Fasting can be done for a number of reasons, both spiritual and physical. Regardless of your motivations, however, you need to make sure you fast safely. This page lays out what you need to know about how to fast.

The information and instructions included in this guide are intended for educational purposes only. This page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before you begin a fast.

Some fasts are medically necessary before surgery or a medical test or procedures. When doing a medical fast, you'll always want to follow the specific instructions provided by your physician. Other reasons people fast are:

1. For religious or spiritual reasons
2. As part of a social or political position
3. For weight loss

Fasting is refraining from consuming food over a specified period of time. You need to prepare your body to fast, be aware of when you should not fast, and know how to resume eating after a fast.

While short term fasts are usually not dangerous, you should always consult your physician before fasting to make sure that fasting is safe for you. There are also certain classes of people for whom fasting is not advisable:

1. Persons who are severely underweight
2. Persons with a history of anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders
3. People suffering from anemia
4. People with chronic health problems
5. Women who are pregnant or nursing .

1. Check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to fast, get his or her advice about how long it will be safe to fast, and any restrictions on your fast.
2. Arrange your schedule so that you'll have freedom from strenuous activities while you become accustomed to your fast.
3. Make sure you have any liquids that are permitted on your fast available. It's important that you not become dehydrated while fasting.
4. Talk to your family and close friends about your need for their support while fasting.

Depending on how long you've been fasting, your digestive system will have slowed down. To avoid health problems, you need to break your fast gradually. Reintroduce small quantities of gentle foods, avoiding fats and high fiber foods for several days.