For centuries, fasting has been used to help improve the spiritual connection of individuals to a
higher power. However, recent study has revealed that fasting could also have many physical
health benefits for practitioners. For example, researchers at the University of South Carolina
have found that fasting for as little as two days could help the body completely reboot its
immune system.
Fasting can also be an excellent way to lose weight, yet with so many variations of fasting how
are you supposed to know which style will work best for your health goals? What follows below
might just give you a better idea of what type of fasting you should be using to achieve your
health and weight loss goals.
Juice Fasting
Juice fasting is an excellent way for an individual to boost their immune system. Juice fasting
can last anywhere from 1 day to two weeks; it is focused on providing an individual with as
much nutrients as possible with as little calories as possible. A juice fast involves consuming
liquids from fruits or vegetables only. No solid foods are eaten during the fasting period.
Water Fasting
Water fasting is one of the most strenuous and exhausting types of fasting, this is because the
body is given no calories for energy production. In addition to this lack of calories the body is
also given very few nutrients.
Time spent in a water fast varies depending on goals and health of the individual. Before
undertaking a water fast individuals should always speak with their doctor.
Medically supervised water fasts have shown success in normalizing blood pressure, notes an
article published in the October 2002 issue of “Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine.”
Cleansing Fast
Much like the water fast the cleansing fast should only be implemented after speaking with a
medical professional, as extended periods of time spent on this cleans can leave individuals
fatigued.
The cleansing fast involves individuals consuming water mixed with pure lemon juice, honey (for
calories) and cayenne pepper. This fast usually last from 1 day to two weeks; the purpose of
this type of fast is to help clean out the colane.
Partial Fasting
Partial fasting is a bit more manageable than other types of fasting. Partial fasting works by
excluding some foods such as rice, wheat and meat. Partial fasting restricts the amount of food
consumed to about 1 to 3 meals.
Liquid Protein Fasting
Liquid protein fasting is most commonly used for weight loss in individuals who are obese.
Liquid protein fasting should always be medically supervised.
Diagnostic Fasting
Diagnostic fasting usually only last for about 12 hours. Diagnostic fasting is used for multiple
test, one of the most common test that requires a period of diagnostic fasting is the glucose
tolerance test, which is used for measuring blood glucose levels.
Religious Fast
Religious fasting is mainly focused on improving the spiritual connection between an individual
and a deity. Many religions around the world practice fasting as a means of showing devotion to
their god. These fast can last for weeks at a time.
No matter what type of fasting style you uses always remember to speak with a medical
professional before implementing said fast.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/5202687typesoffasts/
http://www.thehackedmind.com/theultimateguidetointermittentfasting/
