Fasting is usually considered to be the lot of either religious zealots or health nuts.  Is it crazy to go without eating for one day, or more?  Are three "square meals" a day the correct way?  Salem Kirban addresses these issues in How to Keep Healthy & Happy By Fasting .  



Kirban first learned about fasting in 1975 when his wife read an article on the subject in a popular magazine.  They decided to try it.  This began their interest in the subject of how fasting is actually good for the health.  Now age 78, he has practiced these principles for almost 40 years and outlines his beliefs in his various publications.  The reasons for fasting given by Kirban (p. 110 of How to Keep Healthy & Happy by Fasting) are:
1.  To lower your blood pressure
2.  To lower your cholesterol level
3.  To clean out your body
4.  To give your digestive system a rest
5.  To give your body time to heal itself
6.  To relieve nervousness and tension
7.  To sleep better
8.  To regulate your bowels providing better elimination
9.  To make you more alert
10. To sharpen your mental processes
11. To slow your aging process
12. To save money
13. To feel and look better physically
14.  To lose weight, quick and easy
15. To improve your marital life
16. To help you eliminate smoking and driving
17. To learn the will of God

Kirban makes a very good case for fasting as he discusses these points.  He gives medical  data plus sound principles for starting, during, and stopping a fast.  One attention getter was the list of  common but toxic ingredients which are in many of the processed foods we eat.  Our bodies must deal with  these.  Why not give the body a rest?  

A devout Christian, Kirban uses the Bible as a source for suggested "times to feast and times to fast."  In the book of Daniel, the Hebrew slave and his friends are good examples of people who ate wisely, foregoing the delicacies of the king's table for a limited time.  The result was that they were physically, mentally and spiritually energized.  As Kirban says "Even the godless King Nebuchadnezzar recognized this fact."  The Bible gives other examples of feasting and fasting.  We might consider these occasions and the reasons behind them.

Kirban emphasizes that fasting is not starving.  It is doing without food (drink plenty of water) for a period of time. This may be as little as skipping one meal.  The recommendation is to fast for 24 hours on a regular basis.   He certainly specifies that one use wisdom and caution before starting any fast.  One should also consult his/her physician before starting a fast.

Fasting is not for everyone.  While fasting could contribute to the healing of some health problems, not all people should fast.  Among those who should not fast are those with bleeding ulcers, cancer, juvenile diabetes, gout, liver diseases, a recent heart attack, cerebral diseases and tumors.  Children and teens should not fast without doctor's approval.  It is important they receive adequate protein intake.  One's physician would know one's physical condition and if fasting would be an option.

While this author is on the "no" list as far as the list given above, I was pleased to read How to keep Healthy & Happy by Fasting.  It gave many good ideas for eating wisely even without going on a fast. It was well worth my time and encouraged me on my quest for optimum health.