“I ordered your book “The Raw Secrets” a while back and have enjoyed it.

“I am a bit flabbergasted that you did a 23-day fast in Costa Rica. I do agree that perhaps a 3-day fast is healthy, but beyond that the heart can just collapse unexpectedly? How does the doctor explain that danger ? I just don't understand why humans have to be so extreme ! I'm glad you are okay!”

ANSWER: Fasting under proper supervision is a natural process that most people do not quite understand! The human body has the capacity to live 5-6 weeks without food (or even longer), and at least 3-4 weeks before getting into a starvation mode. The difference between starvation and fasting is that during fasting the body lives on its body fat reserves, while during starvation the body starts to plunder the vital organs of the body to survive. It's a major distinction. I did not fast until starvation, but still had reserves to keep me going for another week at least.

That being said, I don’t recommend anyone fasting without proper supervision.

ENEMAS

“Thanks for sharing your fasting experience last week. I enjoyed reading it very much. I have also read your book “The Raw Secrets”. Great information that makes a lot of sense!

“I noticed you didn't mention enemas. Was this not recommended? After reading some of your stuff I am left a little confused about enemas.” - Sean

ANSWER: I didn't do any enemas during my fast, no, and it wasn't recommended. For a better understanding, read "Fasting Can Save Your Life" by Herbert Shelton.

A QUESTION ABOUT FASTING

“Thanks for your e-zine, I really enjoy the publication. It is really insightful and very inspirational. I am confused about your recent fast though. My question is related to fat reserves. You say that the body lives on its own fat reserves during this period. But, what if you don't have much fat on your body to begin with? Being a raw-foodist in itself makes your body lean, the very food we eat is free from fats we would store. Wouldn't your own body then start eating away at the next available source of energy, being your muscles, in which the heart happens to be one? This sounds dangerous! I can't wait to hear your answer. I know you have one for me.” - PAUL M.

ANSWER: That's a good question.

Even a skinny person still has fat reserves, although not as visible as the average person. Don’t forget that the body can convert carbohydrates into fat for storage. So you don’t need to eat concentrated fatty foods in order to have body fat.

The body only consumes about 1 pound of fat per week, on average, during a fat. The rest of the weight loss being water loss.

In my own case, my body fat level was quite low before the fast (around 8%).

After 23 days of fasting, I was down to about 4% body fat, and I still had some to go! It would have taken another 2-3 weeks to get me down to zero.

So as you can see, even a thin person has enough reserves to fast 3-4 weeks, under proper supervision, of course.