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From:	hismama (72.242.56.182)
Subject:	Confused about Dr. Fuhrman's views on ketosis...
Date:	January 22, 2006 at 3:19 am PST

Hey :)

I am researching water-only fasting. I admit to not yet reading Dr.Fuhrman's book, but I am aware of much of the material, and the respect he has earned on the subject.

It's my understanding that Dr. Fuhrman states -
(from http://www.allthingswell.com/fast_trans.cfm)

"There is serious dissension with regards to the safety and effectiveness of fasting (Fuhrman, 1995, p. 174). Most medical doctors dismiss it along with other self-healing regimens, preferring to dispense pharmaceuticals. A common argument against fasting is the claim that the body will catabolize muscle for use as fuel. In fact, the human body has an inherent ability to protect itself during a fast because of a process called "ketosis." Ketosis occurs as a reaction to a decrease of glucose in the body. The human body needs glucose to survive, but glucose supplies diminish when the body is deprived of food. By the third day of the fast, the liver begins to produce large quantities of ketones for the body to use instead of glucose. This reduces the body's need for glucose, and significantly limits muscle wasting. Without ketosis, a fasting body would use about a pound of muscle mass a day to meet glucose requirements (p. 11)."

The above seems to conflict with vegan views of the dangers of ketosis, among other things, when referring to a high protein diet.

I support a whole foods, vegan diet. In no way am I trying to argue for high protein. I'm just confused now as to how ketosis can be bad on the one hand and healthful on the other.

Can anyone here help explain this to me?
Thank you!

Peace,
hismama

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