Fasting is a time during which no food or caloric beverage is consumed. Typically, during a fast, only water is allowed. Fasts are common as a religious practice and are also used to purify or detox the body. It is important to consult a physician before beginning a fast; it can be dangerous for some people, such as those who suffer from an eating disorder or people with diabetes. According to Dr. Elson Haas in his book ''Staying Healthy With Nutrition,'' fasting produces symptoms of detoxification which may be uncomfortable, consult a physician immediately with any concern.
Step 1
Visit a nutritionist or physician. Discuss your plans to detox your body with healthy fasting. Obtain recommendations and advice about fasting, possible dangers, and any supplements your health care provider believes you should be taking while you are detoxing. Some tests may be required to determine your current health state.
Step 2
Determine the dates of your detox. Plan ahead which days you will use for your fast. Arrange to see the nutritionist or doctor periodically during your detox. Depriving your body of food can be dangerous, and your health will need to be monitored.
Step 3
Prepare your body. Begin taking any recommended supplements two weeks before your detox begins, to make sure you are not starting off deficient in any nutrients.
Step 4
Be aware of detoxification symptoms. During a detox, the body may react to the process of detoxification with headache, nausea, chills, runny nose, aches and pains, rashes and weight loss. Consult a physician or nutritionist immediately with any concerns.
Step 5
Drink plenty of water. During your fast, you must drink large amounts of water. Eight glasses of water are necessary for the body each day. When a person is not fasting, most of this water comes from the food that is eaten. During a healthy fast, 8 cups of water must be consumed daily to prevent dehydration.
Step 6
End your fast. It is a good idea to wean yourself back on to food instead of going straight for an unhealthy snack. According to Haas, bringing back healthy and raw foods into your diet before other foods can increase the benefit of the fast. Ideally, the detox will aid to break the habit of consuming unhealthy foods that may once again toxify the body.
Tips and Warnings
- Have clean drinking water available at all times.
- Going without calories for extended periods of time leads to starvation. Consult a physician or nutritionist before beginning your fast and consult them if you have any health concerns during or after your fast.
Things You'll Need
- Nutritionist
- Physician
- Recommended supplements
- Water
References
- ''Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine''; Elson M. Haas, M.D.; 2006
- Dr. Ben Kim: Fasting For Health
- Dr. Mirkin: How Much Water Do You Need?
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