Health Benefits of Fasting

There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body. This paper will look at the arguments presented by these healers in an attempt to raise awareness of the possible physiological benefits that may result from fasting.

Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving.

The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid", and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy." The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.

Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin." This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally. These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat.

When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each.

A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs. This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds. Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.

In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided. Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production.

Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expec-tancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition." A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years."

In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years.

The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements.

The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy. 

How to Eat Fruits

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. 

It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! 

FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, 

supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities. 

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.

Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. 

The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, 

but it is prevented from doing so. 

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. 

The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, 

the entire mass of food begins to spoil....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! 

You have heard people complaining — every time I eat watermelon I burp, 

when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, 

when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc — 

actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. 

The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat! 

Greying hair, balding, nervous outburst and dark circles under the eyes

all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight. 

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. 

Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. 

Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. 

You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins. 

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. 

If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, 

because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. 

You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. 

Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days 

and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look! 

KIWI:

Tiny but mighty. 

This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. 

Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange. 

APPLE: 

An apple a day keeps the doctor away? 

Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, 

it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C 

thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke. 

STRAWBERRY: 

Protective Fruit. 

Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power 

among major fruits & protect the body from 

cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals. 

ORANGE :

Sweetest medicine. 

Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, 

prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer. 

WATERMELON:

Coolest thirst quencher. 

Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, 

which helps boost our immune system. 

They are also a key source of lycopene — the cancer fighting oxidant. 

Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium. 

GUAVA & PAPAYA:

Top awards for vitamin C. 

They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. 

Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. 

Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes. 

*

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! 

Can u believe this?? 

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. 

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. 

However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. 

It will slow down the digestion. 

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, 

it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. 

It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. 

It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. 

A serious note about heart attacks 

HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) 

Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. 

Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. 

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. 

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 

Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. 

Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. 

Let's be careful and be aware. 

The more we know the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, 

you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

Urine Therapy for Health

I haverecently heard of this ancient natural cure for almost every disease and it sounds rather odd. It’s called Uropathy which involves drinking your own urine for health benefits.

Just when I think I’ve heard it all I hear this. There several books about this healing process one is done by author Martha Christy titled “Your Own Perfect Medicine”. This therapy has been around for over 5,000 years. They use urine for healing cancer, heart disease, allergies, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, asthma, infertility, infections, wounds and on and on. Urine is a by-product of blood filtration, not waste filtration. Medically it is referred to as “plasma ultrafiltrate”. Nutrient-filled blood passes through the liver where toxins are removed to be excreted as solid waste. Eventually, this purified “clean” blood undergoes a filtering process in the kidneys, where excess water, salts, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antibodies, urea, uric acid and other elements not usable at that time by the body are collected in the form of a purified, sterile, watery solution that is urine.

What can drinking your own urine actually do you might ask? When urine is taken back in the chemicals and nutrients in it act as natural vaccines, antibacterial, antiviral and anti carcinogenic agents as well as hormone balances and allergy relievers. Multiple sclerosis, colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hepatitis, hyperactivity, pancreatic insufficiency, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, herpes, mononucleosis, adrenal failure, allergies and so many other ailments have been relieved through use of this therapy.

But with such a taboo process it’s clear why many people don’t discuss nor use this alternative therapy for results. I guess it all depends on this one question. What would you do to cure your current illness or ailment?

So, how exactly do you drink your own urine? Well, the middle stream of fresh, warm, morning urine is the most potent, and drinking it mixed with freshly squeezed orange juice is probably the fastest way to accomplish this task, although it is best not to mix urine with other foods or drinks or to take it within an hour before or after eating.

Oral drops of fresh urine can be placed directly under the tongue. Urine therapists suggest their patients start with 5 drops of fresh morning urine on the first day, increase to 5 or 10 drops on the second day, and take 10 drops on the morning of the third day and the same amount that evening before going to bed.Self-urine may be used as eye drops and ear drops, in foot baths and even as effective enemas. Nose drops can help loosen mucus and clear up blocked nasal passages. Gargling with it is helpful for a sore throat, and inhaling it relieves sinus and respiratory congestion. Taken internally, it has a laxative and diuretic effect, as it cleanses the digestive tract. They also suggest it as an excellent cosmetic for moisturizing and healing skin blemishes, burns and scar tissue. However, for this usage, it is preferable to use urine that is 4 – 8 days old. The smell of ammonia in the old urine is not toxic but actually beneficial if used topically only, and not taken internally.

Who knew that drinking your urine could actually be good for you. There are so many unknown elements when it comes to our bodies and health. How far would you go to just feel better? This could be a new option.

way to Live Longer

Ever since I was a child,I have always been creating thoughts from observation made and finding time to ponder on those thoughts until I get some satisfactory answers.

One of my most disturbing thoughts makes me ask these questions:Why do people of old live longer than those of our present generation?,Why do you hear of oldmen who “sleep in the lord”when dead while the usual case for a fifty or even forty-year-old man is he died of brief illness or fatal accident?,Why is it that in those days one can live as long as nine hundred(900) years while today nobody reaches three hundred years of age?

I have given it a lot of thoughts and I have come to realise that we humans contribute immersely to our shorter life span.Think about it,in those days there was nothing like automobiles,combustion engines e.t.c that releases pollutants like carbonmonoxide(CO), sulphur(IV)oxide gases to the atmosphere which when taken in every minute we breathe our air,causes slight or sometimes severe damages to the various parts of our body both internally and externally.

Modern drugs treat people’s illnesses but they always come with various side effects.In those days,these same illnesses could be treated with herbal medication with very little

or no side effects.

The advent of electricity and communication technology is not left out in this.If you mistakenly mishandle a working electrical gadget or a high tension wire with electricity flowing through it,you get shocked and you might die in the process.Do you know that your mobile phone emit radiation that can be harmful to you when making or receiveing phone calls.People of old didn’t need to go through all that which made them live longer. Shortage of time and space will not allow me to give details or even list these harzards because the list is endless.(oh! I forgot to mention nuclear energy disaster).

Now that you know these things or they have been brought to your mind,dont you think you need to have a rethink of some of the daily activities you do that might hamper long life.Minding the way you use your cell phone,I think,is a good idea because prolonging your life is a good idea.You should not just say because you have a lot of business calls,you use the phone anyhow.Afterall “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul”-Jesus.One should always try to avoid contact with pollutants in the air trying not to breathe in any of those dangerous gases.The most efficient way of ensuring longevity is to take care of your health.There are various methods of maintaining very good health conditions.For instance ,waking up in the morning to have a nice glass of lime juice(on empty stomach of course) and go exercise.This works because lime contains citric acid which deactives those disease causing organisms in the body when they are not feeding ,hence the need to drink on empty stomach.Dieting is not left out in this.Avoiding red wine or meat,cholestro and other organically altered foods and drinks.It pays to always depend on natural foods that are cooked in ordinary ways.A very important point I want to talk about is we should try to reduce our over dependence on on modern medicine because of their side effects but focus on the use of herbs.Yes herbs.Do you know that some of the illnesses you complain about everyday can be cured perfectly with simple herbs?.Dont believe me then try this:I know that you depend on always for your frequent headaches despite its side effects,well add a level table spoon of salt to coconut juice,a quantity that come from three coconut ,drink all at once and see yourself getting in next few minutes.Are you having any type of pain?.Just sqeeze some paw-paw leaves with some water and filter it.Take one shot twice daily (morning and night) until the pain is gone.There are many illnesses that can be cured with herbs.May be in my next article I will talk about some of them.

Vegetables of Spring

Flavors and health benefits

Asparagus, peas, beans, artichokes ... early vegetables are easy to cook and rich in fiber and vitamins. Recipes to enjoy!

The heyday announce the arrival of spring vegetables. It's time to enjoy their delicate flavors, but also their nutritional values. Here are some easy recipes to make meals to give a note of spring.

Asparagus: A true vegetable thinness
With 25 calories per 100 grams, the asparagus should be in the spring menus to find the line before step swimsuit! Its low calorie count is not her only asset, it is a source of various minerals (magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium) but low in sodium, making it a food diuretic that stimulates the activity of the kidneys. It is ideal as part of a detox treatment.

It should be eaten soon after purchase as it dehydrates quickly. It is kept in a cool, wrapped in a damp cloth to preserve its freshness up to 24 hours to enjoy all its benefits.

She cooked, preferably with steam to maintain its mineral wealth. It can be accompanied by a light sauce.

Recipe: fried green asparagus with parmesan
Cook the asparagus for 3 minutes in boiling salted water and sauté 2-3 minutes in olive oil over high heat, stirring regularly. Add pine nuts and parmesan and cook for 1 more minute and serve with Parmesan shavings.


The Artichoke: An excellent purifying
It drains the liver and gallbladder and cleanses the digestive system. It is also rich in minerals and low in calories.

It will keep 2-3 days in the crisper of the refrigerator. Small purple, meanwhile, should be eaten, preferably on the day of purchase.

Small purple are delicious stew prepared with tomatoes, white wine and herbs. The largest are eaten boiled or steamed with a sauce or dressing, lighter, a mustard sauce and chive cream cheese.

Recipes for artichokes

The bean: source of protein
It is interesting for its protein intake (5 g / 100 g) and fiber. But it also provides complex carbohydrates, carotenes and vitamin C.

Still in its shell, it keeps up to 4 days refrigerated.

It is excellent raw with salted butter and bread but you can also enjoy simmered with onions and parsley.

Recipe for baked beans, fresh

The sugar snap peas: delicate and tender
Even if, in fact, a pea picked before maturity, it is two times less calories than the pea (only 40 kcal per 100 g). However, it is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, minerals and fiber making it a good food bowel. Finally, it is also richer in protein than other vegetables.

We must choose a bright green, it must be crisp. it will keep 2 to 3 days protected by plastic wrap.

It can be eaten very simply steamed with just a dab of butter. But it also lends itself to Fried, risottos, alone or mixed with other spring vegetables.

Physical Effects Overeating

Say you're full after a meal is not just a metaphor, when you eat too much at once you are stretching your stomach beyond its normal capacity. When you sit down to eat, your stomach is the size of a fist. So look before you eat the food on your plate, and compare it with the size of your fist, then feet like the food that enters your stomach, if excessive, it expands like a balloon.

Extending the capacity of your stomach repeatedly through overeating not only causes considerable discomfort, but long-term commitment to your health. If you recognize any of these symptoms, you're probably eating too much at one sitting:

- Running out of breath after eating. Eating fast and much causes the stomach to distend, forcing him to go against the diaphragm and lungs. Your stomach can expand more than three times its size after a large meal, causing difficulty breathing until your stomach starts to shrink.

- Nausea. When you eat a lot, not all the food goes quickly into the stomach. This causes a kind of stuck in the esophagus and its consequence are those feelings of discomfort and nausea, less than ideal to finish a delicious meal.

- Acidity. Eating too much at once difficult for the valve on your stomach from closing properly, causing digestive fluids go into your esophagus and causing reflux. This condition causes severe discomfort, if it happens regularly it could damage the delicate tissue around the esophagus, in some cases this can lead to esophageal cancer.

- Eat food. It is common to feel sleepy after a big meal. While this is partly due to brain chemistry, the food coma is directly related to energy expenditure needed to digest food overdose. The stomach and intestines are forced to process and distribute all the nutrients they are receiving, this causes a large expenditure of energy that leaves the rest of your system in a state as eager to go to sleep.

It can be tempting sometimes eat a lot, especially at family parties or special occasions, but a little common sense can help you overcome and avoid all the symptoms mentioned above. Try drinking a glass of water before eating, so you feel full before and without causing the side effects of which we speak. And test your normal day to five or six small meals every three to four hours instead of two dishes fill three times a day.

With your ideal body there is a healthy and safe alternative to use the science of nutrition in your favor to achieve the changes you desire in your body permanently.