Fasting
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relief, but which does not cure the disease. It may change the form of
disease, but the real evil is increased ten-fold. Nature was doing her
best to rid the system of an accumulation of impurities and could she
have been left to herself, aided by the common blessings of Heaven,
such as pure air, and pure water, a speedy and safe cure would have
been effected.
The sufferers in such cases can do for themselves that which others
can not do as well for them. They should commence to relieve nature
of the load they have forced upon her. They should remove the cause.
Fast a short time, and give the stomach chance for rest. Reduce the
feverish state of the system by a careful and understanding application
of water. These efforts will help nature in her struggles to free the
system of impurities.
Testimonies for the Church 7:134
There are some who would be benefited more by abstinence from
food for a day or two every week than by any amount of treatment
or medical advice. To fast one day a week would be of incalculable
benefit to them.
The Ministry of Healing, 235
Intemperate eating is often the cause of sickness, and what nature
most needs is to be relieved of the undue burden that has been placed
upon her. In many cases of sickness, the very best remedy is for
the patient to fast for a meal or two, that the over-worked organs of
digestion may have an opportunity to rest. A fruit diet for a few days
has often brought great relief to brain workers. Many times a short
period of entire abstinence from food, followed by simple, moderate
eating, has led to recovery through nature’s own recuperative effort.
An abstemious diet for a month or two would convince many sufferers
that the path of self-denial is the path to health.
Testimonies for the Church 2:384-385
In cases of severe fever, abstinence from food for a short time will
lessen the fever, and make the use of water more effectual. But the
acting physician needs to understand the real condition of the patient,
and not allow him to be restricted in diet for a great length of time until