Fasting help fight against all acute or severe diseases. Disease in the body comes only when there is an accumulation of acids and toxic substances in it. The efforts of the body to get rid of these harmful substances are what we deem to be the symptoms of diseases. When the toxic substances accumulate beyond the normal limits in the body, the body makes strenuous efforts to eliminate them. It is these constructive efforts that are mistakenly regarded as acute diseases. The body concentrates all its energies on the process of healing. In these circumstances, the body has no need for, and does not welcome, food. This result in loss of appetite, and there is a bad taste in the mouth. If food is taken at such a time, the energy of the body gets diverted to the process of digestion. Consequently, the elimination of toxic substances is slowed down, and the disease either intensifies or becomes chronic.

Influenza, cold, cough, fever and other similar diseases are cured by only two to three day's fasting. Where long-standing or chronic diseases are concerned, fasting should be planned with some care and foresight, as longer periods of fasting are necessary. In such cases, one must take light uncooked or liquid diet for three to four days prior to the commencement of the fasting period. This initiates the process of the purification of the blood. Moreover, reserves of vitamins and minerals obtained from the raw foods began to be built up in the body, which comes in useful later during the period of fasting.

It is important to see that fasts are terminated in the proper manner: perhaps more important than the fast itself. The digestive organs have become relaxed during the fast. If discretion is not exercised in the quality and quantity of food after a fast, the inevitable result in that the digestive system is unable to cope with the sudden increase in the intake of food, and the digestive process remains incomplete, leading to the generation of the toxic substances. This would be the fresh invitation to diseases.

After a day's fasting, only fruit juice should be taken next morning, followed by some fruits during the day, and a chapatti with some boiled vegetables in the evening. Normal diet can be resumed on the third day. After a fast of two days, only fruit juices should be taken on the third day, followed on the fourth day by fruit juice in the morning, fruit during the day, and chapattis with vegetables in the evening. Normal diet can be resumed on the fifth day. If this rule is not strictly observed, the fast itself may prove fruitless, and may even cause harm.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.