January/February 2002 Conscious Media
The Fasting Diet
Steven Bailey, N.D. Reviewed by Miriam Knight
This book is a comprehensive resource on therapeutic fasting by
one of the internationally recognized authorities in the field.
Even more than that, it is a wonderful reference book on just about
every aspect of nutrition. Dr. Bailey takes complex subjects like
anatomy, physiology of digestion, metabolism and the function of
the immune system, and makes them comprehensible to a layman, without
talking down to you. He describes in detail how the systems function
and what happens when they don’t.
Whether you are interested in fasting for weight loss or to clear
up health challenges, fasting - not starving - can detoxify the
body, enhance immune function, increase the body’s ability
to heal and provide a great boost in energy. Bailey is a great proponent
of both juice and water fasting, for which he gives detailed guidelines,
though it is best to be supervised in serious fasting. He notes
that in over thirty years of practice has never seen any serious
complications from the fasting process. He has, on the other hand,
seen significant improvements in both acute and chronic health problems.
By removing the energy draining functions of digestion and the
need to cope with ingested toxins (pesticides, preservatives, artificial
coloring, etc.) and allergens, the body is apparently better able
to turn its resources to repair and recuperation. The holistic approach
of this book is very reassuring. It describes a range of complementary
practices and therapies that can support the individual, both during
a fast and as a lifestyle change - such things as yoga, hydrotherapy,
acupuncture, colonics and homeopathy.
As Dr. Bailey says, “We hay choose to fast because of acute
or chronic illness or we may choose to fast in pursuit of more radiant
health. Fasting has its place as a spiritual practice, as a health
maintenance tool and as a true therapeutic agent.” This excellent
book will show you how.
The Fasting Diet by Steven Bailey, N.D.; Contemporary Books,
2001, $15.95. Come and meet Steven at the New ConneXion HEALING
FORUM on January 12th where he will be one of the
speakers.