Naturalpath

Fasting means the removal of all food (and sometimes water) from the diet. While technically not a fast, juice fasting remains a mild but very effective cleansing strategy.

The advantage of juice is that it provides a large amount of nutrition, it's easily digested, and it stimulates our bodies to eliminate wastes. Juice fasting is also safer than water fasting because it supports the body nutritionally while cleansing. Experts believe juice fasting promotes the excretion of toxins from the body and decreases inflammation and congestion.

A juice fast is simple; you consume juice for a day or more. You can use any juice you like, but it is best to choose organic and fresh. Using a juicer and making your own juice is the best way to ensure the quality and freshness of your juice. Having a juicer also means you have more choice on what types of juices you make. There are a vaiety of juices made with both fruits and vegetables that can help you get the most out of your fast.

In addition, juice fasting is a great way to pinpoint food allergies and sensitivities by eliminating foods that might be causing them. You can then reintroduce suspect foods gradually to see which ones cause symptoms.

Other benefits of juice fasting include:

• Reducing the burden on the digestive system, allowing it to heal.
• Releasing pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals from stored fat, which can then be eliminated.
• Energy and enhanced mental clarity and focus, as well as spiritual well-being.
• Enhancing natural beauty with glowing skin.
• Clearing mucus discharge.

A typical juice fast usually lasts up to seven days, although a one or two day juice fast is also helpful. You may experience some side effects such as headache, irritability, upset stomach, or other digestive problems. Other common symptoms are bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, and acne or other skin problems. These types of symptoms usually occur in the first day or two and then dissipate. Longer fasts are best undertaken in consultation with a cleansing expert. When you decide it's time to break your juice fast, reintroduce solid foods gradually.