This discussion completes our previous one entitled Weight-Loss: A Minor Benefit of Fasting and extends it by comparing the relative merits of water vs juice fasts. It is generally acknowledged that fasting has major benefits for the body, mind and spirit. It detoxifies the body, strengthens the spirit, clears the mind and refreshes the digestive system. It has been shown that resting the digestive system by drinking fluids that don’t stimulate it, leads to increased toxin clearance which has overall health benefits. Here are some of the main ways people have fasted since antiquity:

  • Total fasts: no food or drink
  • Water fasts: only water is taken
  • Daniel Fasts: all meat and/or its products are avoided

 

In the modern age with all the  appliances available,  the practice of juice and blended food fasts (such as smoothies containing blended fruits and/or vegetables) has come to the fore. In regard to smoothies and other blended drinks, my personal opinion is that their connection to fasting is being stretched a little too much. No doubt these blends have a part to play, but strictly within the context of dieting or slimming. Moving on from there, what about clear juice fasts?

 

First, let’s take a look at the role pure water plays. We have an obligatory daily water intake need of approximately 2-3 liters, depending on circumstances. It has also been shown that renal shut-down is a distinct possibility if water intake is zero for more than 3 days. A comparison of clear juice versus water immediately reveals the superiority of juice above pure water as fluid replenishment. Juice contains:

  • Mostly water
  • Enzymes
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals

 

Additionally, the advantage of clear juice over juice with pulp is that clear juice is absorbed directly into the bloodstream without stimulating waterjuicefastdigestive juices. In other words when one does clear- juice-fasting, the digestive system is rested, which allows it to refresh itself, and this happens without the shortage of ingredients vital for optimal cell-function. Regularly doing this gives one all the advantages of fasting – with loss of  weight  thrown in as an incidental bonus.

 

In summary, fasting is good for our mind, body and spirit. And fasting whilst taking in only clear juices is the most beneficial method.