| There are a number of reasons why people | | | | . Children |
| undergo detoxification procedures. It may be | | | | . Those who will undergo or have just recently |
| done to address a specific health condition, as a | | | | undergone a surgical procedure |
| measure to decrease body weight or to restore | | | | Aside from these people, the following require |
| the optimal functioning of the bodily organs for | | | | strict medical supervision if they are going to take |
| improved health. | | | | advantage of the benefits of a juice fast: |
| There are several ways to accomplish a good | | | | . People suffering from asthma, anemia, cancer, |
| detoxification process. Some do it via water | | | | diabetes, low blood sugar, epilepsy, gout, kidney |
| fasting or the intake of large amounts of water | | | | and liver diseases, impaired immune functions, |
| only for a certain period of time. Water fasting | | | | ulcerative colitis and other chronic conditions |
| metabolizes body fats for fuel and prompts the | | | | . Underweight people and those with nutritional |
| elimination of toxins which are commonly stored | | | | deficiencies and eating disorders |
| with the fats. Some will go for a raw food diet. | | | | . People with addictions |
| The live enzymes in fresh fruits and vegetables | | | | . Those who are currently taking prescription |
| provide the body with the much-needed nutrients | | | | medications. Fasting is known to dramatically |
| commonly absent in cooked and processed foods. | | | | reduce blood proteins and either enhance or |
| Still others swear by the effectiveness of a juice | | | | decrease the effectiveness of certain prescription |
| fast. Commonly termed as the "king of all | | | | drugs. |
| detoxification methods", juice fasting (or juicing) | | | | Common Side Effects: Detoxification frees the |
| combines the benefits of both water fasting and | | | | body of unwanted stored toxins. During the |
| a raw food diet. | | | | process of detoxification, the toxins are eliminated |
| What is Juice Fasting? Juice fasting involves taking | | | | through the alimentary canal, the urinary tract, the |
| in exclusively fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a | | | | lungs and the skin. As such, anyone undergoing a |
| short period of time. Organically grown ingredients | | | | fast may experience a temporary acne outbreak, |
| are preferred since we are trying to eliminate | | | | increased body odor, foul breath, constipation or |
| toxins in our bodies. To be able to prepare juice | | | | diarrhea. Headaches, tiredness and hypoglycemia |
| diets properly, a juicer which separates the juice | | | | may also be experienced since the body is using |
| from the pulp and/or fiber is needed. | | | | the stored fats as fuel. |
| A typical juice fast normally lasts anywhere from | | | | Be wary if you experience fainting, dizzy spells, |
| one to three days. Medical supervision is required | | | | sudden weight loss, vomiting, severe diarrhea, low |
| for fasts, which last for more than three days. | | | | blood pressure and heart irregularities during the |
| Also, for extended fasts, a thorough medical | | | | process. If these occur, the fast should |
| assessment is in order to make sure that nutrient | | | | immediately be broken and medical attention |
| deficiencies will not occur. | | | | should be summoned. |
| Precautions: While a juice fast provides invaluable | | | | Breaking the Fast: After the fast, the person |
| health benefits, it is not recommended for | | | | should gradually be reintroduced to solid foods. |
| everyone. Among those who are not allowed to | | | | This is done to avoid the occurrence of any |
| embark on a juice fast are the following: | | | | adverse reactions. |
| . Pregnant or lactating women | | | | |