Benefits of Fasting & Juice Fasting for Health, Vitality and Youthfulness: Juice Fast to Stay Healthy, Slim and Youthful
Why Should You Fast?
Fasting was a common practice before the 19th century. Now we are exposed to many more toxins than our predecessors ever were and yet, we do not make a habit of cleansing on a regular basis. This continual build up of toxins in our system is what many health experts blame for the underlying cause of most disease.
How Toxins Contribute to Aging
According to Paavo Airola, PhD, ND, “Disease and aging begins when the normal process of cell regeneration and rebuilding slows down. This slowdown is caused by the accumulation of waste products in the tissues which interferes with the nourishment and oxygenation of the cells.”
One argument that is used against fasting is that we are so toxic that when we fast, we release a dangerous level of toxins. This is why eating a healthy diet should always precede a fast. It is best to only fast for 1 to 3 days many times while eating a healthy diet in between fasts in order to begin detoxifying at a safe pace. Long term fasts should not be practiced by individuals who have never fasted and who eat a large amount of toxic foods. Medications are also a factor, as they are toxic and taking them while fasting is never advised. If you are taking medications, you will have to meet with your doctor to discuss these issues.
Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MD, in his book, Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine, explains that, “periodic fasting, as we have known for centuries, is one of the most powerful ways to extend life and minimize chronic disease.”
What is Juice Fasting?
Juice fasting is different from water fasting in that you are taking in calories and nutrients so that you are able to continue with your normal daily activities. The side effects of juice fasting are that you lose weight, you gain vitality, you can think very clearly and your whole being becomes positive.
According to a report in Life Extension Magazine in 2007, “Dr. Spindler and his colleagues, in their findings on caloric restrictions showed in 2004 that caloric restriction acts rapidly, even in old mice, to extend remaining lifespan by 42% and to dramatically reduce tumors as a cause of death. They found that gene expression also changes rapidly to a new pattern that is closely associated with lower cancer mortality and better health.”
More Benefits to Juice Fasting
According to Steve Meyerowitz, in his book, Juice Fasting and Detoxification, “The predominant motivation for fasting is the physical healing. Animals naturally fast when they are sick…fasting will cleanse the blood tissues and cells for deep, fundamental healing. Fasting does not cure as much as it rejuvenates.”
Hippocrates, “the Father of Medicine”, believed that fasting was a way to cleanse the body and give the digestive system a rest.
There are many reasons why people fast and fasting has been practiced for centuries by many religions including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism as well as many African religions. I believe that fasting for religious beliefs is not so much for the health benefit as it is for the mental clarity that fasting brings. I am always amazed, as is my husband, that when I fast, my whole being changes. I get my priorities in order, I have a much more positive outlook, and I get organized. I gain a peace that I do not have when I eat. These are amazing side effects.
How Do I Fast?
There are many schools of thought about juice fasting and health, as well as many ways to juice fast. In general, the fast I have found most effective is the juice fast because not only are you taking in many important nutrients, but you are adding enzymes to your body as well. You can also find a good cleanse at www.sonnes.com where you will learn how to do a 7 day fast. I add fresh vegatable juices to this cleanse.
For a one day fast, making fresh diluted juices with a juicer, throughout the day is an easy method. A good base is carrot, celery, spinach and beet. You can then add ginger, garlic, parsley, tomato, lemon, etc… You may also choose to water fast, but be careful, as your energy level may significantly decrease.
Another simple and cleansing method is to drink tea made of water and lemon juice throughout the day. It is of utmost importance to use organic fruits and vegetables and pure water when fasting so as not to add more toxins to your system. Whichever method you choose, please check with your physician, or even better, your naturopath to make sure this cleansing method is safe for you.
Resources
My favorite resources on the subjects of juice fasting and health are Paavo Airola’s book, How to Keep Slim, Healthy and Young with Juice Fasting and Steve Meyerowitz book, Juice Fasting and Detoxification. Another great resource is Ann Louise Gittleman’s book, Fast Track Detox Diet
With all of these resources in hand, you are well on your way to a healthier, younger you!
Disclaimer
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