Fall Season: Time to Cleanse and Prepare for the Holidays

by Ramesh Bjonnes

When seasons change in spring or fall, those are the best times to fast and cleanse. During summer, we may have indulged in eating more processed foods and been exposed to more fungicides, preservatives, and chemical additions than before.

Furthermore, if we have been overeating or consumed low-quality foods, our digestion has suffered. When our digestive fire is low, we start producing and accumulating toxins instead of properly digesting our nutrients.

That’s why it is always good to fast on a regular basis to burn away these undigested toxins. Fall and early winter, before the holidays, are great times to do just that. Then you may come back in the spring after a long winter for another juice cleanse.

When we accumulate toxins, we may suffer from cravings, mood swings, exhaustion, fogginess, poor breath, tongue coating, and body odor. Over time, these harmful undigested food particles enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. When we fast, we burn away these toxins, and that is why fasting is so beneficial to health.

Other benefits to fasting include:

1. Several studies have found that fasting may promote blood sugar regulation by reducing insulin resistance.
2. Research has shown that inflammation is involved in creating various diseases and that fasting will reduce inflammation.
3. Research supports fasting to improve heart health and lower cholesterol.
4. One study in mice showed that intermittent fasting improved brain health.
5. Short-term fasting boosts metabolism and induces weight loss.

While fasting is very effective in improving health, it can be challenging to do at home by yourself. Therefore, come join us at a Prama retreat where you will find group support and will learn from our experienced teachers about health, nutrition, and stress reduction. You will also have yoga and meditation classes to further reduce stress and improve health every day!

Note: This article is not meant to diagnose or prescribe medicine. Please consult your physician if you are concerned about any health problems.