Naturally detoxifying your body is an important thing everyone needs to do from time to time. We live in a world that is overwhelmed with toxins from a variety of sources, many of them we ingest in a variety of ways every day. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, and the products we use on our bodies, toxins have a way of building up in our systems and making us feel sick. One of the easiest ways to combat these poisons is to regularly detoxify our systems through fasting.
*Benefits of Fasting: Fasting is important because it gives our digestive organs a much needed rest, allowing them to slow down and not work so hard at their daily tasks. Our organs seem to be stressed even when we are relaxing. We sit to rest by having a cup of coffee and a donut, and what really happens? Our muscles on the outside of our bodies are getting a bit of a reprieve, but our internal organs are working harder than ever to turn that donut into fuel for the rest of us. Fasting gives those tired, overworked internal organs a much needed break, while forcing our bodies to use up any wasted fuel it might have wanted to turn into fat cells. But fasting is not the same thing as starving.
*How to Fast Correctly: To properly fast, you must gradually decrease your food consumption over a period of three days. This will prevent your system from going into shock and rebelling strongly against you. On the first day, you want to eliminate heavy starches and meats, while increasing vegetables and liquids. On the second day, you want to eliminate solid food completely. You may have broth, Jello, juices, and other clear liquids, plus lots of water. On the third day, you should only drink lots of water, including water with fresh lemon juice (no sugar) squeezed in it. The lemon juice will act as a cleanser for your system. Depending on your health, you can fast like this for one to three days.
*Ending a Fast Appropriately: Once your fast is over, you will need to slowly return to healthy eating habits. Some people prefer to reverse the order of preparing for their fast, gradually increasing types of liquids and solids they consume over a period of days, until they are back to their normal way of eating. Others are eager to eat right away. The important thing is to not overwhelm your system when it is coming off of down time. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, and eat smaller meals more often until your organs adjust to working at full speed again.
*Normal Body Responses during a Fast: You will probably feel extra hungry when you first start your fast. You may get headaches as your body reacts to eliminating toxins from your body. As you decrease solid food, you could get a little nauseous, and maybe have some diarrhea. Because you are not giving your body as much or the same kind of fuel it is used to, you will probably feel more tired. This is all normal.
*Ask Your Doctor: If you have any type of medical condition, or are taking regular medications for a chronic illness, ask your doctor before fasting on your own. Go in and get a physical and talk to your doctor about whether or not fasting would be right for you, and if so how you can safely fast based on your personal health requirements. This article is only a guide and should never replace doctor recommendations or advice. Fasting is a wonderful way to detoxify your system, but only if it can be done safely to maximize its benefits.