Fasting Experiences

People from all over the world have come to our clinic to recover from a wide variety of health challenges. We have had guests from Cyprus, China, Taiwan, Alaska, Bahamas, and throughout Canada and the United States. Here is what some of our guests have said about our program and newsletter:

Terry Gorchynski - Cobourg, Ontario
I completed a 14 day water fast at Dr. Kim’s Life Essentials Health Clinic in February 2005. I remained at the Clinic an additional 7 days for re-feeding and recovery, for a total visit of 21 days. I found the experience very beneficial.

Apart from the improvement in my overall health, and particularly the healing of a sore left wrist that had prevented me from supporting my body when doing pushups, I found the educational component very helpful.

I had fasted once before in 1994 at another clinic, and previously read books and articles on Natural Health, but had fallen out of the habit, and similarly, my lifestyle practices had slipped as I was eating too much processed food and overindulging in coffee and pop.

Dr. Kim presented a series of lectures on natural health, and encouraged questions, not only during the lectures, but throughout my entire stay, with an invitation to e-mail any additional questions once I returned home. Books and tapes are helpful, but this live interactive process is particularly helpful. Dr. Kim also has a website which contains a wealth of information, and is continually updated with new articles and information.

During the re-feeding process, Dr. Kim and his wife Margaret brought me some wonderful meals, some foods I hadn’t eaten before, like healthful hummus and guacamole, but enjoyed very much. These meals, along with the lectures on food and other health matters, and the question and answer sessions, have given me a blueprint for a healthy lifestyle. I have the information, it is now up to me to execute and maintain.

I feel fairly confident I can do so. I am generally familiar with Natural Health, and I know there are some practitioners who advocate a fairly stringent set of rules. I was somewhat surprised and encouraged that Dr. Kim has an approach which seems less stringent and therefore achievable, but is supported with facts and reason. I now believe there is plenty of delicious food I can eat and enjoy, and maintain the foundation for a healthy life.

***

Michael Misiaouli - Cyprus, Europe (excerpted from Winter 2004 edition of Health Science magazine)
I was born and raised in Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, which has recently become a member of the European Union.

I had what was probably a typical Mediterranean childhood in the 1950s - an active outdoor lifestyle with a diet of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, pulses, salads, and very little meat - at the most once or twice a week. Unfortunately, this way of living is now a distant dream for today's children in Cyprus with the preferred diet being hamburgers, kebabs, and pizzas as daily fare!

With four children in the family, money didn't stretch to paying doctor's bills, so our medicines were made by my mother from various plants and herbs collected from the fields. Antibiotics were not used with the regularity that today's doctors insist are 'essential.'

Apart from the usual childhood ailments, I considered myself to have good health until I was about 33 years of age. By this time, I had completed my Master's Degree in Physical Education and had spent several years overseas. I began to suffer from very painful frequent headaches, which medication could not relieve. I also began to get large painful spots on my chest. Visits to many doctors over the years could not identify the cause.

I married my British wife who was a long-time vegetarian and I began to take an interest in healthy eating (by this time, I was not eating the Mediterranean diet of my youth!). I began to read various books in my wife's collection, one of which was Fit for Life by Marilyn and Harvey Diamond. I was very impressed by the views put forward in this book, and the NHA was mentioned in the contact addresses.

I got in touch with the association and became a member. I also read the Miracle of Fasting by Paul Bragg and Fasting and Eating for Health by Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

Each issue of the Health Science magazine is eagerly awaited and is always an excellent source of information and interesting articles.

I became a vegan and my headaches began to be less frequent and my spots disappeared. However, they did begin to return and I began to think seriously about fasting.

I had read the interview with Dr. Ben Kim in Health Science magazine. After speaking to him on the phone, I felt that he was the person to help me regain better health. I made arrangements to visit his Life Essentials Clinic in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

For me, it was a long way to travel, but as soon as I arrived at the clinic, I realized I had made the right decision and I had come to the right place! Dr. Kim was every bit as kind and helpful as he had been on the phone.

My fast wasn't easy - most of the time I felt sick and had to lie in bed.

After a particularly bad morning on the sixth day, Dr. Kim reassured me that this was a good sign and my body was detoxifying. I managed to fast for 10 days going from 127 to 113 lbs. I could not have managed this if it were not for the care and attention I received from Dr. Kim. He was always there to listen and to encourage me, and his calm, confident manner always reassured me.

Dr. Kim's talks on health related topics, for all under his care, were also very welcome, to help me gain a better understanding of what I needed to do when I returned home to continue my quest for better health.

It was also a good thing to be with other fasters. I knew I was not the only one going through this experience and we could also encourage each other as only a fellow faster could!

Dr. Kim knew when it was time for me to end my fast and I was then given delicious juices for a few days followed by fruit and vegetable salads lovingly prepared to enable me to regain strength for my journey home. Dr. Kim had sensibly told me to allow at least six days post fasting when I was making my travel arrangements.

I now know I am on the road to better heatlh. Dr. Kim has told me I will slowly regain weight and I have already gained 10 pounds. My spots have cleared up and I am confident my headaches will not return as long as I follow the dietary guidelines given to me by Dr. Kim.

My long journey to Dr. Kim's clinic was one of the most important journeys I have made. His impact on my life will never be forgotten.

I would like to thank the National Health Association for providing excellent health information and resources for its readers!

***

Barbara S. - Toronto, Ontario
The best part of my experience was having Ben's indefatigable support and patience under any and all circumstances, having fellow fasters to share my experiences with, and the release of physical and emotional toxicity.

The most difficult part of the process was re-experiencing emotional memories as their toxic residues were released from my system, as well as the expected weakness and symptoms of detoxification, particularly gas production.

I loved it here. It's bright, has lots of light, is clean, and this sense of care is also very much with Ben, whose sensitive professionalism is an unbeatable combination.

***

G. Maldonado - New York City, New York
A few weeks before I flew to Canada to undertake a fast under Dr. Ben Kim's supervision, I was in real bad health. Hypertension, chronic bronchitis, angina, painful knees and lower back, aching fingers and toes had bothered me for a long time.

Per Dr. Kim's instructions, I ate only raw fruit and vegetables for two days before my fast. This proved beneficial because right on my first night in Ontario, I started experiencing what I called the most "pleasurable" diarrhea I've ever had. It lasted four days and it actually gave me a great feeling of well-being.

After just a week of water-only fasting, the pain in my knees, lower back, fingers, and toes had gone. My hypertension tapered to 120/80. Sometimes, my B.P. reading went down to 110/75 and 105/68. Although I was losing weight minimally compared to the younger fasters, I felt light and content with what was happening to my body. To top it all, I wasn't hungry even if I was regularly watching the Food Network on TV.

There were many best parts of the process for me. Dr. Kim's gentle nature coupled with his wife, Margaret's friendliness instantly made me feel at ease. Then, there were the lectures by both of them that were always so informative and enlightening. And when I began eating again after my 18-day fast, I enjoyed every fruit and vegetable juice, fruit salad, vegetable salad, steamed vegetables, and everything that Dr. Kim served me.

What I consider the worst part of my fast was my angina that seemed to linger, or so I imagined, up to the fourth day of my re-feeding. This really bothered me a lot; however, Dr. Kim's expert and encouraging guidance put all my anxiety to rest. Miraculously, after his soothing advice, my chest pain had gone for good. He was right! Sometimes, not all physical pains and aches are truly physiological. These may only be psychological. And now, I feel that my heart is healthy and strong, especially when I do brisk walking for thirty minutes, five times a week. What more, I've been off medication for my high blood pressure and angina.

I thank God for this effective and painless therapy and those who started it and I thank God for Dr. Kim and Margaret who made my stay in their facility a very pleasant one.

***

Rebecca Garcia - Xenia, Ohio
The best part of the process was Dr. Kim's attitude and the discussions. I had a definite plan in mind when I arrived but as the days went by I knew I had over estimated and had put a lot of pressure on myself. Knowing I had Dr. Kim's guidance and support especially helped with the mental/emotional aspect of the fast.

Before I arrived I was becoming very rigid with my diet and views. But I learned so much during the discussions that I was able to see things in a different light. I'm now confident that the negative aspects of living hygienically in a non-hygenic world won't affect me like they use to. Which will leave a lot more room for joy in my life!

The most difficult part of the process for me was the back pain that started on the second day. It was a huge detox hurdle. After I got through it I was ready to break the fast sooner than expected.

***

Catherine Elliot - Winnipeg, Manitoba
The best part of the program was Dr. Kim's talks, teaching that good health results when all aspects of our lives, physical, mental, and emotional are in balance. Also, learning that there is no one diet that will work for everyone, but that we should always be aware of how our body responds to certain foods and use that feedback to make appropriate food choices. I especially appreciate Dr. Kim's kindness, reassurance, and patience, as well as his constant sincere encouragement and positivity.

The most difficult part was trying to focus on each day of fasting as it came rather than always looking ahead to the end. The nights were difficult due to me constantly waking up with nausea and having to sip water all night. Vomiting on the 6th day was also unpleasant.

Overall, I enjoyed my stay immensely and felt very much at home.

***

Chris Schaedler - Boulder, Colorado
I admit that I was a bit intimidated, even concerned, about the prospect of going food-less for weeks. However, having spoken with Ben a number of times during the 1/2 year period preceding my fast, as he guided me through wise and skillful dietary modifications - that in and of themselves led to noticeable improvement - I had gained sufficient faith to take the leap.

So, in late April of 2004, I was ready to begin. I expected it to be somehow more wretched and violent than it actually turned out to be, despite the fact that I extended my water fast to three weeks. There were grumblings within, mild nausea and pains here and there, and gradually onsetting weakness, but with Ben's deep understanding of and experience with the process of fasting, I felt increasingly assured. I even came to enjoy the long and needed respite from food, not to mention the movie nights with my co-faster, and the stream of balanced and intelligent answers that Ben gave to my way too many questions regarding health and diet issues.

Now, finally, after over five years of trying many, many different diets and healing modalities, I feel I've really begun to focus in on the fundamentals of health, and Ben is the one I have most to thank for that.

If you wish to learn more about water fasting, as well as diet, or if you're interested in taking the plunge to water fast under the care of a very conscientious, personally attentive, wise, and caring man, I strongly recommend Ben and Life Essentials.

***

Darlene Cooperman Vais - Montreal, Quebec
My decision to fast at Dr. Ben Kim's Life Essentials Health Clinic was one of the most important ones of my life. I have fasted both at home and at other facilities but never before have I experienced such peace of mind and success as I did at this clinic. I am a changed person. This was my first step on a lifelong road to health. I now feel able to deal with the challenges that will occur as I continue on my path. I fasted for 14 days and the best part of the process was the feeling of inner cleanliness I felt on a daily basis. I felt lighter both physically and spiritually. I watched my blood pressure drop down each day until it reached a normal level. I felt stronger and stronger in my resolve as I felt my body healing itself.

Dr. Kim's constant attention and supervision was only surpassed by his kindness, sensitivity and knowledge. His calmness was contagious and he made me feel as if I could accomplish anything. When my re-entry to eating took a difficult turn and I felt a bit discouraged, Dr. Kim's guidance not only got me through but gave me the necessary motivation to go on.

The clinic was made even more comfortable and meaningful by Dr. Kim's wife Margaret. She always seemed to be around when some extra T.L.C. was needed. Margaret certainly helped to make us feel most welcome.

As I prepared to go home and resume "real life" with all of its challenges and anxieties, I was confident. I was armed with an awesome experience, with a great deal of new knowledge from both Ben's talks and his one on one conversations, and most important with his phone number in my purse. I already miss the quiet serentiy of this most beautiful house but I am ready to go and face the rest of my life healthier and hopefully.

***

M.C. - Toronto, Ontario
The best part of the process for me was being required to rest, relax, and not exert myself unnecessarily. Before the fast, my mind was always preoccupied with thoughts of things I had to get done that day, the next day, the day after that, etc. It was quite stressful, always thinking about work. The required rest, as well as the weakness that accompanied the fast, allowed me to focus on myself, my body, in the moment. It's hard to think about other things when you're concentrating on moving your body, weakened from lack of food, and feeling like a load of bricks! I have learned the importance of taking things slowly, not rushing, and making time for myself. I have also learned to appreciate food so much more! I appreciated Ben's constant presence, as he visited with each guest a couple of times a day.

The most difficult part of the process for me was the lack of energy I experienced. This was worst on the first day, where I felt like my body was a big sack of potatoes and my head was like a bowling ball. During subsequent days, some energy did return and I didn't feel like I was dragging myself around anymore. I found that my attention waned and I could not stand to read. Novels I had been interested in reading before my fast, were left unfinished. There was TV though, so that helped to pass the time.

Overall, I feel that my fast was very meaningful and comfortable, and it couldn't have been any better.

***

Steve D. - Anchorage, Alaska
The best part of my stay was the re-feeding process and noticing the difference in how I felt. After 24 days of water fasting, good, whole, plant-based foods tasted so good and things that I craved before were not wanted any longer. I also began to notice how good I felt both physically and emotionally.

I had some difficult days when I began to doubt whether I was doing the right thing. What you have to do is just take your time fasting, day by day, or moment by moment. Bad feelings and discomfort will pass.

The environment in which you conduct your fast makes a huge difference. The environment needs to be peaceful with supportive supervision. I received all of this at Life Essentials.

For people who have not experienced a long water fast before, I suggest that they fast moment by moment and do not decide that they will do x number of days or that it should go a certain way. Just let nature take it's course and flow with the moment.

***

D.F. - Bahamas
The best part of my experience was being in an environment where I could completely focus on the activity of fasting and the education of learning how the body works. The education was both in seeing how my physical body reacted to the fast, Ben walking me through it, and also the books and health publications Ben has. I read all of the publications and what I could of the books and that was a tremendous learning experience.

Also connecting with Ben - he is a gentle spirit and believes in fasting and people and that was helpful and refreshing.

The most difficult part was being away from home and from my family -this was only a major problem because fasting in an individual experience and a somewhat lonely experience in the sense that even though Ben and other people are there only you experience what is going on inside your body and only you must go through that. So fasting can be a physically and mentally taxing experience during which time you long for comforts of daily life like regular meals, your home, and family.

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T.N. - Batavia, New York
The best was losing weight (those last stubborn pounds) and seeing all the detoxifying that went along with it. The rash I developed on my chest and back became a little itchy but it was exciting to see my body working to eliminate the steroids I had taken three years earlier. It was very encouraging to see, despite my difficult time, that I was a person who really needed to fast despite my otherwise being "healthy".

The most difficult moment was the "attack" I had of overwhelming menstrual cramps, nausea, and feeling like I had diarrhea, which caused me to very nearly pass out. I am enjoying the re-feeding process and re-aquainting myself with food. I have always been a fast eater , multi-tasking or in front of the television and this has been wonderful to eat on a schedule, take my time and liquefy every bite. I think this may be the most important lesson for me to learn and I hope it will continue.

***

Rhoda Hoffman - Montreal, Quebec
The best part about fasting with Dr. Ben Kim was the ongoing support and encouragement, explanations of the process, sharing of information in terms of both my own health situation and a healthier lifestyle.

In my case, profound weakness rendered me almost unable to get out of bed. Ben's constant, meticulous observation and assessment allowed me to detoxify safely. He knew how much my body and spirit could handle and then guided me back to nourishing my body and helping me retain my motivation.

I can't think of a better place to have started my voyage back to health. Ben and Margaret are an incredible team - making Life Essentials Health Clinic a most enriching experience.

***

Harold Hoffman - Montreal, Quebec
Although I experienced considerable physiological benefits from my stay at Life Essentials, the best part of the process was psychological and spiritual. The calm and serene environment allowed me to reconsider my attitude towards life in general and food in particular. I am now confident in my ability to proceed in a manner that will ensure my optimum health. My past dietary habits were fairly consistent, however, I am now able to eliminate bad habits that previously stuck with me. It is amazing how Ben Kim is able to create a haven that is so devoted to the well-being of his guests.

The most difficult part of my fast was the weakness experienced. However, this was easily overcome by spending most of my time resting and sleeping.

***

Claudia Rae - San Diego, California
Thank you for all the work you've done and do to provide this experience and place for healing.

As I've already shared with you, the best part of this process was letting go of some of the information I've learned about following a strict raw food diet and shifting my mind to following my body's intuition and needs, and enjoying whatever that may be in the moment.

***

Dina Veksler - Brooklyn, New York
I'm an experienced faster, having fasted many times for long periods. I like fasting, but I usually combined fasting with my usual living routine, working and taking care of daily chores.

This time I tried for the first time to spend all my time fasting, without any distractions. I was not sure that it would be a good idea, but I found it to be a completely new experience, different from my past fasting experience. It was a deep healing experience where my body, mind, and soul just worked together. It was interesting to observe. For example, one day I received unpleasant news from home and needed to solve some problems, so my mind got worried, my spirit got down, and at the same time, I started to experience strong cramps in my legs and difficulty walking. As soon as the problem at home was solved, all signs of discomfort just disappeared from the body.

The environment in Dr. Kim's house is created for complete relaxation and total rest. Everything in the house is very simple, convenient, comfortable and pleasant to look at. The same is true of the views from the windows and balconies. I was lucky to watch the fall just starting with changing colors of nature just outside my windows. The same peaceful feeling continues if you decide to go out of the house. The neighborhood is very quiet, clean, and neat. The people are very friendly. There is beautiful park nearby, full of birds, squirrels, playing children and many kinds of luxurious trees.

And of course there is support from gentle and caring Dr. Kim, who is always ready to help with any issues.

Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and I believe it was a great gift of peaceful rest and healing for my mind, body, and spirit.

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Alice Evenson - Toronto, Ontario
The best part of my fasting experience was recognizing this approach actually works. I was surprised to see how quickly my body adapted to the process. I had lower back pains, intestinal discomfort, was very toxic and had some weight to lose.

On the second or third day I was a little uneasy about not clearing my bowels, however I learned what Dr. Kim had said about how the bowels work during a fast, to be very true. Now, after my fast I feel cleaner inside and believe I am on the right track towards greater internal hygiene.

I have noticed an acute awareness of smells around me that prior to my fast I was more desensitized to. This is providing me with a great defense, as now I am more alert as to what my body can handle and what is poisonous. Poor food choices that seemed enticing before are no longer appealing, as now my senses and palate have been reset during my fast. This is helping me currently to choose healthier foods.

I have lost approximately ten pounds during my short stay and my lower back pain and intestinal discomfort has improved immensely. I am thrilled with the results on all levels.

Dr. Kim’s talks are excellent as they provide a clear understanding of how our body processes work, from a scientific standpoint in an easy to understand way, and what health choices are most compatible with our bodies for optimum health.

I really enjoyed the time spent with fellow fasters as well. It was very refreshing and supportive to be able to have pleasant conversation with people that were moving towards similar goals. We watched many movies together and had an enjoyable time. If we needed anything from the store, (movies etc.) and were unable to go ourselves, Dr. Kim always made arrangements.

The re-feeding process was delicious. It started with a delectable glass of freshly squeezed orange juice made with organic oranges. It was exquisite.

Thank you, Ben, for your kind steady guidance and support, you are a gem. This has been a wonderful opportunity along the road to a healthier more balanced lifestyle.

***

Lauren Thomas, Dallas, Texas
It was a great help to have a comfortable, clean environment. This helped me relax from the beginning, and was certainly a plus when I started to feel the effects of fasting and had a greater need for rest.

I also loved the talks on health. I found them informative and helpful to my situation. Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable and so easy to talk to!

The physical effects from the fast were uncomfortable, but the most difficulty was experienced from mental food withdrawal.