Fasting Journal : Fasting Center International

A GIANT HMO'S SENIOR COUNSEL, 51, ENDS HOT FLASHES & NIGHT SWEATS DURING & AFTER HER 81-DAY PROGRAM!

      [FCI NOTE: Just as it's interesting to walk through U.S. hospitals to see what kind of health role-models M.D.s and R.N.s are today--here in this nation where two-thirds of adults are overweight (with one-third clinically obese)--it's likewise interesting to see inside our HMOs. Led by her intuitive wisdom to FCI, Paula Ohliger of San Francisco, CA, senior counsel for one of America's largest Health Maintenance Organizations (more than 8.5 million members in 9 States and D.C.), is representative of a large number of FCI clients who arrive to do our Programs either perimenopausal or already in menopause, wondering if prolonged fasting can help alleviate their hot flashes, night sweats, etc. Here's how Paula approached us, after first emailing to request our free "Introductory Letters":
      "Dennis: I'll be ordering the 81-day Total Detox. Program Friday. I'm very excited. I loved the following quote from your email: 'Preconceptions, misconceptions, and anxiety about something one has never experienced, are useless baggage on this journey, as well as in life, overall.' So true. I am 5' 5.5", weigh 145 lbs., and think my normal weight should be around 125-130, but I'm not sure, as I have not ever been at a truly normal weight. I've struggled with weight all my life (the first time I realized I was overweight was in 6th grade, when I weighed what I weigh now, and was three inches shorter). I've been as much as 175 (maybe more), and have lost down to the 130's two or three times in my life. But mostly, I've been overweight.
      "I've no idea what my blood pressure is, but know that at times when I've had it measured, it's been high--140 over 90-ish. I have a heart murmur (very slight) and an irregular heartbeat (at times). I fear having a stroke (more than having a heart attack) or getting diabetes. One of my colleagues (in her 50's) just had a heart attack (and she was not overweight), and another colleague just died (at 60; she was quite overweight). So, I've been very aware that I could be at risk, but don't want to go to a doctor because I don't want to be on blood-pressure meds or any other medication. I want to heal myself--allow my body to heal itself, which I totally believe it can do, if I provide the conditions for it to do so.
      "I've done a couple of two-day water-fasts recently, because I'd overeaten on sugar-rich foods, and felt pretty sick, not wanting to eat. I've tried other one-day fasts (again, water only); was very, very hungry, and didn't make it a full day. But, I've never tried a juice-fast. My eating varies from a high plant-based diet of fruits, veggies, big salads and beans, to high-sugar, high-processed carbos such as donuts and bread (with lots of butter). I don't eat much meat (or fowl or fish), and don't take any medication (an occasional Advil, but even that is rare). My goal is to never take any medication. I exercise 5-6 days a week (aerobics/weight-training videos) and have done four triathlons (sprints) over the past two years. I'm going to do a 65-mile bike ride in Spring, so I'll be training for that during this fast.
      "I have a very great interest in spiritual things, and feel that the Divine Spirit brings things into my life for my spiritual growth. I truly feel that this Program is one of those things--part of the change that I will experience during this year. I should also add that I'm in menopause and experience hot flashes and night sweats. I think that's it. I'll keep reading the other emails you sent.". . .One month after completing her 81-day Program, Paula wrote the following:]

      "Hi, Dennis. It's been a month since I ended my 81-day Total Detox. Program--71 days of fasting, and 10 days transitioning in and out. Sometimes, I can't believe I did it. What an accomplishment. It really has changed my life! I lost about 30 lbs., which was great; actually, it was more like 36, but I have gained about 5-6 back, just as you said we do after the fast.
      "I can't believe I have made it! It's one of the best things I have ever, ever done. I have learned so much, and accomplished more than I could imagine. This really has changed my life. Sometimes, even though it was hard, I would like to go back to the simplicity of the fast. I knew what I was having each day, and there was no other choice for that day. It made things very simple. Lots of physical symptoms vanished, and one other fabulous effect I've had is that my hot flashes and night sweats have been gone this whole time. . .not a one, either throughout my Program, or in the month since I finished it. It's been heavenly! I have read, in the past, that certain women who have eaten a raw-food diet haven't been bothered by them. That's another good reason for me to concentrate on a plant-based diet from now on.
      "I am amazed how sensitive I am to food now. I only want to eat healthy foods. Processed foods don't appeal to me. I was also amazed how I felt, not having any salt for that long. I don't want any salt in anything now, and have begun to look at labels (even on things like Balsamic vinegar), just to be sure that I don't get a lot of salt. I don't use any bottled salad dressings any more, choosing to make my own. . .and loving them! I don't buy any canned goods (even low-salt beans, which I was eating before). It's amazing how much salt can affect your body, and you don't even know it!
      "A lot of other physical symptoms vanished, too. I was not as stiff. Before the Program, if I sat for a couple of hours during a meeting, when I got up, I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to walk, because I was so stiff. During the Program, and even now, I don't have that problem. My stiffness went away. It just goes to show you that the symptoms of aging really don't have anything to do with age, but rather, with what we have eaten over the years. I read a quote somewhere that went something like: 'Man will someday feast at the table of his consequences.' That is so true, but we don't have to experience those 'aging' symptoms, if we are willing to do what we need to do--detoxify our bodies and feed them nourishing, plant-based foods.
      "I no longer have my heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms. I am no longer afraid of being diabetic, because I am eating so well. I have started exercising again. My weight is down to a normal level. My blood pressure is fine again; great, actually, and I love the feeling of a flat stomach and unclogged colon.
      "On the emotional side, I was forced to deal with a lot of the anxiety I have, which I usually push down with food. Since I couldn't eat, I really had to find another way to deal with it. I was able to start (it's going to be something I'll have to work on forever) to see where my anxiety comes from, and find some solutions for it. (I was lead to read a wonderfulÊbook called "Self-Coaching," by Joseph Luciani. The book really helped me begin to see what I can do to decrease my anxiety, which stems from a need to control, which comes from a lack of trust, in myself and in the universe. It was really an eye-opener.)
      "So, having to deal with these things was really an important side-effect of this Program. Also, I was so much more mentally alert. My mind was so clear. I could function at work so much better and more easily. I am an attorney, and the ability to think more clearly has been a Godsend. It was a subtle thing, but I was very aware of it. I still feel pretty alert, mentally, but I was more so during the fast.
      "All in all, this Program was really life-changing. I am so focused now on eating right and feeling good, that I have decided to look into programs on Nutritional Counseling. I would like to be able to teach others about nutrition, and having 'credentials' gives a person credibility. So, I feel like I've embarked on a new part of my life. I'm even looking forward to doing another fast, even just a week, soon. It had such a great effect on my life.
      "I am so grateful I found your website, and had the inner nudge to do this. I would encourage anyone who feels the nudge to do this, to do so wholeheartedly. You will never be sorry! Personally, I'm very, very pleased with my results with this Program, on every level. I'm very glad I have done this, and plan on doing an annual 2-3-week fast, as well.
      "The words don't truly express the effect that this has had on me, on so many levels. Not only am I so grateful to have taken the huge step to have done this, but it's so great to have this tool for the future. Thank you so much, Dennis, for developing this wonderful Program. I hope you continue to offer this great tool and all your support to others, as I am sure you will. I will be forever grateful to you (and to the Divine guidance that brought me to you)!
"Forever grateful, Paula Ohliger"

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Any questions, email or phone FCI. Email: FastMaster@fasting.com; phone: 818-590-2536 (know that the best time to catch Founder/Director Dennis Paulson, himself, with the least interruption, is between 10-4, California time). For the Fasting Center International home page, click here: www.fasting.com