08 May 09 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND FASTING: POINTS TO REMEMBER

Although fasting is one of the safest and most practical therapeutic agents known, the general public is largely ignorant as to how it is administered. As with the other therapeutic agents, it is of great importance that fasting be carried out correctly. Misuse or disregard for certain fundamental rules of fasting may make it not only useless, but even harmful. Of course, I earnestly advise that you discuss your case with an experienced doctor or a nature-cure practitioner, who has had experience with fasts, and, if possible, undertake your fast under his direction and supervision. This particularly applies to cases of extremely high blood pressure, especially if it is accompanied by a weak heart, or if the patient has a record of heart attacks.

Two different therapeutic fasting methods for high blood pressure can be considered. One is a traditional water fast, or a complete fast with nothing consumed but water. This is the kind of fast usually employed in American clinics. The other is a fast where the juices of raw fruits and vegetables, plus vegetable broth, are added to the water. The latter is now widely used in most European clinics, and I recommend this method, especially if you fast on your own, without professional supervision. The duration of the fast should be seven to 14 days, depending on the condition of the patient, or how high the blood pressure is.

Follow very carefully the instructions given in Chapter 2 on how to break fast. This is extremely important. Follow the instructions meticulously.

In case of a heart condition or damaged kidney, water drinking should be restricted to a minimum.

The mental attitude while fasting is of tremendous importance. The difference between therapeutic fasting and starvation is that while starvation is a negative, undesired condition, accompanied by fear and anxiety, which exerts a negative, disease-producing effect on bodily functions, therapeutic fasting is a positive, voluntary condition, accompanied by complete confidence and faith in its beneficial effect and anticipated good results. Such a positive attitude stimulates and encourages all the cleansing and healing processes of the body. Therefore, before you start fasting, be thoroughly convinced of its wonderful, beneficial properties. This is also one of the reasons why it is advisable to fast in a clinic surrounded by other fasting patients who can encourage and inspire each other, or under the supervision of a practitioner who can encourage and explain the various symptoms and reactions which may develop during the fast.

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