The human body is a complex machine that requires energy every minute of the life span from the moment of conception to death. It uses energy constantly, not only for work or movement but also for all the subtle internal processes without which life itself cannot be maintained: for the constant synthesis of new tissues, for nerve conduction, for secretion and detoxification, for generation of heat, and others. To provide this energy the tissues of the body oxidize glucose (from carbohydrate), non-esterified fatty acids and ketone bodies (from fat) and amino acids (from protein) (Bragg and Bragg, 1995). None of these substances and biological processes would work without taking in food. However, sometimes the body becomes affected by the level of toxins that can be found in practically all types of food we consume. In such case, fasting is one of the best ways to reduce the levels of toxins in the body. In this paper we analyze juice fasting combined with water fasting as a very good alternative to purely juice or water fasting.

To begin with, in a 24-hour period the tissues of a normal fasting human male will utilize for the upkeep of their own function about 1,800 kilocalories, derived from about 75 grams of protein (mainly muscle) and 160 grams of fat from adipose tissue. Of the 180 grams of glucose released from the liver, about 144 grams will be totally oxidized by nervous tissue, mainly the brain, while other tissues use fatty acids and ketone bodies in fasting (Bragg and Bragg, 1995). With continued fasting the combined effects of loss of fat and protein produce changes in body composition, with a reduction of lean body mass in relation to body water. As one may see from this short introduction on the fast, the body loses only water but also vital minerals during this process. Although de-toxification is a very good procedure, it should be practiced with caution in order not to harm the body.

Juice fasting (of course, we mean natural juice because the regular juice from the supermarket contains far too much acid) is a healthy alternative to water fasting since it offers a chance to reduce the level of toxins in the body while not taking a risk of clearing vital minerals and proteins. What is more, juice is often preferred to water because it requires minimal digestion, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, is easily absorbed by the body, and supplies nutrients and calories to keep energy level while clearing body waste. Juice also provides vital aid in reducing the unpleasant detox-withdrawal reaction that can take place when common allergens are eliminated from the diet (McCarthy, 1992).

Many people practice enhanced physical, mental, and spiritual well-being during and after juice fasting. Advocates of juice fasting believe that it can prevent chronic degenerative diseases brought on by improper diet and lifestyle choices. It can also help people switch to a healthier lifestyle (McCarthy, 1992). However, it is extremely important to select a cleansing technique that is not too extreme for one’s condition. Many experts (Morris, 1990) note that those individuals who have never tried fasting may wish to try the detox diet first.

In order to be successful in juice fasting one should keep the following advise in mind while practicing this type of diet. The general procedure is to use between one and three parts distilled or mineral water to one part freshly squeezed juice. As we have mentioned earlier in the paper, supermarket juice contains too much acid, and it won’t help to reduce the levels of toxins in the body. Most experts agree that the best choices of juice for fasting are celery, carrot, kale, cabbage, apple, pineapple, cranberry, spinach, beet, and greens. Citrus fruits should be avoided for the juice fast.

At the same time, the importance of water should not be underestimated because water alone is able to flush out toxic substances. Hence many experts advise to drink plenty of water even during the juice fasting process. One may call this a water-juice diet. It is also very useful to consume organic fruits and vegetables (for juicing). If one cannot find organic products, the person should peel the skin off fruits and vegetables or wash vegetables with filtered water. Finally, in addition to promoting the flushing out of toxins and decreasing congestive symptoms, juice diets are believed to have the following benefits:

• Remove most food allergies and sensitivities.
• Eliminates the burden on the digestive system, allowing it to function properly
• Frees pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals from stocked up fat, which can then be reduced or removed
• Betters mental, physical, and spiritual well-being
• Possesses less severe withdrawal symptoms than a water fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Bragg, Paul and Patricia, Bragg, (1995). “Toxicless Diet Body Purification and Healing System”, Health Science, Santa Barbara, CA.

Duhamel, Denise, (1990). “Holding Fast”, American Health, May, v9 n4, p. 44-48.

McCarthy, Laura Flynn, (1992). “Liquid Lessons (liquid diets)”,Harper’s Bazaar, Jan ,v125, n3361, p. 81-84.

Morris, Lois B., (1990). “Escape From Excess: an over-stuffer learns to eat...when she’s hungry”, Health, May 1990, v22 n5 p. 58-62.
“Vegetable Juices Have Many Worthy Nutrients” (1994), Better Nutrition for Today’s