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This information is not intended to recommend fasting or dietetic deprivation. Insufficient protein intake or fasting that is undertaken improperly can lead to serious health consequences. Any dietary changes undertaken, including reduction in protein intake, caloric intake, or any type of fasting, should first be discussed with a physician. Always consult with a health professional before implementing any major dietary changes, or if you believe you require treatment for a disease or health related condition." In the true meaning of fasting — to abstain from all food and consume only water — juice fasting is not really fasting but rather another way of eating, a special diet for detoxification and healing. All that could be written about fasting and juice fasting would take numerous volumes to convey, so what is described here in brief is one possible approach based on general common-sense guidelines. This information is intended to provide general information and guidance related to fasting, but is not intended to provide a fasting program for any specific individuals. If you wish to begin a fasting program, you should consult with your health care professional to develop a program that is appropriate for you. Whether this is a first fast or one of many, to gain the maximum from the fast experience remember, take time to prepare for your choice of fast and be gentle with yourself. Fasting is not a test to see how far or how long one can go without eating and it is crucial not to deprive oneself of essential nutrients during fasting. Rather, fasting is a method to cleanse the body by limiting dietary intake to substances that provide essential nutrients, and by obtaining the proper amounts of necessary nutrients from these substances. Fasting is the single greatest natural cleansing program. It can be the foundation of health and healing and it is nature's "universal" remedy. Every traditional medical system around the world has developed clear and precise guidelines for fasting. Within the western traditional Naturopathic system two basic methods of fasting for health are the water fast and the juice fast. Most proponents of fasting would agree that, if done properly, juice fasting is a safe and gradual, yet profound method of neutralizing and releasing excess toxins from the body. The principle is straightforward: the restoration of health through cleansing. Once the purpose of the fast is decided upon, then the duration is directly related to the goal. However many days are scheduled for the fast, preparing for the fast is really the first step. Tapering off the quantity and complexity of the diet requires due consideration. One to seven days should be spent transitioning into the fast. The more meat, potatoes, fats, bread, pasta and rich foods consumed the more days for transition. The more dairy free, grain free with high raw food consumption the less time required for transition. The transition is important, both at the beginning and the end of the fast. So the transition should be given attention and creating this time for your body and mind will determine the degree of ease and success that will truly be achieved from the fast. Eliminate rich, heavy foods first Breakfast can be raw fruit salad or raw fruit and/or fruit juices can be consumed between meals but preferably three hours before other foods are consumed. Fruits are best consumed separate, as they require very different digestive enzymes and processes to vegetables and grains. Consuming fruits with your meals only creates digestive confusion. These guidelines also apply when transitioning back in to eating, if not more so. Returning too quickly to regular eating habits can destroy the benefits of the fast. As experience is gained the body will clearly inform the individual as to the best foods and duration for the ending of the fast. The foundation of the fast During the juice fast specific herb teas can be consumed. The choice of herb teas should obviously relate directly to the purpose and goals of the fast. It is not uncommon in certain fasts, for example the "Breuss Cancer Cure fast," for three or more quarts of herb teas to be consumed along with the particular juices. Juices: powerful nutrition Become informed! And expect to hear contradicting opinions. As a person becomes more familiar with the fasting experience they develop the ability to clearly determine what works for them. The books can only offer general and specific guidelines about juices and health, not about people or individuals. This is one of the reasons why it is crucial to pay attention to one's own body and health, and involve a health care practitioner in any fast. They can be a guide into the extraordinary experience of juice fasting. Fasting is simple and safe method of bodily cleansing when approached with common sense and implemented properly. Book Resources References * Note:
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