Lesson 3: Fasting and Detox

Fasting and Detoxification

Since it’s spring, why not address the topic of cleaning? The lesson this week is going to inform you about how to clean your body with detoxification and fasting. For the human body to be rid of toxins, one must complete a fast; however fasting is not mutually exclusive with a detox.  Before we get into the details of execution, let’s first define the terms detox and fasting.

What exactly is a detox? Simply put, a detox is a process in which a person makes lifestyle changes to clear their body of toxins. These lifestyle changes typically involve abstaining from certain harmful things and optimizing body processes. Some changes are temporary, such as following a cleansing diet, others are permanent, like removing coffee or gluten altogether. 

Intermittent fasting (IF) or fasting is a term for an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It does not say anything about which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them. In this respect, it is not a “diet” in the conventional sense. It is more accurately described as an “eating pattern.”

Why do we Fast?

As believers and followers of Jesus, we fast for much more than just health benefits. We fast because the Word of God shows us instructions and examples about the need for it. Medical science is finally catching up to the bible and presenting research to the world about the physical benefits of fasting. I encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. I believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year!

Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times and we know that so many people are under a financial burden. As we come together to fast and pray, we believe that your burdens will be lifted and that financial blessings will be released into your life!

As you pray and seek the Lord about how and when to conduct a fast I want to share the scriptures for meditation:

MATTHEW 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

ISAIAH 58:6 “[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

Be in the world but not of the world

In a culture where the landscape is dotted with shrines to the golden arches, coffee shops on every corner and an assortment of pizza temples, fasting seem out of place and old fashioned. There are no published books on the subject from the year 1861 until the 1950s, a period of nearly 100 years. Especially lately, due to our increased science and study of physical health and the human body a renewed interest has emerged in fasting, but as believers we need to understand the biblical perspective.

The first statement Jesus made about fasting dealt with the question of motivation in Matt. 6:16-18. To use good things to our own ends is always a sign of false religion. How easy is it to take something like fasting and try to use it to get God to do what we want. Fasting must forever center on God. It must be God-initiated and God-ordained. Physical benefits, success in prayer, the enduing with power, spiritual insights- these must never replace God as the center of our fasting.

Once the primary purpose of fasting is firmly fixed in our hearts, we are at liberty to understand that there are also secondary purposes in fasting. More than any other discipline fasting reveals the things that control us. It is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food any other good things, but in fasting these things surface. If pride controls us it will be revealed almost immediately. David writes in Psalm 69:10 that he humbled his soul with fasting. Anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear if they are within us will surface during fasting. For these things we need to repent and seek healing through the power of Christ.

Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4) Food does not sustain us, sleep does not sustain us, but God sustains us. In Christ, all things hold together (Col. 1:17). Therefore in experiences of fasting we are not just abstaining food but we are feasting on the Word of God. When the disciples brought Jesus lunch he said “I have food to eat of which you do not know… My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work (John 4:32 & 34).

Finally, feasting helps us keep balance in life. How easily we begin to allow nonessentials to take precedence in our life. It is important that we keep the flesh in check and walk by the spirit. Paul says in I Corin. 6:12 that all things are lawful but not all things are beneficial and then in 9:27 he says that he pommels his body to subdue it. Discipline brings freedom. Numerous people have written on the many other values of fasting such as increased effectiveness in intercessory prayer, guidance in decisions, increased concentration, deliverance from bondage, physical well being, revelations and so on. In this as in all matters, we can expect God to reward those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

How do I fast?

As with all disciplines, a progression should be observed; learn to walk before you try to run. Begin with a partial fast of 24 hours from lunch to lunch and only skip 2 meals. Drink lots of water and juice if you need, but most importantly monitor the inner attitude of your heart. After a few weeks of success at a 24 hour lunch to lunch fast, a normal 24 hours fast from a full day of meals. Then after a few successful full 24 hour fasts, a progression to 2 days, then 3 if the Lord leads. After practicing 2-3 days fasts for several weeks, seek the Lord for instructions about fasting for a week (7days). It is wise to know the process your body goes through during the course of a longer fast. The first 3 days are usually the most difficult in terms of physical discomfort and hunger pains. The body begins to rid itself of toxins that have build up over the years and this can be uncomfortable. Much time must be made for rest during extended fasts which can lead to weakness, By the sixth or seventh day you will begin to feel stronger and more alert. Hunger pains will continue to diminish until the ninth or tenth day. The body will have eliminated the majority of toxins by now and you will feel good. Your sense of concentration will be sharpened are you will feel as if you can continue fasting indefinitely. Anywhere between day 21 and 40 or longer, depending on the individual, hunger pains will return. This is the first stage of starvation and the fast should be broken unless instructed by the Lord to continue with His supernatural help. Fasts should always be broken with fruit and vegetable juice following actual fruits and vegetables and then thereafter introducing grains, dairy and forms of protein.

Although the physical aspects of fasting are intriguing we must never forget that the major work of scriptural fasting is in the realm of the spirit. What goes on spiritually is much more important than what is happening physically.   You will be engaging in spiritual warfare that will necessitate using all the weapons of Ephesians 6. One of the most critical periods spiritually is at the end of the fast when we have a natural tendency to relax. But not all fasting is a heavy spiritual struggle. Romans 14:17 says For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...

Who fasted in scripture and what can we learn from them?

In most cases fasting is a private matter between the individual and God. There are however, occasional times of corporate or public fasts. During the Mosaic law the only annual public fast we see is the day of atonement (Lev. 23:23-32). A time set aside for fasting to endure sorrow and affliction as atonement for their sins. Fasts were also called during in times of group or national emergencies like in Joel 1:13-14 and 2:12-17, when Judah was invaded King Jehoshaphat called the nation to fast (2 Chron. 20:1-4), in response to the preaching of Jonah the entire city of Nineveh including the animals fasted (Jonah 3) and before the trip back to Jerusalem Ezra had the exiles fast and pray for safety while traveling on the bandit-infested road (Ezra 8:21-23, 31-32).

·         Moses before receiving the 10 commandments from the Lord in Deut. 9:9

·         King David when he found out his child with Bathsheba was ill in 2 Sam.12:13-17

·         Elijah the Prophet when he ran from Queen Jezebel after he won the great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 19:4-8

·         Ester the Queen for the safety of the Jews when Haman had planned a genocide (4:16)

·         Daniel for proper interpretation of the Kings dreams (Daniel 10:1-3)

·         Anna the Prophetess (Luke 2:26-38)

·         Paul the Apostle after his conversion (Acts 9:1-9)

·         The church elders in Antioch before sending out Paul and Barnabas as missionaries (Acts 13:1-3)

·         Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, David Brainerd, Charles Finney.  The King of Britain in 1756 called for a day of fasting and prayer because of a threatened invasion from the French. A recording from John Wesley’s journal on February 6^th says “the fast day was glorious day, such as London has scarce seen since the Restoration. Every church in the city was more than full and a solemn seriousness sat on every face. Surely God hears prayer and there will yet be a lengthening of our tranquility.” A footnote from the journal says “humility was turned into national rejoicing for the threatened invasion by the French was averted.”

·         Jesus Christ in the desert (Matt. 4:1-2) Why did Jesus fast?

The Baker illustrated Bible commentary says this about Jesus fasting in the desert: The last event before Jesus’ public ministry begins with His temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). Two themes tie this section together: 1-Jesus by the power of the Spirit overcomes the devil by citing the Word of God and 2- the devil is challenging Jesus’ filial obedience as God’s son. Jesus shows before his ministry  begins that his trust and obedience are in the Father. The temptation of Jesus in the desert shows us that Jesus is full of the Spirit and lead by the Spirit and that is how we overcome the devil.

1.      The first temptation is (v.3-4) for Jesus to use his status as Gods Son to satisfy His own physical desires instead of trusting in the Father to provide His needs. Jesus answers with Duet. 8:3 saying that the satisfaction of physical desire cannot take precedence over faithful obedience.

2.      The second temptation the devil promises Jesus authority over all the Kingdoms of the world if Jesus will consent to worship him. Jesus answers with Duet. 6:13 that worship and service belong to God alone and thus it is unthinkable for him to worship the devil to gain in order to gain earthly power and glory.

3.      The third temptation is at the pinnacle of the temple and while arguing scripture from Psalm 91 that the angels will protect him, the devil suggests that Jesus should leap. Jesus does not reject the devils scriptural argument because God does in fact protect the Godly but he refuses to perform such a whimsical act because it would involve testing God which contradicts Duet. 6:16.

It’s important to note that immediately after Jesus’ period of fasting in the desert he begins His public ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit (v.14). Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and participates in a synagogue service.  There he reads from Isaiah 61:1-2.

Can everyone fast?

Examining the health benefits of fasting may make it seem very appealing, but I also want to stress that fasting may not be for everybody. Those that suffer from hypoglycemia, pregnant and breastfeeding women and diabetics should probably avoid fasting, up until blood glucose and insulin levels have been normalized. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should absolutely not fast, as it can have negative effects on the baby.

Benefits of Fasting

1. Fasting is an excellent tool for weight loss- There have been studies that support fasting as an excellent tool for weight loss. In one study, non obese patients lost an average of 4% of total fat when they fasted alternately for a 22 day period. It must also be noted that their fasting insulin levels also decreased. In another study conducted on obese individuals, fasting, meaning consuming only 25% of their daily calorie needs yielded an average 5.5 pound weight loss in an eight week period. 3% of body fat was also lost, along with a decrease in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

2. Fasting promotes the secretion of Human Growth Hormone, which is important for burning fat. Fasting can also promote muscle building, while decreasing insulin levels. When you combine all of these, fasting can in fact, transform the human body into an effective fat burning machine.

3. Fasting may be good for athletes – Fasting has been found to have good effects on body mass as well as other health markers in professional athletes. This is because, as previously mentioned, fasting can effectively shed excess fat, while optimize muscle growth, because of the production of HGH. Athletes are advised to consume high quality protein half an hour after finishing their workouts to simultaneously build muscle and reduce fat. Fasting is advised for training days, while athletes are encouraged to eat on game days.

4. Fasting is great for normalizing insulin sensitivity- When your body gets too much carbs and sugar, it can become insulin resistant, which will then lead the way to a host of chronic diseases. If you don’t want to go down this route, then you’ve got to keep your body sensitive to insulin. Fasting is an effective way to do this. When insulin sensitivity is up, you can better prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart complications

5. Fasting can normalize ghrelin levels- What is ghrelin? It is actually also known as the hunger hormone, because it is responsible for telling your body that it is hungry. When you fast, the ghrelin levels in your body normalizes, so it actually becomes more accurate in telling you if you should really eat, or leave off having a snack until later.

6. Lowering triglyceride levels- When you consume too much cholesterol, your triglyceride levels may shoot up, making you more prone to heart disease. Fasting has been known to decrease levels of bad cholesterol in the body, which means that it also decreases the formation of triglycerides. Another interesting thing to note is that fasting does nothing to the levels of good cholesterol of HDL in the body.

7. Fasting can slow down the aging process- As previously mentioned, fasting can cause the body to produce more Human Growth Hormone. This hormone is actually closely connected to the aging process. When the body produces less HGH, it tends to age faster too. So in effect, it is safe to conclude that fasting can help the body age more slowly.

Why Detox?

 For several years, we have seen increasing imbalance in the form of growing rates of cancer, Alzheimer's, autism, diabetes, fatigue, obesity, heart disease, allergies, candida and infertility. Almost all of these can in some way be linked to toxic overload in our bodies.

Common sources of toxins include: Air, Water, Food, Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco, Household and personal care products, Stress and negative emotions. Long-term exposure to toxins affects our metabolism, behavior, immune system, and leads to disease. They are stored in tissues and cells throughout the body, including the brain, often for years – yikes!

Common Toxins

·         Pollution - in the air and water

·         Non-stick chemicals - non-stick cookware, stain resistant fabrics

·         Xenoestrogens - insecticides, lubricants, adhesives, paints, personal care products (red dye no. 3), weed killer, sunscreen lotion

·         Human growth hormones fed to cows to increase milk production

·         Plastics - containers, water bottles, baggies

·         Food - pesticides on fruit and vegetables, processed foods, refined oils

·         Drinking water - chlorine, heavy metals, chloroform, etc.

·         Personal care products - anti-bacterial soap, perfumes, creams, shampoos, lotions and other similar products have a range of toxins like artificial fragrance, Benzaldehyde, benzalkonium chloride and sodium laureth sulfate

·         Amalgam dental fillings (source of mercury) and dental sealants

·         Household cleansers

·         Prescription, recreational and over-the-counter drugs

·         Dry cleaned clothing

How to Detox

A)    Output; cleansing through body's natural process of detoxifying

◦lungs: breath

◦liver and colon: bile

◦kidneys: urination

◦skin and pores: sweat

B)    Input; consumption of clean products

◦Food

◦Hygiene

◦House cleaning

◦Everyday environment

6     Ways To Detox Your Body

1.      Choose the Right Foods: One of the best things you can do to support your body’s detoxification process is to lighten its load and decrease the toxins you put in your body in the first place. Choose organic vegetables and fruits over fast food and other processed foods. GMO products and pesticide contaminated foods add harmful toxins to your diet. Avoid them like the plague.

2. Exercise and Meditation: Exercise and meditation help maintain a healthy body. Exercising helps you sweat, and sweating helps release toxins through your skin. Studies have found trace amounts of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat. Meditation helps you clear your mind and reduce stress. Stress can be as toxic to your health as chemicals. A troubled mind can cause the physical body to function poorly so plan to invest time meditating on God’s Word.

3. Diet: Detoxifying your body is not only about what you avoid, but also about what you consume. Following a healthy diet can go a long way. There are also many foods that aid detoxification — garlic, lemon, broccoli sprouts, mung beans, and raw vegetables. Many diets promote cleansing and detoxification. I follow and recommend a strict raw, organic, vegan diet, but there are other options if this isn’t for you. You could also try a raw alkaline diet. It’s a temporary cleanse consisting of uncooked fruits and vegetables and raw nuts, seeds, and sprouts. It’s a great strategy for detoxing the colon and liver. A juice diet is also helpful and is centered around consuming freshly-made fruit and vegetable juice—preferably organic.

4. Purify the Air You Breathe: Breathing clean air is another way to reduce your exposure to toxins. While you can’t control the whole environment, you can control the air in your home. Smoke, fumes, pet dander, mold, mildew, and microorganisms can make the air in your home more toxic than the air outside. A high-quality air purification device is the best way to keep your air fresh and toxin-free. If a quality air purification device is out of your budget, get a few house plants instead; they’re nature’s air fresheners. They help filter the air and remove toxin.

5. Purify Your Body With Water: Water is possibly the most valuable tool for detoxifying your body. The body’s most basic functions require water. Your body needs water to produce saliva, help with perspiration, and remove waste. When I say drink water, I do mean water, not coffee, or sports drinks, or soft drinks. If you’re one of those people that find the taste of water boring, try adding lemon or cucumber to your water.

6. A Complete Body Detox: A complete body detox is a step-by-step process that focuses on each organ involved in ridding the body of toxins. The program should focus on removing harmful organisms, chemicals, and toxic metals while cleansing your colon, liver, and kidneys. Cleansing the colon is an important part of any full body cleansing protocol. A complete body detox is a long and committed process but can be especially rewarding. I recommend taking a weekend to complete the Dr. Oz 48 hour cleanse.

Daily Disciplines for Detox

Drink plenty of water

·         Eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet

·         Choose organic produce

·         Choose the right meats, poultry and fish

·         Eliminate processed foods

·         Consume fermented foods and drinks

·         Assist your liver with supplements

·         Cleanse your colon

·         Learn effective way to cope with stress

·         Choose organic, natural, and environmentally friendly personal care and household products