Fasting and detoxification diets have been used for centuries to cleanse the body from the inside out and to symbolize a fresh start. Fasting requires you to abstain from all nourishment for a certain amount of time. Detoxification plans vary, but they generally prescribe a diet that eliminates certain foods and includes others designed to enhance your body's natural ability to release toxins.
Function
Detox diets and fasting may be used for weight loss but usually intend to clean the body of toxins. We are exposed to toxins every day in the form of airborne pollutants, pesticides, cigarettes and in processed food. These toxins may affect your health and create allergies, skin problems, fatigue, unexplained aches and pains or general malaise. Fasting asks you to consume nothing more than water and is often treated as a spiritual experience, as most religions calls for fasting as part of a specific tradition. Detoxification tends to be more functional. The intention is to clean the pollutants residing in the blood and fat by enhancing the cleansing abilities of the liver, the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph glands and the skin.
Features
Detoxification diets come in hundreds of forms--from asking you to only sip lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, to prescribing specific foods. Despite the variety, they all share some features. Most detox diets ask you to abstain from alcohol, caffeine, processed foods (particularly those contained refined grains and sugar), smoking and saturated fat. Detox diets stress consuming organic foods to minimize your exposure to chemicals. To accelerate the release of toxins through urination and elimination, foods high in fiber and water make up most of your diet. Some detox diets ask you to take extra herbal supplements to help with the process of cleansing.
Benefits
Detoxification diets and fasting often lead to weight loss and increased energy. Proponents of detox diets report improved skin, greater ability to concentrate and enhanced clarity of thought. Detox diets can help bring missing nutrients to your body if they emphasize healthy foods like raw vegetables and fruits and lean proteins. A detox diet can also help jump-start an improved eating program by eliminating processed and refined foods from your diet.
Considerations
Your body already detoxifies with the help of the liver and colon. Proponents of detox diets acknowledge this, but claim their specific strategies enhance this natural system. There is no scientific evidence that a detoxification or fasting diet has a measurable impact on the body. If you undertake a detoxification or fasting diet, you could experience side effects like headaches as a result of caffeine withdrawal, diarrhea or digestive discomfort due to a sudden increase in fiber intake, and irritability. Any weight you do lose on a short fast or detox diet is likely to come back on as soon as you go back to your regular eating habits.
Warning
Those who are pregnant or nursing should not embark on a fast or a detox diet. Recognize that herbal products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and can sometimes have unintended side effects. Fully research any supplements required by your choice of diet and make sure there is no possible interaction with any medication you might be taking. Following a juice or liquid diet for longer than three days may lead to nutritional deficiencies and is not recommended.
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