Detoxification is the intentional, systemic cleansing of the body, or a removal of all circulating toxins from the cellular level. This task is naturally left to the devices of the kidneys and liver, the organs responsible for removing toxin. Proponents of this cleansing promote the method of detoxification by fasting--stopping all solid foods and fluids other than water. The theory is that this fasting period will redirect the body's energy from the gut and digestion toward the immune system and health, according to PureInsideOut.com.
Detoxification
Step 1
Choose the date and time of the fast. A well-planned fast allows mental and physical preparation for the process. Refrain fasting during holidays or festive occasions--the temptation to break the fast may be too overwhelming. Springtime fasts are common as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are available to consume after the fast. Detoxifying fasts are also completed in the winter months, but they should be relatively short periods of less than two days due to the environmental factors and lack of readily available fresh produce in most regions.
Step 2
Decide how long to fast. Detoxifying fasts do not usually contain religious or spiritual underpinnings, so the length of the fast is an individual choice. The body recognizes a lack of food as soon as three hours after the last meal, but it does not alter the metabolism to reflect this lack of sustenance until about 12 hours after the last meal, according to the Nutrition Journal website. A strict detoxifying fast should not exceed three days without medical supervision.
Step 3
There are no ground rules for a detoxifying fast--it is what the dieter makes it. Choose a fasting technique that meets your personal and medical needs. For instance, diabetics are not advised to stop eating, but they may alter their diets for a few days under medical supervision. Types of fasts include the pure water fast, fruit, vegetable or whole grain fast. Dependent on the type of fast chosen, those wishing to detox can continue to eat fresh foods and grains if they wish, the Nutrition Journal website notes.
Step 4
Hydrate throughout the day by keeping plenty of fresh water close. Feeling tired or irritable may be a sign of thirst, not hunger, and can be countered with an 8-ounce glass of water. Those who choose not to eat solid food throughout their fast must monitor their liquid intake closely to ward off dehydration, dizziness or nausea. The MayoClinic.com suggests healthy men require 3 liters of water daily, averaging 13 cups. Healthy women require less fluids at 2.2 liters, or 9 cups, of water daily.
Step 5
End the fasting period with a celebration of fresh foods. Now that the body is empty of toxins, try not to rush out and refill fat cells with acids and toxins from packaged foods and processed meats. Fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean proteins are healthful and nutritious foods to replenish nutrients lost while fasting.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink a glass of water when hunger pangs start, to trick the stomach into feeling satiated.
- People with known medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cancer or diabetes, should not fast without first consulting with a physician.
