What to do Before Starting a Juice Fast

By Trevor Onions , last updated December 9, 2011

Ways to cleanse your system are becoming increasingly popular, but knowing what to do before starting a juice fast is important for getting off to a good start. Improper set up isn't just bad etiquette, it may even be dangerous to your health. Remember these tips for beginning a fast with natural juices in a safe manner designed to maximize your body's nutrient absorption.

Source:eHow

Preparing Your Body for a Juice Fast

For many years, juice fasts have turned up plenty of benefits for dedicated followers, many of them increasingly corroborated with science. The goal of any fast with juices is to detoxify your body and provide healthy nutrients for rebooting your system. You're much more likely to rid yourself of waste and optimize your metabolism by setting the stage correctly.

To start, you'll want to gradually ease into the fast. Since part of the goal is to wipe away toxic substances that are intentionally and unconsciously put into your body, you need to cease taking on new sources before beginning. This means that alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other drugs not necessary to your health need to be shut off prior to your fast. Moreover, removing processed sugars, dairy products, simple carbohydrates, and bleached white flour from your diet is wise.

An authentic juice fast results in subsisting on liquid only, no matter how long it lasts. To make sure your digestive system doesn't receive a rude jolt, it's recommended that you select the right solid foods leading into the fast. Whole grains, fruits and veggies, along with beans are excellent choices. These foods are nutritious and satisfying, plus they help your stomach get used to operating off more natural essentials.

Ideally, food transition should begin about a week to ten days before initiating the actual fast. This preparation process may last a good deal longer if you're addicted to alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or other drugs. In this case, it's necessary to severely cut, if not totally kill, your physiological dependence on these substances.

Selecting Quality Juices

No fast is successful without choosing the proper materials. It's appropriate to start selecting your juices after transitioning to nutritious solid foods, just a few days before fasting. Aim for a diverse array of both fruits and vegetables. Apples, oranges, bananas, grapefruits, melons, and lemons are well regarded fruits to pick. For vegetables, try cabbage, carrots, wheat grass, cucumbers, and celery.

It's important to recognize that the stomach is more sensitive than usual while living on juice alone. Due to this reality, it's vital to pick the best quality produce you can get your hands on. All fruits and vegetables should be certified organic. While cleaning them at home is still important, organic produce ensures that you won't upset your detox program by unintentionally absorbing pesticides. Alternatively, pick up organic pre-made juices specifically designed for fasts.

Fasting is a time for purifying, reflecting, and relaxing. Your body undergoes an intensive process as it interacts with the enzymes in the juices, but by the end, you'll feel like a new person. Paving the way for a successful fast allows you to reap the full benefits, without putting your health in peril.

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