“Fasting is the single greatest natural healing therapy. It is nature’s ancient universal remedy for many problems.” Elson Haas
When our lives get infiltrated with the perks of modern living and food gratification takes over as a means to de-stress: the result is an influx of health-compromising processed substances. What are they you ask? A diet high in white refined grains, loaded with sugar-rich foods, refined oils and food cooked at high temperatures, including caffeine and alcohol binges.
Now if this were to happen once in a while, there would be no problem. If your daily diet consists of nutritious wholesome foods, the body is well equipped to handle the toxic substances. But if this were to be the norm rather than the exception, your body will face the consequences. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but 8-10 years down the line – definitely.
How do you regain control of your health? A juice cleanse program that is holistically designed and done under the supervision of professionals can help bring your body back into its natural state of equilibrium.
What are the benefits you can expect?
Detoxification is a natural in-built process that is constantly at work in your body. Doing a juice cleanse can help accelerate this process. While the juice itself doesn’t “detox” the body, what it does is supports the organs involved in detoxification by providing the right nutrients. When combined correctly the effects are profound and support healing at the cellular level. Providing the right essential nutrients in a relaxed and nourishing environment helps flush waste and toxins from the body. Additionally, the no alcohol, caffeine & fizzy drink policy while on a cleanse enhances the process.
Enhanced Overall Health & Wellbeing
By juicing fruits and vegetables, the extraction of vitamins and minerals is higher making them more accessible for the body to digest and assimilate. Liquid foods are absorbed more easily by the digestive system allowing the gut to rest while simultaneously nourishing your cells and flushing out accumulated waste from your colon.
Drinking juice has been found to amplify the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other anti-inflammatory compounds that get into your body. Another research from Texas A&M University discovered a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity in the blood of individuals who consistently drank carrot juice over a span of 3 months.
Better Digestive Health
Fasting has been part of our lives for hundreds and thousands of years. While our ancestors would be forced to fast due to lack of prey, it resulted in our guts getting a regular opportunity to rest and recharge. With the digestive system shut down, energy would be redirected to healing other parts of the body.
A juice-fasting cleanse is a great way to mimic this ancient process. By consuming only liquids, you are giving the digestive system a break. Additionally, you’re flooding it with ready-to-absorb bioavailable nutrients. And this here is the main reason why juice fasts have proven hugely beneficial to many people.
Here are some excellent benefits of juices:
- Contains enzymes that support digestion.
- Vitamin C is good for oral health and helps with iron absorption.
- Vitamin A promotes the health of your gastrointestinal tract.
- Ginger is a known aid in boosting digestion and a remedy for nausea and pain.
- Turmeric supports the health of gut bacteria and is an ancient remedy to treat gastric problems.
Heightened Energy
With an abundance of incredible life-giving nutrients, you will feel energized. You will start to experience lasting energy that is not driven by caffeine rushes that come on a high and result in an energy crash. When your body receives the right nutrients that are swiftly and easily absorbed there is nothing better and more refreshing for the body and mind.
Reduced Inflammation
When on a juice detox you are naturally reducing the intake of inflammation-causing compounds, especially from foods. Research has shown that a plant-based diet paired with juice cleansing can significantly reduce inflammation. By taking a break from such toxins, you are allowing the body to self-repair, heal and nourish itself while providing it with the nutrients and vitamins it needs. Another excellent benefit is the fact that fresh juice contains high levels of antioxidants, this means they will bind to free radicals, further healing the body and reducing inflammation.
Improved Hydration
Dehydration is prevalent in over half of the world’s population, drinking significantly less than the recommended daily amount. Our body is made up of 70% water and is crucial for the functioning of organs, our cognitive ability, and the way we feel. During a juice cleanse your intake of fluids increases greatly allowing the body to function much more effectively. This results in a more energized and clear body and mind. Besides drinking juices, you are encouraged to sip on water throughout the day for further hydration and detoxification. Staying hydrated means healing cells, healthy skin, and improved mood.
Helps in Weight Loss
Just taking a break from unhealthy eating and moving to light simple juices and broths helps reset your digestive health. Additionally, by simply removing processed foods, saturated fats, and refined carbs you will begin to see your body lose weight. When your body gets what it needs nutritionally it reduces cravings post-cleanse. A 2017 study concluded that a 3-day vegetable/fruit juice-based diet showed significant changes in the intestinal microbiota which have been associated with weight loss.
Mind Clarity
Taking a break and nourishing your body with healthy liquid foods also helps clear your mind while detoxing the body. Fasting can be a period of reflection encouraging you to re-assess your lifestyle, hopefully helping to kick-start some healthy habits that you have been wanting to start. You will also be able to objectively observe your psychological relationship with food. As the body begins re-directing energy away from digestion, it is channelized towards the five senses – this is done in preparation to hunt. This evolutionary reaction to a state of deprivation brings increased clarity and increased levels of sensory awareness which is something spectacular to be experienced.
Repair & Maintain Tissue Health
As discussed earlier in a juice cleanse the aim is to rest the digestive system and provide food that is predigested and quickly absorbed. By doing this you are taking it very easy on the gut and the energy that would normally be used to break down foods is now being redirected and focused on healing tissues and organs. Juicing gives the body a much-needed break, giving your body time and energy to care for organs and systems that may be overlooked when there is too much of a toxic overload or stress.
While there are many articles out there that would dispute the benefits of a juice cleanse, it is immensely beneficial when done correctly. Make sure you consult with a health care professional prior to a juice cleanse, especially for cleanses lasting longer than one day.
‘’The job of fasting is to supply the body with the ideal environment to accomplish the work of healing.’’ Joel Fuhrman