamburgers.
Ice Cream.
Salt in case you have high blood pressure.
High fat foods such as chips.
Pies, pastries and cookies.
Butter.
Bacon.
Lard.
Gravy.
Cream Sauce.
Cocoa Butter found in chocolates.
Cotton seeds.
Gravy
Nondairy creamers.

Overeating and junk foods can cause much damage to the heart. Being over-weight means the heart has to pump blood harder. Shedding some pounds can make heart functioning smoother. One must avoid fatty foods to keep a check on calories. Proper diet would mean less susceptibility to heart disease.

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15 Effective Benefits of Juice Fasting

Posted on April 27, 2009 in Fasting

Juice fasting is a good detoxification process that occurs while fasting. Fresh fruit juice has a lot of nutrients, which are good for health. It is beneficial in many health conditions as it is full of required vitamins and minerals.

Certain metabolic changes take place that affect our body system on the spiritual, mental and emotional level when we go on juice fasting. It helps us in self-reflection. Apart from that it also has therapeutic effect. Many patients take juices for recuperation, and naturally the intake of juice is very good for the body system.

Juice fasting has several benefits and it is worth the try.

Benefits of Juice Fasting

Body system is rejuvenated again.
It gives relief to the digestive system.
Prevents ketosis (disrupting of carbohydrate metabolism while responding to starvation) by providing our bodies with simple carbohydrates which are used by the body system for energy and nutritional development.
Helps in the elimination of toxins by the breaking up of chemicals that are circulating or are stored within the body.
Regeneration of liver health condition.
Kidneys, lungs, colon, and blood are able to throw out toxins and waste products.
Heals the body.
Helps in drug detoxification.
Anti-aging.
Restful sleep.
Sharper and clearer mind.
Mental clarity.
Purification.
Beautifies skin.
Reduces allergies.

Juice fasting is very refreshing for the body and mind. It helps in the healing process and is highly recommended to those recuperating from illnesses.

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Procedure Followed While Fasting

How to Break Your Fast?

Top 5 Types of Diet while Fasting

How Many People Die a Year from Heart Disease?

10 Major Effects of Heart Disease on the Body

10 Valuable Tips to Prevent Heart Disease

Women’s Symptoms for Heart Disease

10 Personality Types that impact Heart Disease

What is the Definition of Cardiovascular Health?

What foods should I avoid to prevent heart disease?

15 Effective Benefits of Juice Fasting

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