Detox fasting is something many people find interesting. The belief that fasting for several days can eliminate some of the damage we do to our body on a regular basis is very appealing, but it has no scientific data to back it up. The American Dietetic Association reports that the human body is itself a complete detox machine. The work of the digestive system, liver and kidneys include detoxifying the body. If you are interested in detox fasting, however, and are generally healthy, a short detox fast is not harmful.
Step 1
Determine how long you will fast. According to the Mayo Clinic, many people consider 7 to 10 days as the optimal period to fast. If you have never fasted before, 2 or 3 days is enough to give you an idea of the sensation of fasting without going without food for so long that you have trouble concentrating or feel weak.
Step 2
Pick a stress-free time. Weekends are a great time for detox fasting. If you plan to fast for longer than this, choose a time when things are relatively stable at work or school. Do not attempt to fast when you are working under other stressors. Doing so will only making it more difficult to remain on the fast and exasperate many of the potential side effects of detox fasting, such as concentration difficulties and trouble sleeping.
Step 3
Gather necessary supplies. Decide what you will eat while detox fasting. While some people are very structured, drink only water and eat no food while fasting, that is not the only way to detox. Many people include fruits and vegetables as part of a fast. If you don't want to eat any solid food at all, consider a juice fast. According to the American Dietetic Association, eating or drinking 600 to 800 calories daily, while too low for everyday dieting, is average for detox fasting.
Step 4
Fast safely. Know what side effects to expect when detox fasting. If you normally consume caffeine, expect to experience a headache while detoxing. A headache is also normal when eating very low calories. It is common for someone who is fasting to be more sensitive to the cold. If you are on a strict detox cleanse, eating no solid foods and drinking little if anything other than water, it is important to take a multi-vitamin daily to prevent electrolyte imbalances. Finally, go easy on the exercise while detox fasting. A daily walk or other light exercise is okay, but a strenuous program can lead to lightheadedness and even cause you to collapse.
Step 5
Be smart when breaking your fast. After going several days without food, you may be ready to dive into a steak and baked potato meal but that can lead to health problems. Going without eating for several days allows your digestive system to slow down substantially. Putting heavy foods in your stomach after a fast will likely lead to at least a little discomfort if not downright pain. If you haven't been eating any solids, break the fast with fruit. If you have been eating fruit, salads and raw vegetables are another choice. The important point is to ease back into eating gently, and the longer the fast, the longer period you should use to return to your normal diet.
Things You'll Need
- Foods or juices
- Multi-vitamins
Member Comments