Detoxification Fasting: How's and Why's

Fasting has been practiced for religious and health purposes since ancient times.  Fasting and detox diets are well-tolerated by most healthy people.  People who should not fast or use a detox diet include pregnant and nursing women, children, diabetics, those with cancer, gout, stomach ulcers, liver, kidney, heart, thyroid or lung disease; people with anemia;  eating disorders; terminal illness, anyone with a compromised immune system; certain genetic diseases and other chronic conditions should only do so under the supervision of their physician.  Most health experts warn even healthy people against fasts lasting more than two or three days. 

What are the dangers?

For the first 24 hours of a fast the body is able to use stored carbohydrates in the form of glycogen.  When these reserves are depleted, fat becomes the energy source so that protein is usually spared.  But protein is never completely spared.  Some muscle tissue is lost even during short fasts.  Weakness, depression and nausea can develop as a result of ammonia and nitrogen being released into the blood during the breakdown of muscle.  In severe cases, extended fasts can lead to disturbances of heart rhythm and even death.  It is important to always drink plenty of water during a fast. 

What detox fasting is and isn't.

Fasting is not a weight loss aid.  The few pounds lost in the beginning are just water weight.  This weight will return as soon as the fast is ended.  The value of fasting in detoxification is not yet backed by much scientific research, but the people who have done it swear by it.

Modified fasts in which fruit and vegetable juices are consumed are gentler on the body.

Detoxification is the the natural process of the body neutralizing or eliminating toxins.  Toxins are excreted via stools and/or urine.

There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:

    * Minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested.
    * Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
    * Contains foods, such as high fiber foods and water, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination.

Why do People go on a Detox Diet?

A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.

The cumulative load, called the "body burden", is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.

Side Effects

One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal. For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet.

Other side effects include excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Constipation may occur if people consume excess fiber without also increasing their fluid intake. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger.

If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein and calcium.

A juice fast is a type of detox diet. A juice fast involves the short-term intake of raw vegetable and fruit juice and water only. Proponents of juice fasting use juice because it's thought to be a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.  Use a juicer to make your own juices.  Never use canned.

Benefits

People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.