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BY ALESSANDRA TAYLOR A l e s sa n d r a T a y l o r The Role and Practice of Fasting in Detoxification Types of Fasting ere are two forms of fasting. e first form of fasting is forced (instinctual) fasting, which is a type of fasting forced upon us during sickness. is is the body's own mechanism to divert much-needed energy from digestion to the immune, lymphatic, and endocrine systems. You likely recall having a fever and not being able to tolerate food. is instinct or forced fast gives our bodies much needed energy to focus on expelling wastes, viral or bacterial loads, or congestion versus digesting foods. e second form of fasting is conscious fasting, which we use to cleanse and restore the body. Conscious fasting may look like intermittent fasting, mono-fruit fasting, liquid fasting, or dry fasting (never recommended), among many others. It also builds your self-discipline and self-confidence, two important attributes to develop on the road to good health. How Long Should One Fast? If you are new to fasting, consider limiting your fast periods to 24 hours. I don't recommend more than three days of liquid fasting, even for the cleanest eaters. Fasting for too long, especially for most of us on a Standard American Diet, may release toxins too quickly. Likewise, it is essential to build up to a fast by cleaning up one's diet, eliminating heavier foods to digest (such as animal proteins, dairy, and processed foods), and mainly sticking to vegetables and fruits in the days before a fast. How to Break a Fast? When you break your fast, it is essential to break with something light, such as fresh fruit first, followed by salads. You never want to break a fast with too many cooked foods. Desiring peak performance requires the body to redirect its energy f rom digestion to cellular healing. Fasting in some form offers this and has been practiced since the beginning of man across all spiritualities and religions and is considered the ultimate healing tool when it comes to detoxification and energy management. Purpose and Benefits Conscious fasting enhances stem cell regeneration, blood sugar control, heart health, brain function, and rejuvenates every system in the body. Our digestive and eliminative systems become overworked, congested, weakened, and damaged on a typical Standard American Diet of low- quality meats, grains, dairy products, and overly processed foods. Fasting is the universal way the body can rest from the extensive digestive and metabolic issues that are a result of these common dietary patterns. When you fast, the body uses that saved digestive energy to cleanse itself of acids and toxins, allowing it to heal itself. ough fasting should never be used for weight loss, this is usually a bonus to the process. When to Fast Nature has selected spring for the annual "house-cleansing" period or conscious fasting to clear through the accumulation of the winter season. If you are a woman, choose to fast days 1-10 of your menstrual cycle. Alessandra is the founder of aTayloredHealth and is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. You can learn more about her offerings at atayloredhealth.com. Fasting may not be recommended for everyone under every condition. It is important to consult your physician before modifying your diet. If a fast does suit you this coming spring, I would be happy to guide you through the preparation and duration of your chosen fast. Improved immune function and overall vitality await! VUE ON | WELLNESS

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