How to Cleanse

While there are almost as many different types of cleanses as there are cleansers, the principle of cleansing by fasting is quite simple--you just don't eat food for some period of time. People have been fasting throughout all of recorded history, for a variety of reasons ranging from health improvement to spiritual practice. Fasting is not particularly common in modern culture, but its cleansing benefits are being rediscovered by some.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Make sure that you are medically able to undertake a fast. Most people in reasonable health are able to fast for at least a week without any harmful effects, but this may not be appropriate for people with serious health conditions. Fasting is also not recommended while pregnant or nursing, or while doing strenuous physical tasks. If you are unsure about your ability to fast safely, consult your doctor before beginning.
2. Choose the type of fast you will undertake. It is important to stay hydrated while fasting, so all long fasts include plenty of water. For some types of fast, this is the only thing you will consume. Other fasts also allow beverages such as fruit and vegetable juices and caffeine-free herbal teas. These fasts are slower at producing changes in the body, and usually easier. Besides picking what you will eat or drink, decide how long you plan to fast. Usually between four days and a week is sufficient for a first attempt at fasting.
3. Prepare for your fast by setting up a relaxing situation. While it is possible to fast while working at most jobs, it's also a great time to reduce your workload and commitments if possible. You might also want to plan for relaxing activities like meditation, having a massage, spending time in nature, and doing plenty of interesting low-energy activities that will keep your mind off of eating. Also go shopping for beverages if you plan to drink anything that you don't normally have on hand, so you won't have to be in a grocery store later.
4. Quit eating and start fasting. Usually the first day or so is the hardest. If you feel hungry, drink more water or juice to fill your stomach. If you feel bored, try to distract yourself with interesting activities. Think about what you hope to achieve by fasting.
5. Begin eating again gradually when you're done fasting. If you have been drinking only water, start with some fruit juice. Next, have some mild fruit like melon (avoid citrus and bananas at first). When you feel ready, move on to lightly dressed vegetable salads, then cooked vegetables and grains and then finally animal products (an exception to this rule is that having some yogurt during the adjustment period can help improve digestion by providing beneficial intestinal bacteria). Overall, this process should take at least a few days.

Tips & Warnings

• Planning a fast with one or more other people can really help keep you motivated by providing moral support.
• If you don't feel up to a long fast but are interested in the concept, consider a one day (or even one meal) fast, or a simple, low-calorie cleansing diet for a period of time.
• The ending period of a fast is a great time to investigate allergies. If you add foods slowly, one at a time, you may notice a reaction when you add a food that you are sensitive to.
• Fasting can be beneficial, but it is not a lifestyle. In order to be healthy, people must eat a significant amount of calories most of the time, even if they are trying to lose weight. Please fast in moderation and if you're not sure how to do this, consult a doctor.
• If you have any serious health concerns, don't fast without consulting a doctor.
• While it's normal to have some discomfort while fasting, if you experience any dramatic side effects that don't go away fairly quickly, stop the fast (gradually, as described above) and consult a doctor if you continue to experience problems.