Since its inception in 1948, the National Health Association (NHA) has distinguished itself from all other health organizations by its unique, unwavering commitment to water-only fasting. For decades it has promoted and supported physicians dedicated to the research and clinical practice of fasting. 

In connection with the NHA, there is an International Association of Hygienic Physicians (IAHP)  that is the only body of physicians trained in fasting care, who  have set the important standard of care for fasting, and are recognized as experts in the monitoring and supervision of water-only fasts.  I am currently the President of  the IAHP and am presenting information that can help you prepare for a successful water fast. This will be followed by a subsequent newsletter article containing  information that is important for breaking your fast. 

While fasting has a broad application as a valuable tool for health promotion and recovery, not everyone is a candidate for fasting care. Part of the preparation for fasting is to determine if fasting is in your best interest, and if can successfully address whatever condition(s) you are trying to resolve. Fasting is typically contraindicated  for people that have a fear of fasting, people dealing with eating disorders (anorexia and bulemia), people wasting away with metastatic cancer, people with severe anemia, pregnant diabetic women, nursing mothers, people taking medication other that thyroid and reproductive hormone replacement, people with blood clots, and people with certain metabolic genetic effects like porphyria, in which there is difficulty processing porphyrins (chemicals that affect the production of red blood cells, and energy production/utilization in the cellular energy factories called mitochondria). 

Since we are all unique, the fasting experience is different for everyone, and even quite variable in the same person undergoing additional fasts at different times of  life. So each person needs to be evaluated on an individual basis. To assess the needs of any potential faster, and to ensure the safety and efficacy of the fasting experience, a thorough personal history, and a comprehensive physical examination is an essential part of preparation, and recommended/performed by fasting supervising physicians. This will establish important baseline parameters for vital functions/outcomes including weight, body fat, pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory function, and blood oxygen levels. Some of these parameters will then be monitored several times a day during  the fast. 

The conscientious preparation for fasting also requires some general/specific blood testing . This usually includes a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, a basic lipid profile of cholesterol fractions and triglycerides, and complete metabolic profile (CMP) to evaluate electrolytes and some organ function. This is especially important for assessing  the function and filtration ability of the kidneys (BUN, Creatinine, eGFR), since there is an increased blood supply and burden of elimination in the kidneys during a fast. For people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, specific biomarkers of inflammation, including highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are valuable.

Fasting is a profound process that promotes the detoxification and elimination of systemic toxicity, reduces chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, and supports healing and recovery of tissue damage and chronic degenerative disease. However, these actions and powerful responses of the body can manifest symptoms and responses that are uncomfortable, painful, and may also be a by-product of withdrawal from addictive chemicals that you are using routinely. . To minimize the intensity of these reactions, it is helpful make the elimination of toxic addictive substances a significant part of your fasting preparation. 

The combination of excessive added salt, extracted oils and refined sugar in processed and ultra-processed diets create the hyper-palatability driven overconsumption of foods by activating the brain-reward system, and the dopamine mediated pleasure trap. The abrupt removal of these substances can cause uncomfortable acute withdrawal symptoms including joint pain and headaches. Therefore, it is important for at least a few weeks prior to your fast to eat a diet of whole plant food without added salt, oil and sugar (SOS-free) to modify and reduce the potential discomfort of withdrawal during the early days of fasting. Further reduction of potentially painful withdrawal symptoms, are mitigated by the elimination of any routine use of alcohol and caffeine. For a weeks prior to your fast, stay fully hydrated with adequate water consumption, eliminate all alcohol, recreational drugs, and caffeine containing products, including coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, and over the counter headache medications typically high in caffeine (Excedrin, Anacin, and Fioricet).

For your individual fasting needs and safety, especially for fasts longer than just a few days, it is truly best to seek the support and expertise of members of the IAHP listed by the NHA. They will help you decide if you are a good candidate for fasting, and suggest the best preparation for you. This will ensure your best fasting experience, and help you achieve your personal health goals.