Hello xanderfrancish,
prolonged fasts are always far more beneficial to health than shorter & intermittent ones.
Dr Shelton.............
"One school teaches its students that "Generally speaking, the use of several fasts of four to seven days each is just as effective as one fast for several weeks." While there are cases where we are compelled to employ a series of short fasts in this way, it has not been my experience that a series of short fasts is as effective as one long fast. I do not know of any one who has had long experience with fasting who claims that such has been his or her experience. Dr. Hazzard does not favor this view. Neither does Carrington".
It has been my experience that in all cases, where the long fast is possible, one long fast is far more effective and more satisfactory than a series of short ones. No plan of feeding between the fasts will accomplish what the fast will do, if continued. The length of the fast must be governed by the patient's condition and by the results obtained."............................
http://www.soilandhealth.org/02/0201hyglibcat/020127shelton.III/020127.ch23.htm
The time required before commencing another extended fast is usually in proportion to its length.........an equal number of days of re-feeding, as fasting, is a good rule of thumb, to replenish the food reserves that are lost: I would advise slightly longer than this to ensure that this is the case.
There is also absolutely no danger from a heart-attack while or after fasting.
Dr Shelton.........
"Herward Carrington, Ph.D., author of "Vitality Fasting & Nutrition" says: "That the heart is invariably strengthened and invigorated by fasting is true beyond doubt. I take the stand that fasting is the greatest of all strengtheners of weak hearts---being, in fact, its only rational physiological care." He attributed this improvement to the following three factors:
#1. The added rest the fast provides for the heart.
#2. The resulting improvement of the blood-stream.
#3. The absence of the stimulants that patients in general and heart patients in particular are accustomed to taking."
"Since fasting relieves the heart of a great burden, improvement should not be surprising. The heart is nourished from the body's nutritive reserves just as certainly, and often more adequately, than from raw materials arriving daily from the digestive tract. What more natural than that, given the rest that fasting provides, it should be able to repair itself and renew its functional vigor?
This means that the heart is working against lessened resistance. It beats with less force. Less forceful pulsations coupled with reduced number of pulsations provide a rest for the tired & impaired heart. Under such conditions it repairs and strengthens itself, and in a good number of cases that have been declared to be "incurable", the heart has been fully restored."
Dr H M
Shelton in:
Fasting Can Save Your Life . Pages 143-144.
Dr
Shelton was not an advocate of the enema (and with good reason) but he did advocate the use of the enema before (and not during) a protracted fast in cases of chronic constipation so would be advisable in your case.
The additional health problems you have outlined from your post xanderfrancish, such as weak digestion, dry skin, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, low body temp', varicose veins ,sinus problems and so on, will all be eradicated after a prolonged fast, but ONLY if your living habits, and especially your DIET is in accord with the principles of Natural Hygiene. In fact unless you do, the benefits accrued during your fast will be lost post-fast, and your fasting efforts will have been in vain.
Warm Regards
Chrisb1.