A juice fast is a detoxification process in which you eat raw vegetable and fruit juice and water for a short period of time. Detoxification is a process that reportedly will help the body to eliminate the toxins it absorbs from foods, chemicals, medications and the environment.
Due to the extreme nature of this type of detoxification process, there are certain individuals who should not do a juice fast. Pregnant or nursing mothers should never try a juice fast because it can put the baby and your body in jeopardy.
Children should never try a juice fast because they are still growing and their bodies require a certain amount of calories to grow properly. Juice fasts should never be attempted prior to or immediately after surgical procedures.
People who have medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or any other illnesses that affect metabolic processes should not try a juice fast. If you have any underlying medical condition, and you really want to do a juice fast you should do so only under the supervision of your doctor.
A typical juice fast will consist of sipping between thirty two and sixty-four ounces of juice throughout the the day. The juices may be carrot juice, apple, pineapple, cranberry, cabbage, spinach, beet and greens. Citrus juices are avoided during a juice fast. In addition to the juices it is recommended that you drink six glasses of room temperature or warm filtered water.
Most juice fasts recommend only juices from organic fruits and vegetables. A combination of fruit and vegetable juices is recommended.
A typical juice fast lasts between one to three days. A longer fast would require medical supervision and monitoring to ensure that there are no nutritional deficits. Once the juice fast is complete, it is important that a gradual return to solid food is implemented.
A juice fast will usually produce some side effects that may be from mild nutritional deficits, or from the detoxification process. Some of the most common sides effects will include headaches, hypoglycemia, tiredness, constipation, acne, body odor and bad breath. Other side effects can include dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any severe side effects while on a juice fast you should stop immediately and consult your doctor.
The benefits of a juice fast will include rapid weight loss. Some people claim that a juice fast will help them break their addiction to food, and they can lose weight much easier and faster.
Another benefit to a juice fast is clearer skin, increased energy and better digestion. This is because a juice fast will eliminate toxins that are built up in your system, and it will help your whole body function much better. The process of fasting is under current research in a number of different venues to determine how well the body responds and the types of health benefits you might experience.
If you are considering a juice fast remember that you should not stay on a fast long term because you will run a risk of becoming malnourished. You should also check with your doctor before you make any drastic dietary changes.
Resources:
Boston.com: Taking a Break From Eating
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2012/03/12/taking_a_break_from_eating/?page=1
Vanderbilt University: Fasting: Body Cleansing or Body Starving
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/fast.htm
University of Southern California: Fasting Makes Brain Tumors More Vulnerable to Radiation Therapy
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120911172308.htm
Dr. Ben Kim: Is Fasting One Day a Week Good For Your Health
http://drbenkim.com/fasting-fast-one-day-week.htm
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