Fasting: Cautions

Description

This article is from the Alternative Medicine Therapies guide.

Even healthy individuals should not undertake an extended fast of more than three days without medical supervision.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not fast.
If you have advanced cancer, a compromised immune system, diabetes, ulcers, or liver, kidney, heart, or lung disease, you should never fast without medical supervision.
Fasting as part of the treatment for a chronic disease such as heart disease, epilepsy, arthritis, or schizophrenia should be under the supervision of a physician experienced in the field.
Anyone who takes prescription or recreational drugs regularly should not fast without medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms can develop quickly during fasting.
It's important to break a fast carefully. Eating too much too soon will overload your digestive system, causing uncomfortable and disruptive reactions. Your doctor can help you decide how best to break your fast for your individual needs.

Continue to: