Understanding Fasting

Fasting is a period of abstinence from all food or specific items. Fluids are consumed in sufficient quantity to satisfy thirst and physiologic requirements. During the absence of food, the body will systematically cleanse itself of everything except vital tissue. Starvation will occur only when the body is forced to use vital tissue to survive.

Although protein is being used by the body during the fast, a person fasting even 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of protein, vitamin...