How To Break Your Fast In An Healthy Way

Truth be told, many times when breaking a fast,we are faced with the temptation of eating everything we see in front of us just at the same time but hey!..that will overburden your digestive system.

The best benefit of fasting is realized when a fast is broken properly. Taking it slow and easy is not only kind to your body, but allows you the opportunity to integrate your new-found clarity on your relationship to food. During a fast, the body undergoes several biological changes. Enzymes normally produced by the digestive system have ceased to be produced or have been diminished greatly, depending on the type of fast performed, so introducing food slowly allows the body time to re-establish this enzyme production. The protective mucus lining of the stomach may be temporarily diminished as well, making the stomach walls more vulnerable to irritation until it also returns to normal. Gentle reintroduction of foods, beginning with the simplest and easiest-to-digest foods, supports this process.

Substances known to be irritating to the system, such as coffee and spicy foods, must be avoided during the breaking process. Because of these biological changes, overeating immediately following a fast is much worse than overeating at any other time. Your system needs time to readjust back to normal digestion and assimilation. Not taking the proper measures can result in stomach cramping, nausea, and even vomiting. The adjustment period necessary is based on the length of the fast. Four days is considered adequate for any of the longer fasts, 1-3 days for shorter fasts, and just a day or so for one-day fasts. Foods to use for breaking a fast The most nutritious and easy-to-digest foods are used to break a fast initially, gradually adding more diversity and complexity over time.

When breaking a fast, begin with frequent small meals, every 2 hours or so, progressing gradually toward larger meals with more time in between them until you reach a "normal" eating routine, such as 3 meals and 2 snacks in a day's time. Chew foods well. This will help immensely with proper digestion and is a good habit to foster. Strive to add live enzymes and good bacteria to your system. Fresh, raw foods are full of living enzymes good for your body and digestion. Probiotics, or "good" bacteria, can be found not only in pill form, but also in naturally cultured and fermented food products, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso.In all, while it may take a little thought and attention, breaking a fast properly is so important to our overall health and to reaping the full benefits of our fasting.