Fasting Week – Knowledge Part 2

Within these two days, we've been diving deeper into the world of fasting. Do you remember what we covered yesterday?
Here’s a quick recap:

・Fasting involves abstaining from meals to reduce the burden on your digestive system and activate your metabolism.

・In today’s modern diet, we live in an environment where we can eat what we want, whenever we want, which often leads to toxin build-up in the body.

・By incorporating fasting regularly, you can detoxify your body.

Today, we’ll delve further into effective fasting methods and how to find a fasting style that suits your lifestyle.

 

Positive Changes from Fasting

The term "fasting" translates to "abstinence from food." By skipping meals, you can expect the following benefits:

Reduced burden on the digestive system: Resting the digestive organs allows overworked systems to recover.

Activated metabolism: Enzymes previously used for digestion can now focus on metabolism, cleansing cells throughout the body.

Detoxification: The elimination of toxins is enhanced, creating a healthier internal environment.

 

Why Fasting Works

Fasting reduces the daily strain on your digestive organs, allowing them to rest. Digestive disorders are quite common, and many illnesses are linked to the body’s detoxification organs. By giving these organs a break, fasting allows stressed areas to recover and heal.

Wouldn’t you want to make the most of this natural process?

The key to amplifying these benefits lies in enzymes.

 

The Role of Enzymes

Think of the human body as a house. Vitamins and minerals act as the building materials—like windows and flooring—while enzymes are the carpenters that assemble everything.

・Enzymes and Individual Differences: The amount of enzymes we’re born with varies from person to person. This is determined by how much enzyme-rich nutrition the mother consumed during pregnancy. This natural store of enzymes is called "latent enzymes."

・Dietary Enzymes: Fortunately, we can also supplement enzymes through our daily diet. Foods such as raw vegetables, fruits, and fermented products are excellent sources of enzymes.

 

How Enzymes Work During Fasting

In daily life, enzymes are primarily used for digestion before being allocated to metabolism. During fasting, however, enzymes can be fully utilised for metabolism, enabling a deep cellular cleanse.

While fasting typically involves abstaining from food, incorporating enzyme-rich foods can boost your enzyme levels, making your fasting experience even more effective. Options like enzyme drinks, smoothies, or raw soups (unheated to preserve enzymes) are excellent ways to ensure enzyme intake without burdening your digestive system.

Recommended Fasting Methods

Choose a method that fits your lifestyle and goals:

Two-Week Fasting (For gradual improvement)

Method:

Days 1–6: Skip breakfast, and eat enzyme-supporting foods for lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Complete fasting (using enzyme drinks or smoothies).

Repeat this pattern for two weeks. After the fasting period, ease back into solid foods with light meals like porridge.

Three-Day Fasting (For short-term results)

Method:

Day 1: Skip breakfast, and eat enzyme-rich foods for lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Complete fasting.

Day 3: Resume enzyme-rich meals for lunch and dinner while skipping breakfast.

16-Hour Fasting (For a sustainable, long-term practice)

Method:

Fast for 16 hours daily, and eat within an 8-hour window (e.g., from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM).

This method is easy to integrate into daily life and offers long-term benefits.

 

Why Skip Breakfast?

In enzyme science, the morning is considered the body’s natural elimination phase. Since it’s not the time for digestion or absorption, skipping breakfast is said to be the most effective approach.

 

Key Points to Remember

Stay Hydrated: Drink more water than usual during fasting periods. Warm water is preferable to cold water.

Combat Hunger: If you feel hungry, enzyme drinks can help reduce the sensation of hunger.

 

Foods That Support Enzymes

①Raw vegetables and fruits

②Fermented foods

③Low-GI foods (buckwheat, brown rice, whole grains)

④Plant-based proteins (tofu, nuts, etc.)

⑤Healthy fats (olive oil, black seed oil, etc.)

Foods That Waste Enzymes

①Foods containing white sugar (cakes, pastries, etc.)

②Additives (artificial sweeteners, preservatives, etc.)

③Animal-based proteins (meat, processed meats)

④Refined white rice and bread

⑤Oxidised fats and trans fats (fried foods, margarine)

Even among fermented foods, yoghurt contains animal protein, so it’s best to opt for soy yoghurt instead. Try topping soy yoghurt with bananas, dried fruits, nuts, or even coconut chips for a delicious treat!

 

Ready to Start?

Does this give you a clearer idea of how fasting works?

From tomorrow, let’s begin a three-day fasting session. 

Start with a method that feels manageable for you and observe how your body responds. 

 

Through fasting, you’ll experience the lightness of a detoxed body and a refreshed mind. ✨