Juice Fasting anyone?

[Aquila]

Hi Aquila,

Sorry to hear this.
Will you share w/ us the fasts that you have done? B/c every fast & cleanse I've ever done have Always yielded positive results. I'm interested to hear about it. If of course you want to share . . . :heart:

I've done water fasts, juice fasts, different tea fasts and cleanses, cabbage soup fasts, apple cider vinegar, protein shakes, etc. At one point I got down to a dangerously low weight (110 at 5'10.) I dealt with disordered eating while trying to improve my sports performance as a teen, and later on in my early to mid 20's due to body dysmorphia.

I've been vegetarian and different types of vegan at different points in my life, mostly after contracting lyme disease and developing an intolerance to beef for a number of years. I've suffered chronic illness my whole life, and in the last few years I've had to drastically change my diet due to transient gastroparisis and currently eat low fiber, low fat. I've lost 70lbs in the last year due to not being able to digest food properly. There hasn't been anything I've been able to do that's improved my health beyond medication, otherwise I'm totally nonfunctional. My level of disability has drastically increased in the last two years, at one point I was bedbound for about 8 months.

I tried fasts to improve my digestive health, but saw no improvement and often suffered increased fatigue and digestive issues, blood sugar issues and serious kidney and galbladder issues.

Well that's awful
I'm so sorry to hear this! Have you seen any holistic docs or nutritionists or just conventional?

Are you saying the Lyme caused your gastroparisis? B/c I've never heard Lyme bacteria effecting the gut only the joints, heart & brain.
How is it now? Were you able to regain the motility in your intestines?

I contracted Lyme in the spring 0f '07. The Lyme bacteria went straight to my heart and reeked havoc w/ my conduction system. I was in complete heart block and after 10 days in the hospital & w/ many attempts, they couldn't reverse the damage. I had to get a pacemaker. It is what it is ....

Lyme caused a temporary allergy to beef, but I've always been allergic to dairy. I contracted it when I was 13, and I'm allergic to most antibiotics so they had trouble treating me. I've had arthritis since then, and I don't know if my heart was affected then, but I had a TIA (transient ischemic attack, aka mini stroke) a few years ago and they discovered a heart valve problem, don't know if I was born with it or it was caused by one of many viral infections I've had over the years.

My digestive issues are likely caused from ongoing nerve damage, including my spine and inflammation. I only started having these issues a few years ago as well, and there hasn't been any substantial improvement. Since it's related to my spine and nerves, it seems to come and go, I might have a day or two once in a while where I'm fine. It's possible that my vagus nerve is affected.

I've seen a variety of doctors and specialists, but my finances are limited. I do see doctors that are affiliated with the major colleges here, University of Penn and Temple.

 

[Scott]

Great topic, I may learn something!!

I began life as a chronic plate-cleaner and was somewhat overweight for the first part of my life, into early adulthood. A roommate changed my life in 1985 by sharing her incredible vegetarian cooking and love of exercise. A switch was flipped and I became a pescatarian, though my ultimate goal is total vegetarianism. I found running and bike riding to be the ticket to higher metabolism while preserving my penchant for chocolate and other sweets! Thankfully I have no aversion to whole grains of any sort and enjoy them greatly.

Never attempted ritual fasting, as my metabolism seems fairly high and skipping nourishment even for a few hours makes me weak, cranky, and miserable. I realize various fasts include nutrients, and recently completed an unwanted "fast" from solid food. Posted this a few weeks ago in a discussion of the flu in the O/T section, but developed pancreatitis and was prescribed a liquid-only diet. Worse, it mandated the worst simple carbs for ease of digestion to "unload" the pancreas. I endured one week drinking salty broths, sugary jello/puddings and felt like crap.

Might try a juice fast, but not anytime soon!

Are you all better now? I remember that thread.

All better, but the results of a diagnostic chest/pelvic CAT scan revealed what I have known for years.... an inguinal hernia on the lower right side of the waist. Now big enough to require surgical repair.... sometime later this month or early next.

 

[Scott]

Lyme caused a temporary allergy to beef, but I've always been allergic to dairy. I contracted it when I was 13, and I'm allergic to most antibiotics so they had trouble treating me. I've had arthritis since then, and I don't know if my heart was affected then, but I had a TIA (transient ischemic attack, aka mini stroke) a few years ago and they discovered a heart valve problem, don't know if I was born with it or it was caused by one of many viral infections I've had over the years.

My digestive issues are likely caused from ongoing nerve damage, including my spine and inflammation. I only started having these issues a few years ago as well, and there hasn't been any substantial improvement. Since it's related to my spine and nerves, it seems to come and go, I might have a day or two once in a while where I'm fine. It's possible that my vagus nerve is affected.

I've seen a variety of doctors and specialists, but my finances are limited. I do see doctors that are affiliated with the major colleges here, University of Penn and Temple.

I hope you have access to a primary doc who can look at your issues in holistic fashion rather than just a gaggle of specialists dedicated to their areas. Are you taking blood thinners because of the suspected TIA and heart valve issues?

 

[Aquila]

Lyme caused a temporary allergy to beef, but I've always been allergic to dairy. I contracted it when I was 13, and I'm allergic to most antibiotics so they had trouble treating me. I've had arthritis since then, and I don't know if my heart was affected then, but I had a TIA (transient ischemic attack, aka mini stroke) a few years ago and they discovered a heart valve problem, don't know if I was born with it or it was caused by one of many viral infections I've had over the years.

My digestive issues are likely caused from ongoing nerve damage, including my spine and inflammation. I only started having these issues a few years ago as well, and there hasn't been any substantial improvement. Since it's related to my spine and nerves, it seems to come and go, I might have a day or two once in a while where I'm fine. It's possible that my vagus nerve is affected.

I've seen a variety of doctors and specialists, but my finances are limited. I do see doctors that are affiliated with the major colleges here, University of Penn and Temple.

I hope you have access to a primary doc who can look at your issues in holistic fashion rather than just a gaggle of specialists dedicated to their areas. Are you taking blood thinners because of the suspected TIA and heart valve issues?

My primary care doctor is an internist with an open mind, we've tried different things but there's really not much that can be done. As for my heart, I was on blood pressure medication for about two years, and have been off it about a year now. You're most at risk for stroke or another TIA within a year of your first, so I should be in the clear for that. My blood pressure is normal (well, normal for me.) The valve issue is one they don't traditionally treat, tricuspid valve, but it does cause some chest pain and almost a jumpy feeling in my chest every once in a while, but function and structure look good beyond that. It's mostly just something to monitor, though it's possible there might be a small abnormality with the mitral valve as well, because a lot of the people in my family have that, including my mother.

 

[Kiwibird]

Soy is manna for vegetarians/vegans because it is cheap, ubiquitous, and protein rich. Unfortunately the hormonal aspects can be problematic. In my case, a genetic mutation causing an overabundance of the clotting factor Prothrombin can be exacerbated by consuming phytoestrogens present in soy. Per my hematologist, soy should be consumed very sparingly. I periodically "cheat" with Chinese food and Gardein Holiday Roast at Thanksgiving! I survived!!

That's interesting. I know soy can effect hormones but I would have never guessed it could exacerbate blood problems too.

It's always made me so annoyed that I'm not outright allergic to soy, it's not necessarily an unhealthy thing but I still can't eat much of it. I am fortunate that I have no issues with wheat products, so I can eat seitan but I typically have to make that myself since wheat has been thoroughly demonized in recent years and stores stock far fewer gluten based "fake meat" products than soy. It is also not nearly as versatile as TVP when it comes to making different types of substitutions at home either.

Great topic, I may learn something!!


Never attempted ritual fasting, as my metabolism seems fairly high and skipping nourishment even for a few hours makes me weak, cranky, and miserable. I realize various fasts include nutrients, and recently completed an unwanted "fast" from solid food. Posted this a few weeks ago in a discussion of the flu in the O/T section, but developed pancreatitis and was prescribed a liquid-only diet. Worse, it mandated the worst simple carbs for ease of digestion to "unload" the pancreas. I endured one week drinking salty broths, sugary jello/puddings and felt like crap.

Might try a juice fast, but not anytime soon!

I did not see that but I hope you've fully recovered! I feel your pain having to eat hospital garbage for a week Why hospitals like to give jello to ill people is beyond me. It has no real nutritional value, lots of processed sugar and is about the most un-appetizing texture for a "food" out there. Blech. TBH, I think most doctors need to take a remedial nutrition course as they always seem to have dietary "advice" contrary to logic and plain old common sense.

Last time I had the flu was when that 'swine flu' the media was in an uproar about was going around. My fever never got above the low 103s, so I never went to a doctor or felt the need to take OTC medication, but it wiped me out for 3 days and the cough lasted a over a week after that. Melons were all I ate for the first few days after my fever broke. For some unknown reason, when I get sick, melons are the only thing I can eat, especially honeydew and cantaloupe.

 

[Kiwibird]

As I am definitely feeling better and more energized, I've decided to continue for another week and possibly through the end of the month (if I don't loose too much weight). Probably going to add in smoothies and raw soups this week to get some fiber back in me but also to continue with easier than normal to digest 'liquids'. More of a juice feast than fast from here on out.

 

[LordTriggs]

good to hear it's working for you

unfortunately working in an office in the construction industry makes willpower regarding food a powerful commodity. Especially on fridays when everyone gets take-out. I think I would probably end up breaking partway through monday if I went fasting!

 

[Kiwibird]

good to hear it's working for you

unfortunately working in an office in the construction industry makes willpower regarding food a powerful commodity. Especially on fridays when everyone gets take-out. I think I would probably end up breaking partway through monday if I went fasting!

Willpower is a valuable (and difficult!) skill to develop. My husband is not quite as healthy of an eater as I am and maybe once a week will order food off Grubhub or go to the food carts. I almost never get anything myself, but I totally get how hard it is to see someone eating something a lot more tasty looking than what you're eating

If you're interested in trying a juice fast, why not do one of the 2 or 3 day plans instead of a whole week? Knowing you can do a couple days may give you the willpower to try for longer in the future!

 

[SilverSage]

I have to say, having my “internet flock” to chat with makes fasting easier.


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[Kiwibird]

I have to say, having my “internet flock” to chat with makes fasting easier.


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How is your fast going? Have you finished yet?

 

[SilverSage]

I actually ended up cutting it short at 3 days due to some family issues but that’s part of what I love about fasting; it fits around my life instead of my life having to fit around fasting. I’m doing 24 hours at a time right now and it really helps with a lot of symptoms.


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[Kiwibird]

I actually ended up cutting it short at 3 days due to some family issues but that’s part of what I love about fasting; it fits around my life instead of my life having to fit around fasting. I’m doing 24 hours at a time right now and it really helps with a lot of symptoms.


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Curious- in my research, I found it is important to re-introduce solid foods gradually after a fast over a couple days. When unscheduled life happens, how do you transition back so quickly?

 

[Kiwibird]

Feels strange drinking a smoothie this AM! Much more filling than 'normal'.

 

[SilverSage]

For me anything under about 4-5 days doesn’t cause a problem just eating again as long as what I’m eating isn’t grain, refined sugar, or alcohol. When I go longer than that, I start with a light broth and give my system time to adjust but it’s usually shorter fasts for me.


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[Kiwibird]

Now heading into my 3rd week of juice fasting (or maybe considered juice "feasting" since I've added smoothies?). Still feeling really good. I think I'll do it next week and then I'll have done a full month I really thought a week would be hard, can't believe I'm on track to a month and it was easy!

 

[Soyajam]

I skipped the middle of this thread (so if I'm making incorrect assumptions about the details I apologize)

I tried a juice fast a few years ago, but it just didn't work for me. My insulin and blood sugar was like a rollercoaster and as soon as something stressful hit, I was into a bowl of pasta like Scrooge McDuck into a room full of coins.

I've found that I can only successfully work on my diet when I'm in good mental health. That is a pre-requisite and when it's not met I find I always flop after 2-3 weeks.
(Side note: I'm actually going to see a counselor to get to the bottom of that concept. I think that if I can figure out why my willpower is linked to my mental state I might be able to make my choice of food stick permanently!)

When I am ready though, I use an "all-you-can-eat-vegies" approach, coupled with dropping 'refined' carbs (bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, sugar) is what did it for me. Dropped 10kg (~20lb) over 6 months and it was the easiest to maintain out of everything I've tried (and I've tried a lot).
That being said, one thing I've learned over many years of research is that everyone is comfortable with something different. My partner prefers training harder over eating less, and some people can't cope with dropping the refined stuff and do better restricting portions. Different strokes.

It's great to hear the fast is working for you Kiwi, congrats on getting this far! I hope you see every success.

 

[Kiwibird]

I skipped the middle of this thread (so if I'm making incorrect assumptions about the details I apologize)

I tried a juice fast a few years ago, but it just didn't work for me. My insulin and blood sugar was like a rollercoaster and as soon as something stressful hit, I was into a bowl of pasta like Scrooge McDuck into a room full of coins.

I've found that I can only successfully work on my diet when I'm in good mental health. That is a pre-requisite and when it's not met I find I always flop after 2-3 weeks.
(Side note: I'm actually going to see a counselor to get to the bottom of that concept. I think that if I can figure out why my willpower is linked to my mental state I might be able to make my choice of food stick permanently!)

When I am ready though, I use an "all-you-can-eat-vegies" approach, coupled with dropping 'refined' carbs (bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, sugar) is what did it for me. Dropped 10kg (~20lb) over 6 months and it was the easiest to maintain out of everything I've tried (and I've tried a lot).
That being said, one thing I've learned over many years of research is that everyone is comfortable with something different. My partner prefers training harder over eating less, and some people can't cope with dropping the refined stuff and do better restricting portions. Different strokes.

It's great to hear the fast is working for you Kiwi, congrats on getting this far! I hope you see every success.

So right different diets work better for different people! There are of course common sense diet "rules" (like soda and fast food are bad for you) but there is no single "diet" that works for everyone.

I am very thankful I seem to be able to consume unlimited amounts of (whole) fruits with no ill effects/sugar crashes. In fact, fruit gives me a lot of energy and almost gives a sensation of heightened senses/awareness when I eat a good amount of it. My mom is one of those people who can't eat fruit so I feel very lucky I can. I do well with fruit but products with refined sugars and highly refined carbs definitely screw with my energy levels. If I eat a big bowl of regular 'white' pasta or more than 1 or 2 cookies/small slice of cake or anything of that nature, it puts me into a food coma. My brain just gets sluggish and more often than not, within 15 minutes of eating I can barely keep myself awake. Interesting the difference in how my body processes sugars from different sources on such opposite ends of the spectrum despite all these "diet experts" saying there is no difference between the sugar in an apple and the sugar in a Twinkie

 

[Scott]

We're all different and likely have greater sensitivities to various foods. My sister is borderline diabetic, and white rice is poison for her, spiking her blood sugar far higher and faster than comparable portions of refined flour noodles, white bread, etc.

 

[Kiwibird]

So yesterday I started eating solid food again. Spinach, chickpea and quinoa salad (Kiwi also enjoyed it) and some carrot and celery sticks. I was a tad nervous it would make me feel sick to my stomach but it was fine. The juice fast/feast, I feel, was pretty successful. I did get a huge energy boost and after the initial breakout, my skin is glowing. I only lost 5 pounds so I guess my fears of loosing too much weight were unfounded Strangely, except for the first day I never felt abnormally hungry. I'm also happy that even though I'd been eating foods before that I know aren't good for me, I didn't suffer an extreme "detox" reaction like I did when I went on all raw foods years ago.

As was mentioned earlier in this thread, I'm going to move forward by doing a 1 day juice fast every Sunday and perhaps next year, I'll do another longer one.