The Basics of Juice Fasting

 

There are a number of reasons why people undergo detoxification procedures. It may be done to address a specific health condition, as a measure to decrease body weight or to restore the optimal functioning of the bodily organs for improved health.

 

There are several ways to accomplish a good detoxification process. Some do it via water fasting or the intake of large amounts of water only for a certain period of time. Water fasting metabolizes body fats for fuel and prompts the elimination of toxins which are commonly stored with the fats. Some will go for a raw food diet. The live enzymes in fresh fruits and vegetables provide the body with the much-needed nutrients commonly absent in cooked and processed foods. Still others swear by the effectiveness of a juice fast. Commonly termed as the "king of all detoxification methods", juice fasting (or juicing) combines the benefits of both water fasting and a raw food diet.

 

 

What is Juice Fasting? Juice fasting involves taking in exclusively fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a short period of time. Organically grown ingredients are preferred since we are trying to eliminate toxins in our bodies. To be able to prepare juice diets properly, a juicer which separates the juice from the pulp and/or fibre is needed.

 

A typical juice fast normally lasts anywhere from one to three days. Medical supervision is required for fasts, which last for

 

more than three days. Also, for extended fasts, a thorough medical assessment is in order to make sure that nutrient deficiencies will not occur.

 

 

Precautions: While a juice fast provides invaluable health benefits, it is not recommended for everyone. Among those who are not allowed to embark on a juice fast are the following:

Pregnant or lactating women

Children

Those who will undergo or have just recently undergone a surgical procedure

 

Aside from these people, the following require strict medical supervision if they are going to take advantage of the benefits of a juice fast:

• People suffering from asthma, anaemia, cancer, diabetes, low blood sugar, epilepsy, gout, kidney and liver diseases, impaired immune functions, ulcerative colitis and other chronic conditions

• Underweight people and those with nutritional deficiencies and eating disorders

• People with addictions

• Those who are currently taking prescription medications. Fasting is known to dramatically reduce blood proteins and either enhance or decrease the effectiveness of certain prescription drugs.

Common Side Effects: Detoxification frees the body of unwanted stored toxins. During the process of detoxification, the toxins are eliminated through the alimentary canal, the urinary tract, the lungs and the skin. As such, anyone undergoing a fast may experience a temporary acne outbreak, increased body odour, foul breath, constipation or diarrhoea. Headaches, tiredness and hypoglycaemia may also be experienced since the body is using the stored fats as fuel.

 

Be wary if you experience fainting, dizzy spells, sudden weight loss, vomiting, severe diarrhoea, low blood pressure and heart irregularities during the process. If these occur, the fast should immediately be broken and medical attention should be summoned.

 

Breaking the Fast: After the fast, the person should gradually be reintroduced to solid foods. This is done to avoid the occurrence of any adverse reactions.

 

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Detoxification

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