When approached with intention, fasting becomes a tool for renewal, balance, and vitality. In this class, Dr. Jana Schmidt will help you uncover the strategies that make fasting not just achievable, but truly transformative.

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Fasting has been a powerful practice for thousands of years, offering spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. In a recent class, GoldCare’s Wellness Director and naturopath, Dr. Jana Schmidt, shared valuable insights into various fasting methods, building upon Dr. John's earlier session on water fasting.

Why Fast? The Benefits Unveiled

Fasting has a rich history, with even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, advocating its use for healing. Jana highlighted a range of benefits, including:

• Spiritual growth and a deeper prayer life
• Improved mental clarity and cognitive function
• Better sleep and support for healthy aging
• Enhanced senses, including taste and hearing
• Strengthened immune system and more energy
• Increased creativity, stress reduction, and relaxation
• Balanced gut health, which can reset taste buds to prefer healthier foods
• Support for weight management, skin health, and metabolic restoration

Fasting in a Spiritual Context

Jana also touched on the spiritual significance of fasting, referencing Biblical examples such as Moses, Jesus, and Esther. She emphasized the importance of a private and humble approach to fasting, as advised in Matthew, ensuring that the focus remains personal and spiritually enriching.

Understanding Autophagy

One of the critical processes activated by fasting is autophagy, where the body breaks down and recycles damaged cellular components. This 'cellular housekeeping' begins as early as 24 hours into a fast and can support increased energy and overall wellness.

Different Types of Fasting

Jana outlined several fasting methods, each offering unique benefits and suited to different lifestyles and health needs:

1. Intermittent Fasting

This method involves eating within a specific time window each day. A popular approach is the 16:8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. Benefits include improved mental clarity, heart health, blood pressure management, and support for type 2 diabetes.

2. Daniel Fast

A partial fast inspired by the Biblical story of Daniel, focusing on a vegan diet for 10 to 21 days. It involves eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes while avoiding animal products, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.

3. Juice Fasting

A diet of fresh, organic juices gives the digestive system a break and can restore alkalinity. Some people experience immediate benefits like increased energy, while others might feel detox symptoms such as nausea or headaches.

4. Once-a-Week (Monk) Fasting

Fasting for 24 hours once a week can enhance metabolic health, support weight loss, and promote cellular repair. Often combined with prayer, this practice can deepen spiritual experiences.

Practical Tips for a Successful Fast

• Set realistic goals and start small
• Assess how you feel daily and be prepared to adjust as needed
• Break the fast gradually, avoiding large, heavy meals
• Prepare for the fast with a liver or digestive cleanse to reduce detox symptoms

Jana's Favorite Cleanses and Detoxes

Jana recommended specific practices to enhance fasting benefits, including:

• Liver Cleanse: A simple shot of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and cayenne pepper
• Digestive Cleanse: Psyllium husk and liquid bentonite clay to clear toxins
• Heavy Metal and Parasite Cleanses: Using products like Paratrex by Global Healing
• Supportive Practices: Ionic foot baths, infrared sauna sessions, and grounding techniques

Choosing the Right Fast for You

Jana stressed that fasting is not for everyone. Those under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with type 1 diabetes should seek professional guidance. GoldCare's wellness providers can help develop personalized fasting plans.

Conclusion

Fasting can transform not only your physical health but also your mental and spiritual well-being. By choosing a method that aligns with your lifestyle and taking a thoughtful approach to preparation and execution, fasting can become a powerful tool for holistic health.