Many fasters complain that their vision is blurred, and that they are unable to concentrate.  These are really major inconveniences because then fasters can’t read or even pay close attention to video-taped movies, and if they can’t divert themselves some fasters think they will go stir crazy.  They are so addicted to a hectic schedule of doingness, and/or being entertained that they just can’t stand just being with themselves, forced to confront and deal with the sensations of their own body, forced to face their own thoughts, to confront their own emotions, many of which are negative.  People who are fasting release a lot of mental/emotional garbage at the same time as they let go of old physical garbage.  Usually the psychological stuff contributed greatly to their illness and just like the physical garbage and degenerated organs, it all needs to be processed.

One of the most distressing experiences that happen occasionally is hair loss.  Deprived of adequate nutrition, the follicles can not keep growing hair, and the existing hair dies.  However, the follicles themselves do not die and once the fast has ended and sufficient nutrition is forthcoming, hair will regrow as well or better than before.

There are also complaints that occur after the fast has been broken.  Post-fast cravings, even after only two weeks of deprivation, are to be expected.  These may take the form of desires for sweet, sour, salt, or a specific food dreamed of while fasting, like chocolate fudge sundays or just plain toast.  Food cravings must be controlled at all costs because if acted upon, each indulgence chips away the health gains of the previous weeks.  A single indulgence can be remedied by a day of restricting the diet to juice or raw food.  After the repair, the person feels as good as they did when the fast ended.  Repeated indulgences will require another extended bout of fasting to repair.  It is far better to learn self-control.

The Healing Crisis And Retracing

Certain unpleasant somatics that occur while fasting (or while on a healing diet) may not be dangerous or “bad.”  Two types, the healing crisis, and retracing, are almost inevitable.  A well-educated faster should welcome these discomforts when they happen.  The healing crisis (but not retracing) also occurs on a healing diet.

The healing crisis can seem a big surprise to a faster who has been progressing wonderfully.  Suddenly, usually after a few days of noticeably increased well-being, they suddenly experience a set of severe symptoms and feel just awful.  This is not a setback, not something to be upset or disappointed about, but a healing crisis, actually a positive sign