While cleansing and fasting are often used to detoxify the body by limiting food and liquids, there is not enough evidence to show whether it improves overall health. Generally, fasting requires no food to be eaten during a set period of time. A cleansing on the other hand does allow certain foods to be eaten such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Remember, to check with your doctor before making any changes to your regular diet.
History
Fasting takes its roots from religious practices that began centuries ago. Records indicate religious fasting occurred as far back as early Mesopotamia and Egyptian cultures. In the early part of the twentieth century a book called "The Study Of Prolonged Fasting" written by Dr. Francis Gano Benedict of the Carnegie Institute in Massachusetts revolutionized fasting and moved it from a religious practice to a way of improving one's health. In the twenty-first century fasting and cleansing are still a highly debated subject in the medical community.
Function
According to Health Guidance, fasting and cleansing are used to improve health, reduce weight or remove a certain ailment from the body. An unhealthy lifestyle including excess food, lack of exercise and lack of sleep cause the body to collect toxins and other waste inside the body. A cleansing or fast can help the body rid itself of these materials leaving the person more energized. Additionally, cleansing and fasting is often used for rapid weight loss.
Types
While multiple plans exist for fasts and cleanses with varying time frames, typically a fast or cleanse lasts from seven to 10 days. A true fast requires no intake of food or liquid at any time. But, a less stringent fast allows for water or fruit juices. A cleanse allows for more variety of foods. Often a cleansing program permits fruits, vegetables, whole grain and juices to be eaten.
Misconceptions
According to Raw Food Explained, it is not the cleansing or fast itself that rids the body of toxins. A fast or cleanse simply gives the body time to rest from normal digestion of difficult foods and drinks. This extra time and energy can then be used to help the body heal itself. The fast or cleanse simply allows the body a respite from normal activity and allows it to focus on repairing and detoxifying cells and organs.
Expert Insight
The Mayo Clinic does not recommend fasting or cleansing for improved health or removal of toxins or impurities. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., states there is little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. She believes most toxins can efficiently be removed from the body by way of urine and stool through the kidneys, colon and liver without the intervention of a detox.
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