What is a Juice Fast?
Most people have heard of a juice fast. However, do you really know what it is or how it is performed, or whether it really is good for you? Wikipedia says that:
“Juice fasting is a fasting method and a detox diet where a person consumes only fruit and vegetable juices to obtain nutrition while otherwise abstaining from food consumption. the healthy benefits are unproven. Juice fasts may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The juice consumed during a juice fast is not the type commercially available, but rather that produced from freshly juiced fruits and vegetables. ”
What are the Most Common Reasons for a Juice Fast?
With the lifestyles of most people today, many feel less than healthy. They may be overweight, poor diet, have very sedetary lifestyles, feel sluggish and have no energy or even have major health issues. Once a person feels endures any of these conditions for some time, they start to look for a fix to their problems. Many peple look to alternative medicince to help them feel better. Juice fasting is a very popular alternative medicine.
The most common reasons people choose to do a juice fast are:
- To lose weight
- To increase energy
- To get healthy
- To jumpstart a new diet
- To cure a disease like Type II Diabetes
- To just overall feel better
These are why a person might choose to try a juice fast, but is it really effective?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A JUICE FAST?
A juice fast can have lots of benefits. The most noticeable is weight loss. Followed by improved energy.
The main benefits of a juice fast are:
- Weight loss
- Increased energy
- Improved mental clarity
- Self confidence
- Better skin tone
- Improved digestive functions
- Overall feeling “lighter, healthier and happier”
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HOW LONG SHOULD I DO A JUICE FAST?
For beginners, a juice fast should only be done for about 1-2 days. After you have done at least one fast for only a day or two, you can attempt to try a longer juice fast. The longer you fast, the better results and benefits you will see. However, longer fasts aren’t always easy. Dealing with hunger pains in the beginning is one of the biggest obsticals to overcome. That is why if you can accomplish a 2 day juice fast, then you will be better able to handle a longer fast. There are some discomforts that you will have to endure during the fast.
SOME BODILY REACTIONS TO A JUICE FAST
The body is “cleaning house” when you are on a juice fast. Whenever you are cleaning your house, there is bound to be some dust that gets stirred up as you clean. The same thing happens to your body when you are cleansing it. As your body is able to clean up, toxins are released and you may experience some “not so great” symptoms during the juice fast time. These will go away and after the fast you will experience the benefits listed above.
Some of the body’s reactions are:
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
- Bad breath/body odor
- Aches and pains
- Hunger pains
If you can power through these reactions to the juice fast, you will “come out on the other side” feeling great and confident as well. Nothing gives a person more confidence than doing something that isn’t easy and being disciplined enough to finish it.
WHO SHOULD NOT DO A JUICE FAST?
Some people should not perform a juice fast. Certain health issues make a fast of any kind dangerous and absolutely not recommended.
You should not fast if you have any of these issues:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Any eating disorders
- Will be or have recently had a surgery
- Kidney or liver disease
- Anemia
- Terminal diseases
- Low blood pressure
- Epilepsy
- Diabetic or have hypo/hyper glycemia
These are serious issues that require a doctors care. Never start a juice fast without getting an ok from your doctor, no matter what your health status. Let your doctor know exactly what you plan to do and for how long.
A Juice Feast Instead of a Juice Fast?
If your doctor tells you that you are not healthy enough to perform a juice fast, consider doing a juice feast. A juice feast is where you drink large amounts of juice, but are allowed to eat as well. Mind you that the eating is mainly supposed to be healthy, plant based, fresh, raw foods. Avoiding certain harmful foods during that time is also recommended.
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