Earlyface

Truth be told, many times when breaking a fast,
we are faced with the temptation of eating
everything we see in front of us just at the same
time. But hey!… That will overburden your
digestive system.
The best benefit of fasting is realized when a fast is
broken properly. Taking it slow and easy is not only
kind to your body, but allows you the opportunity to
integrate your new-found clarity on your relationship
to food. During a fast, the body undergoes several
biological changes. Enzymes normally produced by
the digestive system have ceased to be produced or
have been diminished greatly, depending on the type
of fast performed, so introducing food slowly allows
the body time to re-establish this enzyme production.
The protective mucus lining of the stomach may be
temporarily diminished as well, making the stomach
walls more vulnerable to irritation until it also
returns to normal. Gentle reintroduction of foods,
beginning with the simplest and easiest-to-digest
foods, supports this process.
Substances known to be irritating to the system, such
as coffee and spicy foods, must be avoided during
the breaking process. Because of these biological
changes, overeating immediately following a fast is
much worse than overeating at any other time. Your
system needs time to readjust back to normal
digestion and assimilation. Not taking the proper
measures can result in stomach cramping, nausea,
and even vomiting. The adjustment period necessary
is based on the length of the fast. Four days is
considered adequate for any of the longer fasts, 1-3
days for shorter fasts, and just a day or so for one-
day fasts. Foods to use for breaking a fast: the most
nutritious and easy-to-digest foods are used to break
a fast initially, gradually adding more diversity and
complexity over time.
When breaking a fast, begin with frequent small
meals, every 2 hours or so, progressing gradually
toward larger meals with more time in between them
until you reach a “normal” eating routine, such as 3
meals and 2 snacks in a day’s time. Chew foods well.
This will help immensely with proper digestion and is
a good habit to foster. Strive to add live enzymes and
good bacteria to your system. Fresh, raw foods are
full of living enzymes good for your body and
digestion. Probiotics, or “good” bacteria, can be
found not only in pill form, but also in naturally
cultured and fermented food products, such as
yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso. In all, while it may take
a little thought and attention, breaking a fast properly
is so important to our overall health and to reaping
the full benefits of our fasting.