The Basics of Juice Fasting

The Basics of Juice Fasting
by Michael Russell

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 fiber 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, anemia, 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 odor, foul breath,
constipation or diarrhea. Headaches, tiredness and hypoglycemia 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
diarrhea, 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.

About The Author

Michael Russell, Your Independent guide to .

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

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.