The Most Frequent Questions asked about Fasting with Answers

1. “Are there some illnesses or conditions that render fasting inadvisable?” 

The answer is yes! In cases of serious undernourishment or nervous exhausting, fasting is not recommended unless for very short periods. It should not be undertaken by diabetic patients, especially if insulin is being taken. It is also not advisable for expectant mothers. When in doubt seek medical advice

2. “Is it practicable to fast while carrying on one’s work?”

The answer is it depends on the nature of the work, the length of the fast and the individual. Everyone should be able to do a one day fast, with the exceptions stated above. The ideal is to be as free as possible to seek God at such a time, and to take the necessary rest.

3. “Is it unwise to fast if underweight?”

The answer is no! It is common to find that underweight people recover their normal healthy weight following a longer fast, according to Dr. H. Shelton a noted physician on eating habits.

4. “What is the average daily weight loss during a fast?”

The answer is it varies greatly with the individual. In the first stages of a longer fast you may lose 2 pounds per day and then it starts to level off. Provided there is sufficient rest, fasting is the safest, most efficient, and most natural weight-reducer.

5. “Should one use laxatives or enemas while fasting?”

The answer is no! According to Dr. Shelton he prefers to allow nature to take its own course. Some recommend “Glauber’s Salts and warm water. After a long fast some people take prunes or figs first thing in the morning and drink molasses until the bowels start their normal functioning.

6. “Is it advisable to fast in the winter?”

The answer is yes! The body does not generate its normal heat while fasting. Provided one is careful to keep warm, there is no reason for not fasting in the winter.

7. “Is there any way of preventing dizziness during fasting?”

The answer is yes! Dizziness is usually a temporary symptom. It is sometimes caused by a sudden change of position. The remedy in that case is to move slowly.

8. “Can one do anything about sleeplessness?”

The answer is sometimes! This may be due to the fact that the mind is overactive. It is wise to avoid any concentrated mental activity before retiring, and resist the temptation to sleep (though not rest) during the day.

9. “What can be done about bad breath?”

The answer is there are “mints” that if allowed to dissolve on the tongue will provide relief for those who suffer from this.

10. “How much water should one drink during a fast?”

The answer is that some recommend drinking as much as possible, as a way of aiding the process of elimination by flushing the system. Water should not be “chilled” and a slice of lemon in the water jug will take away the metallic taste.

11. “What other practical points should one bear in mind

When we are fasting?”

The answer is a daily shower or bath with warm water not hot water. Deep breathing, concentrating on exhaling as fully as possible. Regular exercise (not too strenuous), except where there is great weakness.

12. “May not a person fasting be subject to impressions and voices which are not from God?”

        The answer is yes! Fasting makes one sensitive to the world of spirit, whether divine or satanic. Only if Satan already has avenues in a person’s life will he become subject to satanic impressions when he fasts. These inroads can often be the beginning for deliverance for those individuals. Where there are such avenues, we have nothing to fear, provided we remain humble before God and are clad in the heavenly armor. God did not design fasting to make us vulnerable to Satan.

Questions and Answers taken from “God’s Chosen Fast” by Arthur Wallis