Juice Fasting and Prescription Meds

Strictly speaking, fasting is only drinking water. From that end of the spectrum, there are lemonade fasts, juice fasts and my own Vitality Fasting program. In my program, guests have the option of having a variety of liquid foods that include Vital Scoop smoothies, mineral broth, fresh vegetable and fruit juice and herb tea. Given the nutritionaland caloric content their foods, most people continue on their medications. For a short fast of a week or less, it is common for people to continue their medication, unless they and their doctor want to use the fast as a way to lower or discontinue a medication with proper timing and supervision. If a client has any questions about the increased absorption of medications and nutrients during a fast, they need to discuss this with both their medical doctor and fasting supervisor. It will depend on the individual and their dependency on that medicine if altering the dose while fasting is advised. With something like a cholesterol lowering medication, fasting would enhance the lowering and clearing of cholesterol, so tapering down prior to a fast would be most often safe and sensible. I recommend a pre-fast consult with a person who has not faster before who is taking medication for a chronic health issue to discuss how to best prepare for, participate in and return home with a healthy eating plan. Each person and each situation is very individual. It is important that the fasting supervisor know if a person chooses to alter a medication prior to a fast so that any withdrawal symptoms can be understood and mitigated. The body appreciates consistency, gradual change and no sudden changes without adequate support.