23 Apr This Will Change Your Life!
Today was meant to mark the end of my 5-day water-only fast, but I’ve decided to extend it to 7 days. For the past six years, I’ve followed a routine of eating once a day, with a 3-day fast every month and a 5-day fast every six months. This will be my first time ever going without food for a full 7 days.
I strongly encourage anyone over 50 to consider fasting seriously. The benefits are substantial—reduced risk of cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and most importantly for me, Alzheimer’s. In fact, fasting is one of the few interventions that has been shown to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Fasting is deeply rooted in all major religions—not just for its health benefits, but because it refines the spirit. It makes you cleaner, kinder, more patient, less reactive, and more connected to the divine.
When you willingly give up the things you love and enjoy, something powerful happens. You become mentally tougher, emotionally stronger, and far more grounded. Your character sharpens.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m an Epicurean at heart. I love comfort, pleasure, and the pursuit of happiness. But both the body and mind need occasional deprivation to recalibrate and remind us what truly matters. It’s only in the absence of abundance that we begin to appreciate it.
Strangely enough, I feel no cravings. I’m not hungry. I’m full of energy—working 12-hour days throughout this fast without fatigue.
The only thing I regret missing is the chance to taste one of the bananas I planted two years ago at Finca De Pourgol. They’ve finally borne fruit, but I’m heading back to Canada in a few days and won’t get to try them.
I love fasting and wholeheartedly recommend it to all—except those for whom it’s unsafe, such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or those with certain medical conditions. Trust me: it can transform your life, your health, and your perspective. You’ll feel renewed—perhaps even younger.
God bless.
Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
World Osteopathy Day