An Easy Way to Fast
Every day we are exposed to toxins through our food, the air we breath, and the water we drink. Over the course of many years, the accumulation of these toxins in our bodies can contribute to a myriad of ailments including low energy, inflammation, joint and muscle pain, and food sensitivities. We can all reduce our toxic load through detoxification methods.
The oldest form of detoxification is fasting. Any machine will function more efficiently and last longer if it is turned off and given a chance to rest and recharge. Fasting one day a week, only drinking water and vegetable juices, can make a profound difference on how you feel. If you have the ability to do that, and your lifestyle allows for it then great! Fasting can be hard for people with busy lives, which is why intermittent fasting is such a great detoxification method choice.
Intermittent fasting has become a health trend, but before beginning any fast, you should talk with your healthcare professional.
Many people find it difficult to fast. An easy way to get started on an intermittent fast is to increase the duration from when you normally stop eating at night to when you eat again in the morning by 30 minutes at a time. Ideally, you can increase the hours slowly over a period of time to 16 hours between meals from evening until morning. However, anything over 12 hours will be a benefit to your body. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good!
The first four hours after you eat, your body is using the energy from what you just ate to fuel your current activity. During hours 4-8your blood sugar falls, and all of the food has left your stomach. Once you have reached 12 hours, your body enters a metabolic state called ketosis.
Another tip during your fast, is that drinking herbal teas during a fast is extremely beneficial because they help the liver and other organs eliminate toxins. Dandelion tea makes a great choice for detoxification. After your coffee or cup of green tea in the morning, add some dandelion tea to your day for extra detoxification benefits, before you break your fast.