8. Compounding The Benefits Of The Fast

If Hygienic living is maintained after the fast, the benefits of the fasting period will continue to be noted for weeks, months, and even years after the termination of the fast.

The relationship between fasting and nutrition must be recognized. Recovery from a pathology can often be accomplished through fasting, but permanence of the recovery is dependent on the subsequent mode of living, particularly the food program.

Some people accept the fast as a more or less dramatic and drastic necessity—but think of it as a cure-all, after which all their problems will disappear.

Subsequent to my 29-day fast in 1967, my unrealistic expectations gave rise to a feeling of disappointment. I expected to experience perfect health immediately. Actually, it was not until a year had elapsed that I realized the full consequences of my fast, and knew the fullness of the miracle that had occurred in my body.

Years later—in 1979—I had a similar experience. I had been bothered with a slight but persistent pain in my side for almost two years. Although I had been fasting thirty-six hours twice monthly, and had taken several three- and four-day fasts, the slight pain persisted.

Then I decided on a longer fast but, because of time limitations and prior commitments, I broke the fast after nine days. (You see, I am subject to the same pressures and human failings that I may deplore in others. Ideally, I should have fasted longer, possibly even to completion.)

In any event, the small pain persisted during the fast, and subsequent to the fast. I was busy, and decided to ignore it for the time being, and really forgot about it most of the time.

About six months later, I suddenly turned to Lou (my dear husband) and exclaimed, "It just dawned on me—I don't have that pain in my side any more—and I don't know when it stopped!" It has never returned.