October 30, 2007 by Kavit Haria

Can fasting help purge the body of toxins?

Some people find it logical that not eating helps the body to get rid of some substances. In some cases, fasts can be limited to eating just some foods like grapes, beans or lentils or sometimes just fresh juices.Fasts are often fads, or part of a “health regimen” or a week away “healing” program. Although many people can withstand one day of fasting, as in some religious practices, extended periods may prove unsafe for most others. Fasting is highly unwise for people with eating disorders or impaired immune systems. It is also not recommended for elderly persons, children, or pregnant women. The “health” part of fasting is more myth than fact. In fact, denying yourself nutrients can actually work against you.To help understand why, a lot can be learned from taking a moment to investigate the body’s own detoxification process. The human body is quite ingenious. It was designed to have two major pathways to eliminate harmful substances. First are the immune tissues of the intestinal tract, and second are the enzymes of the liver. Did you know that the intestinal tract generates about 70 percent of our antibodies? These little heroes attach themselves to many of the bacteria, toxins, and viruses that enter our bodies, inactivate them, and prevent many from being absorbed, helping to protect us against infection and illness.Harmful substances that slip by the intestinal detoxification system are delivered to the liver. This second pathway has two detoxification phases: (1) various transformations occur preventing the perilous substances from creating harm to our bodies; (2) another series of reactions occur, causing these substances to become less toxic. They are then excreted from the body in urine and feces.So, how does fasting influence the body’s detoxification processes? Our nutritional status affects the body’s ability to manufacture antibodies and enzymes, and the liver’s ability to detoxify. Fasting deprives the body of the raw materials — sufficient calories, proteins, and certain vitamins and minerals — needed to make antibodies and enzymes. Eating keeps our immune system strong.So, fasting does not boost the body’s disposal system, or cleanse your body in a healthy way. Fasting denies you all the nutrients you need in a day to stay healthy!

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