Fasting to Detox the Body

Fasting to Detox the Body

Do you want to detoxify your body?  The process of detoxification dispels unnatural chemicals and toxins from your body.  Even those who lead relatively healthy lifestyles can still benefit from an occasional detox.

If you are interested in detoxifying your body, you will likely turn to the internet.  Online, you will find a lot of free information, including detailed guides.  You will also soon see that there are many ways to detox or cleanse the body.  A few examples include limiting calorie intake, consuming organic foods only, and fasting.  Due to affordability, many opt for a water fast.

Before you, yourself, opt for a water fast, it is important to know the benefits, as well as the dangers.

Water fasting can be free.  The fact that we all have free access to water is one of the reasons why a water fast is a popular way to detoxify the body.  

Water can be filled with chemicals.  Recent studies have hit the news circuits and they show that many cities have water that contains chemicals.  Small traces of some prescription drugs have found in some water samples.  Although you may have clean drinking water, it can be difficult or next to impossible for you to know.  For that reason, you may opt for bottled water, which can get costly.

No solid foods are consumed.  The fact that no solid foods are eaten during a water fast is both considered an advantage and a disadvantage.  As for the advantages, it makes it easier for you to detox your body.  It takes both time and energy for food to be digested.  Without solid foods, your body can rid itself of toxins easier and quicker.

Lack of nutrients.  As for the disadvantage of not consuming solid foods, there is a lack of nutrients.  Water is an important component of our body’s ability to survive, but so is food.  Our bodies depend on it to flourish.  With that said, those who are healthy and do not have medical conditions, can survive on a water fast, although it may be difficult for your body to adjust.

The adjustment.  Speaking of adjusting to a water fast, the difficulty will depend on the foods and drinks that you consume.  It is easy for individuals to become dependent on caffeine.  If you consume a large amount of soda or coffee, your body may soon start to experience withdrawal symptoms when on a water fast.  

Is a relatively natural way to detoxify your body.  As previously stated, the human body depends on water to survive.  In that aspect, the consumption of water is natural.  What is unnatural about a water fasting is the non-consumption of solid foods.  However, when compared to many detoxifying or cleansing drugs currently available for sale, this is considered a very natural approach.

Can be dangerous.  As with all fasts, there are dangers associated with a water fast.  A relatively unknown danger is the consumption of too much water.  This leads to water intoxication.  Too much water can cause brain damage, as well as death.  If you opt for a water fast, drink the recommended amount or talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

Readjustment.  It may take your body a day to adjust to a water only diet, but it will take your body even longer to readjust to food.  If you fast for longer than three days, you will want to start eating slowly.  Many professionals recommend first adding other liquids, such as juice or soup, and then solids.  Also, since you just spent days detoxifying your body, be careful with the foods you do consume afterwards.  There is no better time to make the switch to organic foods than now.

As you can see, there a number of advantages and disadvantages to using a water fast to detox or cleanse the body.  A safe way to do so is with the advice of a healthcare professional and for a short period of time.  Some recommend water fasting for a least five days, while some state that you should never go more than three days.  Consulting with a healthcare professional is your best bet, but always listen to your body and any distress signs it may show.


Preparing For a Body Detox

Are you ready to cleanse your body with a detox?  If this is your first time doing so, you may be wondering what you need to do prepare.  Continue reading on to find out.

Research your detox diet options.  Yes, you may have already done this, but do it again.  To have a successful detoxification, you need to choose the right method.  For example, water fasting works for some, but you may find it too difficult to go a week without solid foods.  Do not try a popular detox that you know you cannot stick to.  Instead, find the plan that works best for you.

Speak to your doctor.  Although many Americans start a body detox at home without first consulting with their doctor, you are advised to do so.  This is particularly true if you suffer from medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, obesity, or diabetes.  In many cases, your doctor will develop plan for you to safely detox, but it may not involve the plan you had selected.  You may not even need to schedule an appointment, as your doctor may be able to provide you with a quick, over-the-phone consultation.

Start weaning yourself off of your “must haves.”  Do you need to have a glass of soda everyday, a couple of cigarettes throughout the day, or two cups of coffee in the morning?  These items will be eliminated from your diet while on a detox.  Unfortunately, many Americans have become dependent on caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.  If you are one of those individuals, you may suffer from withdrawal.  To lessen the impact, start weaning yourself from these items.  For example, do you drink three cups of coffee a day?  If so, start with 2 ½ cups and slowly work your way down.  Start this process at least a week before you intend to detox.

Begin to buy supplies.  Regardless of how you intend to detoxify your body, you will need to buy supplies.  The only exception is water fasting and if you intend to use tap water.  If you opt for the Master Cleanse, your shopping list will include fresh lemons or limes, cayenne pepper, grade b maple syrup, natural salt, and senna tea.  If you opt for a juice fast, your list may include all-natural juices or a juicer and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Great a goal plan.  You may already have a main goal in mind, such as removing stored toxins and waste from your body or losing weight, but create more detailed goals.  For example, are you on the Master Cleanse?  How long do you intend to detox?  Although 10 days is recommended, some aim for more or less.  Determine exactly how long you want to detox.  

Create a list of distractions.  Similar to creating a goal plan, you need to develop a plan to overcome the urge to quit.  If you are on the Master Cleanse, water fasting, or juice fasting, you will likely experience severe to moderate hunger pains.  After all, who wouldn’t after a week of no food?  Many are able to overcome the side effects of a strenuous detox, but you may need some help.  Create a plan ahead of time, such as having your favorite movies on hand, extra spending money for a shopping trip, and so forth.

Finally, make sure you have support.  A body detox with the use of fasting can be difficult on your physical body, as well as your emotions.  If you do not have a strong support system at home, turn to the internet.  Suggestions, support, and advice from others can go a long way.