Detox Fasting means change in eating habits for the sole purpose of detoxification of the body. Detox is the removal of toxic substances that is in the body. Before, detox used to mean treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. At present, it refers to diets, herbs, and other methods for removing toxins from the body for health reasons. Toxins are removed from the body via stool or urine. Some of the sources of toxins are the following: ammonia, chemicals (ex. pesticides), household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke and heavy metals that can be ingested like lead.

Detox Fasting can be used for the following reasons: minimizing the amount of chemicals ingested, emphasizing foods that provide vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants and high fiber foods and water that can draw out and eliminate toxin by increasing bowel movement and urination frequency.

There are many types of Fasting: Juice Fasting is when the consumption is only limited to fruits and vegetable juices. Reasons for Juice Fasting may be for religious reasons, losing weight and to get rid of unhealthy habits such as smoking, etc. Some use juice fasting for alternative medical practices and healing technique for pain, cancer, depression, etc. Water fasting is when the consumption is only water whenever thirsty. Reasons for water fasting are health improvement, medical and religious requirements.

There are certain types of people who should not use these techniques, as mentioned on detox-zen.com. Pregnant and/or nursing women, children, people with anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases and others are not recommended to go on Detox Fasting. Although it is recommended that everybody should check with their doctors first.

Some of the more common side effects are headache, excessive diarrhea and this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss, constipation, tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss and hunger.