Fasting is a tradition in some religions and cultures. Fasting is sometimes recommended to those who want to cleanse their bodies of toxins. Fasting doesn’t always mean depriving yourself of all foods, sometimes it’s just certain foods or going without any foods that are not in liquid form. Consuming enough fluids is very important when fasting to prevent dehydration. Some people fast to cleanse their body of toxins, give their colon and stomach a rest or as a way to help rid the body of a chronic condition. Some people even fast one day every week. The benefits of fasting include:
- Cleaning body of harmful toxins that can build up in stored fat
- Possible weight loss
- Possible lowering of cholesterol
- Allowing colon and stomach to rest, giving them a break
- Rid yourself of a chronic condition or help improve a chronic condition
- Help with chronic constipation
- Clearing of bowels
- Healing of body internally or externally
- Speed up healing process when sick
- Allowing good bacteria to regenerate in stomach
- Help with excess gas
- Help with excess bloating
- Help relieve IBS symptoms
- Gives you more energy
- Flushing system of poisons
- Allows body to run off energy that is stored
- Could possibly help you live longer
- Help transition into a healthier diet
- Help overcome an addiction like smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Fasting has been shown to reduce the size of uterine fibroids
- Fasting has been shown to help people with back and neck problems
- Help with high blood pressure
- Help fight against cardiovascular disease
- Helps with various gastrointestinal disorders
- Fasting has also been shown to help people with diabetes
- Fasting as a way of showing obedience to God or for your religion
- Help boost metabolism
- Hep boost immunity and immune system
Fasting has many health benefits, however you must be careful and remember to stay hydrated and take in enough calories to prevent dehydration and malnutrition. Fruit or vegetable juice fasts are recommended because you can liquify vegetables and juices easily and still consume enough calories and stay nutritious.
Some other liquid recommendations you could have when fasting are: water, broth, any kind of juice, milk (although you may want to avoid if dairy hurts your stomach or you’re lactose intolerant), jello, creamy soup that is all liquid, lemonade, powerade/gatorade or other liquid drinks with vitamins like vitamin water, ginger ale, caffeine free soda, kool-aid, hot chocolate, and tea.
