by Dana Meldgaard

Created on: September 24, 2008   Last Updated: October 06, 2008

Modern living assaults the human body with a plethora of toxins, some are natural oxidants, others are chemically derived, but we eat them, breathe them and absorb them through our skin daily. The human body contains its own extremely efficient methods of filtering and removing these toxins, but is it always up to the task? Illness, injury and over exposure can lead to excessive toxins being stored in the body, usually in fatty deposits. Detoxifying fasts can help the body to remove toxins and increase the natural elimination process. There are many, many expensive plans, supplements, and diets, but the backbone of any good detoxification process includes preparation, a period of toxin elimination, and a return to every day living.

Preparation for the detox is essential. Preparation sets the body up for the stress of detox, and helps prevent the shock of a toxin dump into the system. The preparation period typically takes one week, but may take as long as a month. During this time it is important to begin to change your diet. Eliminate all processed foods. Ween yourself from the behaviors that are causing toxic build up within your body, such as tobacco and alcohol usage. During this time it is beneficial to start using herbs that help the liver and kidneys flush toxins from the body. Caspian contains antioxidants and helps to improve circulatory processes while Milk Thistle Seeds are believed to increase liver function and neutralize toxins.

The fasting period itself is simply a period of time when the body is allowed to remove stored toxins while no new toxins are added. Water-only fasts are rarely recommended except in the most severe situations, and should be monitored by a health care professional. Less strict fasts that include raw foods (often juiced) are often just as effective, and much easier on the individual. Keep in mind that the brain uses glucose to function, if that glucose is missing from the body it must break down amino acids for energy and this can result in headaches or nausea. The diluted juices of fruits and vegetables provide the energy and nutrients the body needs as well as keeping up hydration levels. Teas made from nutritive herbs are also helpful during the fasting period. These include Slippery Elm Bark, Irish Moss, Oat Straw, and Psyllium seed. The typical duration of a self-supervised fast should be three to five days.

In many ways ending the fast is an important factor in the effectiveness of the fast. Celebrating the end of a fast by overloading on toxins is counterproductive. Ending the fast should be a gradual process. Begin by slowly including whole foods, first raw fruits and vegetables, then grains, then lean meats if you use them in your diet. Brown rice is a very helpful food as it is both filling and nutritious. Refrain from going back to the old habits that led to the need for a fast in the first place. Maintaining a healthy life style is the most effective means of ensuring that the fatty deposits and toxins lost during the fasting process stay gone.

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