I enjoy a good meal and a glass of red wine as much as the next person – so forgoing those two things has never been very high on my to-do list! But when you get sick with ulcerative colitis (like I did), you get so desperate, you’ll try anything.
I was born in Russia, and I knew that, for hundreds of years, supervised fasting has been used with great success as part of European medical treatments. The first time I personally tried fasting was in 1989. Twenty-one days of juice fasting together with medicinal enemas, nutritional supplements and herbs healed my supposedly “incurable” Pancolitis. My intestinal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, and joint pain vanished. I felt energetic and excited about being alive. Juice fasting saved my life and healed my soul.
I realized Hippocrates, the father of Western Medicine was right: fasting allows the body to heal itself.
Why Does Fasting Work?
When we stop eating our usual 3 meals a day, and start consuming live, raw juices our bodies spend all that extra energy (used to digest food) on detoxification, including purging from drugs, chemicals from personal care products, mucus, bacteria, parasites in our intestines, and food additives and preservatives.
The Benefits of Fasting
Fasting allows our major organs (e.g. colon, liver, kidney, lungs, and skin) to release and eliminate toxins. Fasting promotes the formation of new, healthy cells. It can be used as a method of healing from acute and chronic illness or as a disease prevention tool for healthy people. Fasting can reverse the aging process for the middle-aged and elderly. Your body has a built-in mechanism of breaking down and digesting diseased tissues and damaged cells. After all the garbage in our system is disposed of, the body starts building new, healthy organs and tissues. The raw power of juice also purifies the blood, removes the waste from large intestine, and rejuvenates the endocrine system.
Fasting is highly effective for the following conditions:
- Food allergies/Sensitivities
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- IBS/Celiac Disease/IBD
- Flus/Colds/Fever
- Constipation
- Migraine Headaches
- Skin problems (eczema, psoriasis)
- Back problems (sciatica, low back pain)
How Often Should You Do Juice Fasting?
Juice fast 1x/week for one month, then expand to 2 days/week, once a month. Seven day fasts can be done 4 times/year, at the beginning of each season: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
How to Juice Fast
To prepare for a fast longer than 24 hours, eat vegetables and some low-sugar fruits for at least 3 days before embarking on 3-14 days fast. While fasting, consume hot herbal teas and hot vegetable broths, in addition to fresh vegetable juice. To improve the absorption of the juice, I would recommend diluting fresh juice with some water in a ration of 75% juice and 25% water.
Juice Fasting vs. Water Fasting
Juice fasting is much easier than water fasting. A water fast puts more stress on your vital organs (kidney, liver, heart and intestines) by promoting a faster release of acids (eg. uric acids) and toxins. This process itself could be overwhelming for a person who is doing fasting for the first time. Raw juices supply much needed vitamins, minerals and enzymes, improves cell oxygenation and promotes recovery from sickness.
Side Effects of a Juice Fast
Be aware that during a fast, as a part of the body’s tissue cleansing process, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Coated tongue
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Headaches/Dizziness
- Mucus discharge from sinuses and bowel
- Diarrhea/Fever/Fatigue
- Dark, foul smelling urine and feces
- Joint aches and pain
Do not be alarmed – this is a part of the internal detoxification process. Those symptoms are not dangerous and should go away after couple of days. Using colon therapy for the first 3-5 days will help you to minimize all those unpleasant physical symptoms. Stop fasting if your experience vomiting and diarrhea for more than a day! The possibility of dehydration is too high and might become dangerous for the faster.
Who Should Avoid Fasting?
Individuals with the following health conditions should avoid juice fasting:
- Anorexia
- Malnutrition
- Peptic Ulcers
- Tuberculosis
- After Surgery
- HIV an Chronic Infections
- Type I Diabetes
- Advanced Stage of Cancer
- Pregnant and Lactating Women
- Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease
- Patients taking prescription medications should consult their doctor
Galina’s Patient Case Study
Patient: M.L. 8-year-old girl
Condition: Asthma
The Case Study: This lovely 8-year-old girl suffered from a serious asthmatic condition. She was regularly using inhalers, and sleeping in a sitting position to prevent asthma attacks. As a last resort, her pediatrician recommended steroids (corticosteroids) to control her asthma.
I suggested a 2-day juice fast using diluted vegetable juices, followed by a special diet (no gluten, dairy, sugar, eggs, or peanuts). Plus, I prescribed special supplements to heal the lung tissue and to strengthen the immunity. After 30 days, she was able to be taken off all medication, and she slept peacefully lying down in her bed. She was rollerblading and skating for hours with her friends. Her parents were so happy to see their daughter enjoying her childhood to the fullest.
Galina’s Conclusion
It is prudent for a person with chronic, debilitating disease to undertake FIRST TIME juice fasting therapy while under the care of a medical professional experienced in fasting. Detoxification can be overwhelming, and may temporarily increase various symptoms of the disease.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
What if you’re really skinny, but not anorexic? Is it still okay to fast?
Dear Alyssa:
I have observed thin people unable to gain weight on lots of “good nourishing food”, and I have seen really skinny people gain weight after supervised fasting, eating much less food than he or she has been used to eating. Inability to gain weight is usually a result of poor digestion and absorption of food and not of insufficient calorie consumption. When used properly under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner, fasting can dramatically improve your ability to digest and assimilate food. But do not forget that the cause of impaired digestion should be identified first before the fast is initiated. Fasting should not be undertaken if person has the following conditions: vomiting and diarrhea, anorexia, Type I diabetes, chronic kidney disease, pregnant and lactating women, malnutrition, advanced stage of cancer, post-surgery, HIV.
Galina
I fast to stop my IBS. I have to do it once a year, but it really works. It’s not easy but it’s better than suffering with the bloated painful stomach of IBS.
It really works…I do a 3 day fast of a combo of carrots/apple/ginger juice from cherie calborns juicing book.
i’m skinny and having a uc flare (bloody ‘d). is it okay to fast then? what would you recommend?
my son has colitis and i would like to know what kind of juice i can make in my juicer to help heal him does anyone have a recipe
Dear Chetty,
Here are 2 juice recipes, which I find very effective for my patients with colitis. But juicing is just a first step to colon healing. In addition to juicing, your son needs a special gut healing diet plus probiotics and supplements to reduce disease activity, eliminate colon inflammation and stimulate regeneration of damaged intestinal tissues.
Best of Health,
Galina
Recipe: Carrot 6 oz + Cabbage 4 oz
Recipe: Carrot 6 oz + Wheat grass juice 2 oz
Explanation: Wheat grass juice removes toxins and harmful bacteria from colon. According to the late Dr. Ann Wigmore “wheat grass chlorophyll is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and oxygen. It has been used to treat peptic ulcer and ulcerative colitis.”
Source: The Hippocrates Diet and Health Program by Ann Wigmore
Scientists studied 23 patients with active ulcerative colitis. Patients were divided into 2 groups: one group consumed from 20 ml (2/3 of an ounce) to 100ml (3.5 ounces) of fresh wheat grass juice for 30 days, and the other consumed a placebo. 19 patients completed the study. Patients who drank wheat grass juice has less rectal bleeding/abdominal pain, and more vitality.
Source: Townsend letter for Doctors and Patients. Aug-Sept, 2002 by A.R.Gaby. Wheat grass juice for ulcerative colitis. Literature Review.
SPASIBO GALA !
I will apretiate if you will share more info !
Fasting concept is old Russian tradition, thank you for marketing this great treatment ! Recently my health started detiriate- spinal surgery, muscles problems and, as a part of the “package”, problems with digestive system…..
I become stricted with my diet, can I start from one glass / day of carrot juice combined with other food …?
I will start to do soon a trigger point theraphy and looking for any help to get my life back !
BR,
Alex
Alex
Na Zdorovie Dear Alex:
In general such recommendations regarding fasting and juice therapy have to be tailored for once particular health conditions, geographical location, age and body type.
However, for people with serious health issues (such as your own) fasting and or juice therapy MUST be structured appropriately in order not to harm first, and then to complement a recovery.
Although, these therapies appear simple, they are not “one size fits all” type of a deal. Applied without proper understanding of one’s specific health issues they could produce more harm then good.
Your medical situation is rather complex: ” spinal surgery, muscles problems and problems with digestive system.”
I understand your confusion, and I can help you by creating a program specific for you.
Here is the link to my consultation page: http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html
Should you decide to consult with me, purchase the consultation program online, and e-mail
to me your phone number, so we can schedule initial consultation with you.
Regards,
Galina Kotlyar MS RD LDN
my daughter has chrones is there a daily or weekly juice recipe that will help her.
My son (25) has very swerious Crohns Disease. Reacts to almost everything. Constant pain, stricture. Can’t eat gluten, lactose, fiber. No potatoes, no veggies, no fruit, no salads. Just ricepasta, chicken breast and spaghetti sauce. Rice bread and eggs. Would juicing be good for him?
hi, it has been interesting reading your web page, i searched because my friend has crohn’s disease, he is 26 and it gets him down, he leads a normal life and does watch his diet but is always in pain, he takes anti inflamatories but i believe in healing from within and as a juicer myself would like to know how i can help, do you have any recipies to help us please.
thankyou x
I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 6 months ago. I have cut Gluten and wheat and have noticed an improvment. I also have an underactive thyroid. Is there any specific blend of vegetables that would be most beneficial for me?
I have IBS with Diarreah and alot of bloating and some gas , but for some reason my symptoms don’t get too bad until after supper wich is the worst time because I’m involved in alot of sports and they are all around 7:00 at night. IBS is ruining my life , I was wondering if a juice fast will work for me? , how long I should fast? and what juices will be best for me?
Oh and I’m 14, 5’3 and I weigh about 120 pounds.
Dear Brittany,
Since you are only 14 years old and still growing, I would not recommend for you juice fasting longer than 24 hours. However, I would recommend for you to do a Food Allergy/Sensitivity Test to identify foods that might trigger diarrhea, bloating and gas in your gut. Please subscribe to our free newsletter for updates on IBS, and contact me for details on Food Allergy/Sensitivity Test.
I have developed IBS after living in Egypt for 3 months. I look like I am a few months pregnant and am constantly feeling uncomfortable and have muscle aches. There doesn’t seem to be any food in particular that causes the bloating and hardening of my abdomen after meals. I have been taking fibre tablets and anti-spasmodic medication. Aside from the discomfort and no relief after trips to the ladies, I’m feeling hugely self-conscious about my stomach being so distended. Is there a juice blend that can help me? Many thanks!
Hello Sarah,
I suspect that you have been exposed to bacteria and/or parasites present in Egyptian water supply and the Nile River. You should start with doing a “targeted Test for Parasites in the Gut”. Contact your physician or if you wish I can help you with ordering this test.
I have develope IBS for the past 3 years, I hve been very carefull for what I eat. I didnt believe I had IBS until now that I’m in pain again for the Third time. I am indesperate help in this matter. I am now worried that probably I ave dvelope something worst. I have also been constipated and Ive notice that in my Stool I see I believe it is mucus thick line around, I let it go maybe I though it was bad, my second stool was ok, my third now it looked like the first one with a mucus line wrap around. I am worried, stressing, my mood has gone down bad, I feel dreppress. I’m reading about IBS more, and I just started the diet for IBS, I dont know if its working, I still get bloaded inflame. What Im getting to now Its to do a 5 day fast and see if that can help heal my colon and if there is any juice to help heal the IBS. Thank u so much.
Hi Karen,
You should start with ALCAT test, which will help you to identify problem foods which can trigger your GI symptoms. For more information check out their website at http://www.alcat.com
If you wish I can help you with ordering this test. Meanwhile, you can start by doing 1 day fast to see how you feel. I do not recommend to start with 5 day fast without supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. I do offer personal consultations. For your convenience, here is the link to my consultation page: http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html
PLEASE PLEASE! AFTER 13 years with anorexia neurosa when I started eat normally gaining weight and after an infection and antibioticts use, I found out having coeliac.I am desperate. I want to eat normally!For God’s Sake. tell me Could fasting help me?
Dear Kiki!
YOU MUST AVOID FASTING due to your long history of anorexia nervosa!!!
Here is the link to a good article on what type of diet one should follow with celiac disease:http://www.knowyourgut.com/celiac-disease-symptoms-diagnosis-and-diet/
You can subscribe to our free newsletter for more information in the future on celiac disease, which is on the same page as the above article.
If you need more help, you can schedule a consultations with me at:http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html
I have crohns disease. I am about to start on immunosuppressants— (which I am scared will in the long run do more harm on my body than good for my crohns). As a last stitch effert I am considering juicing. My question is since raw vegtables are not recommended for crohns patients does juicing those vegetable change that? And which combinations are good and bad for crohns disease?
Hi Crystal!
I understand your fear of immunosuppressant drugs since those medications do have serious side effects. I would like to share with you that I have developed a gut healing program for patients with Crohn’s which includes liquid diet, juicing and certain anti-inflammatory herbs, etc. In that program I recommend using diluted with water juice of carrots, celery and 1/2 apple. At the time of the flair raw vegetables should be avoided. I do offer private consultations to patients with Crohn’s and Colitis who need help with gut healing natural way.
Galina
hi,
ya. that much.. truth be told , the meds help alot.
i’ve been reading and quite happy to see your responses are not just based on selling something.
i’ve been dealing with crohn’s for 20 years. first they thought i had UC so they removed my colon ten years ago and i got a J-Pouch. the problems came back after three years so they told me , after trying so many meds to cure, it was indeed crohn’s. i’ve since developed fistulas…and i’m fighting those as well as crohn’s. tough but i’m fighting. i’ve tried so many things, including going to india for homeopathic treatment.. i’ve tried almost everything. i’m currently on cipro 2*500mg, tapering off prednisone and just started Immuran to help with the TNF Alpha blocker i’m going to be on soon..
i have a very good juicer that i want to start using. i used it a bit but would like to get into it alot more… please let me know if you have a recipe book or on consultation program.
thanks. Mike.
Hello Galina,
I am having an ulcerative colitis flare up, and the bleeding is showing constantly. I can not stop running to the bathroom. Lately, I have increased my dose of Asacol to 4 tablets a day instead of my usual 2 a day that keep me in perfect remission. I am a busy individual, full time university work load plus a job never give me a chance to relax. I want to do a juice fast but I do not know what to do with the medicine itself, should I reduce it back to my typical 2 a day dosage and then begin the juice fast to let my body recover? Should I start taking probiotics, aloe elite, and propolis? I have never tried either one but I hear good things from fellow sufferers. Anyhow, I need a bit of guidance in terms of how long I should remain on this diet and what results it may offer my case.
Thank you ahead of time, much love!
my husband has crohns disease and in february went off all western medicine meds and went to medical food and intestinal repair complex, along with this…he has had two allergy tests long term digestive ones..so he has completely eliminated the allergens causing irritation…to make issues worse he has over the years been dealing with kidney stones; which we have researched is a side effect of crohns. so lately his condition has gotten worse, and he is feeling desperate..along with a very organic, gluten,dairy,soy, sugar free diet i also make green smoothies which include vega protein an all vegan protein powder with fresh kale, or some greens and coconut milk purified water and fruit…at this point nothing is really working..he isnt bleeding but in total discomfort..is juicing a good option..would he have to start with 1 day a month?
I have Type I diabetics and 4 months ago diagnosed with Crohn’s desease.
Can I do juice fasting if I regularly check my blood suger level?
If I can’t do juice fasting what are the alternatives?
-Afsana Sultana
Hi Afsana,
It is not recommended to fast for patients with Type 1 Diabetes due to possible complications from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
I would recommend you to drink Healthy Blood Sugar Tea: 3 cups daily extra-strength.
For more information subscribe to our FREE newsletter at http://www.knowyourgut.com
Be Well,
Galina
Hi Nicole,
Your husband’s case appear to be quite complex. It is hard for me to advise him without knowing his full medical history. I do offer personal consultations: http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html for patients like your husband.
Galina
Dear Izzy,
If you want my guidance, you can schedule a personal consultations with me at:http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html
And your will have a hard time healing your gut while working and going to school at the same time. TOO MUCH STRESS on already stressed out body.
Dear Mike,
I am working on a recipe book. And I do offer personal consultations: http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html for people who suffer from IBD (Crohn’s & Colitis).
Hi there,
I was diagnosed with IBS about 8 years ago and was doing okay until I started a new job. The stress of a major life change has caused my IBS to flare up again and it is worse now than it was 8 years ago. Do you have any specific juicing suggestions to follow? I’ve done a two-day juice fast with success and wanted to do a longer one (10 days). Are there any fruits or vegetables that I should avoid?
Thanks!
Please give me any and all information that will assist me in my Crohn’s Disease.My fears are in the medication and what the side effects are.
Dear Galina
I have IBS with bloating (!!!!) which is so severe that I never eat/drink before going out or just hanging out with friends. It is simply too embarrassing because everyone thinks I’m pregnant
I’ve tried all kinds of diets, and the only thing which has ever worked was NOT eating. But as soon as I started eating again, the bloating returned….
So my question is – what is your opinion of digestive enzymes? Could that work?
I hope you have time to help me.
Thank you
Best,
Maria
Hi Maria!
Digestive enzymes are great if you know which one’s to use for your particular type of IBS (ex. pancreatic enzymes, proteolitic enzymes, plant enzymes). Also, it takes much more than a single enzyme to cure IBS. I am working on European IBS Healing System, part of which will be available FREE to my loyal subscribers. Stay tuned and subscribe to our Free newsletter! If you are looking for a fast relief now, you can schedule a consultation with me. Here is the link to my consultation page: http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html
Happy and Healthy Holidays to You!
Galina
Hi Lauren!
Good Job on 2 day juice fast. I would recommend to do 10 day juice fast while being under observation of a healthcare professional familiar with extended duration of juice fasting. Avoid juicing fruits (fruit juice contain too much fructose, which can trigger gas and bloating). Meanwhile, I am working on European IBS Healing System, part of which will be available FREE to my loyal subscribers. Stay tuned and subscribe to our Free newsletter!
Happy Holidays to You!
Galina
Hi Linda,
I have developed a highly effective Crohn’s Healing System, which I use for my patients. I will release part of this system FREE to my subscribers next year. Stay tuned and subscribe to our Free newsletter.
Or if you looking for fast answers to your questions, here is the link to my consultation page: http://www.knowyourgut.com/consultation/index.html
Galina