Cleansing the Body by Fasting and Detoxifying

Whether fasting or cleansing for religious reasons (most famously associated with the church of Scientology) or detoxifying because the commercials told you to (because everybody knows John Wayne died with 30 pounds of toxic buildup in his colon), fasting programs are becoming increasingly popular among many who dream of a quick and healthy way to lose weight.

Traditionally, detoxifying was for serious health enthusiasts only as it involved extreme dieting or the ingestion of some kind of charcoal. But because of various developments in the cleansing industry, cleansing has become easier than ever before and accessible for just about everyone.

Keep in mind, fasting and detoxifying affects everybody differently, and if you have problems with medical conditions such as hypoglycemia or diabetes, you should consult an experienced physician before proceeding. And of course, you should find a reputable cleansing program or system before proceeding.

Possible Benefits of Detoxifying

• Flushing away pounds of waste and toxins
• Decreasing gas and bloating
• Eliminating constipation
• More energy & weight loss
• Eliminate common parasitic infections and bad breath
• Brighten skin and fight common skin problems such as acne or eczema
• Get better quality sleep
• Reduction of allergies
• Drug detoxification
• Improved immune function and resistance to disease

Possible Risks of Detoxifying

• Temporary susceptibility to common viruses/illnesses
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Vitamin imbalances
• Low energy levels
• More hunger

Should You Fast or Detoxify?

Results vary from person to person, as do risks. It’s not for everyone, and more specifically, if you are diabetic or have a heart condition, you should only fast under the direct supervision of a seasoned medical professional familiar with your medical history.

Outside of that, people with trouble controlling their blood sugar (even non-diabetics), malnourished individuals, those with heart problems, or those approaching surgery should not use a detox, unless specifically directed and supervised by a medical professional. And of course, if you are not ready to make a healthy commitment, you should not use a detox as you would just be wasting your time.

Detoxification Diet

Pills, powders, and other supplements can help you to detoxify. But if you do not make lifestyle changes, even the best detox supplement is unlikely to produce sustainable results. Detoxification should ideally be used as a way to jump start other efforts while eliminating or limiting foods such as sugar, caffeine, fatty meats, nicotine, and alcohol.

Conclusion

Before starting any detox, you should consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing and potentially serious medical conditions. Any detox should include a healthy diet and exercise program, and many find a journal to be helpful. But if done right, you may experience benefits that range from the spiritual to the mental to many physical benefits.