⁠From Chronic Pain to Symptom Relief: A Journey into the Healing Power of Water Fasting

By Hadeel El Deeb

From nerve pain flareups, eyesight loss, and limb numbness to a regenerated system and symptom-free body for 15 years now, Nadder Montassir talks about how a healthy lifestyle and the ancient method of water fasting have been helping with his Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

Diagnosed in 2008, Montassir was told he would live with the chronic symptoms of MS for the rest of his life. Refusing to give in to a chemical approach that only promised a 30% probability of symptom relief, Montassir tried the “natural hygiene” approach that changed his life. 

What Conventional Medicine Says

MS is defined as an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the protective layer of nerve fibers, leading to inflammation and neurological symptoms. 

Conventionally treated with chemical injections twice a week, the frequency of flare-ups might not be as bad as had been told to Montassir by one of the leading specialized institutes in the US. After a lot of research, Montassir came across an approach that allows the body time to clean itself through a natural process of water fasting. 

21 Days of Only Water Consumption 

Montassir’s first experience with the fast entailed a 21-day program of food deprivation and only water consumption, with the exception of two teaspoons of honey per day for a little energy boost. 

During the water fast retreat, the specialized team relayed the importance of committing to the program with zero nicotine intake, a rule which, if broken, would immediately end the program of the fast.

Montassir went from smoking two packs of cigarettes a day to completely quitting cold turkey with zero cravings or withdrawal symptoms. 

Attending a fasting retreat with a group of people supervised by a professional team ensures the safety of the experience.

In contrast, the team goes through extensive educational meetups that discuss the importance of lifestyle changes after the fast ends. While fasting, attendees are urged to rest and allow their bodies to take the time they need to clean themselves.  

How Lifestyle Helps

To date, Montassir has been committing to a complete change in daily habits as he recalls and shares a constant reminder of how “lifestyle is huge” in impacting wellness. 

Despite the challenge of shifting his life completely amongst a community that might not encourage or understand the need to change, Montassir has taken it upon himself to spread awareness that our bodies are capable of naturally dealing with illnesses if we stick to the discipline. 

Contrary to what he was once told after the initial diagnosis, Montassir has been living symptom-free since his first water fast 15 years ago.

With a complete change in diet that entails a 100% plant-based food intake, with the majority being raw food, and a life with zero alcohol consumption and nicotine, Montassir has been noticing major changes in his health. 

With better sleep quality, smoother bowel movements, improved eyesight, and no more nerve pain flareups, Montassir says he mostly forgets he even has a disease. 

“Add Life to Your Years”

After a notable success story with his chronic illness, and as he continues to witness people struggling with unhealthy habits and autoimmune disease symptoms, Montassir launched Redeem Health in 2013 with the motto “add life to your years.” 

Through planned retreats held under the supervision of a professional medical team, Montassir continues to help people find the inner resilience and ability to improve their quality of life through the ancient wisdom of water fasting. 

It is crucial to remember, however, that water fasts are never a quick fix; Montassir stresses the importance of committing to discipline and integrating everything our bodies learn after kickstarting a healthier journey through the fast. Our bodies hold on to ailments for long periods before they start showing symptoms, and the healing process requires patience. 

If you are considering water fasting as a way to start a cleaner journey into well-being, ensure that you consult a healthcare professional and avoid resorting to the idea as an individual practice to begin with.