Fasting in Naturopathy: Juice Fasting, Safety and Who Should Avoid It

Fasting is one of the elemental therapies of naturopathy. Done carefully, a short fast gives the digestive system rest. Done carelessly, it can make people unwell. This guide explains how juice fasting in naturopathy works and why it should be supervised.

Types of fasting

• Juice fasting: fresh vegetable and fruit juices, soups and herbal drinks in place of meals.
• Fruit diet: only fresh fruit, sometimes with buttermilk.
• Water fasting: water only. Rarely advised, and only for short periods under close supervision.
• Partial fasting: skipping one meal, or a light liquid dinner.

In a naturopathy stay, fasting days are usually short and come between days of light food.

What a supervised fasting day looks like

1. The doctor checks your weight, blood pressure and, if you have diabetes, your sugar.
2. You may be given an enema in the morning.
3. You take juices, soups or herbal drinks at set times, and plenty of water.
4. You continue yoga gently, walk and rest. Strenuous exercise is avoided.
5. The doctor sees you during the day and adjusts or stops the fast if needed.

Breaking a fast

The way you end a fast matters as much as the fast itself. You return to food in stages: fruit or soup first, then light cooked food, then regular meals. Eating a heavy meal straight after fasting can cause discomfort.

Who should not fast, or only with care

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Diabetes, especially on insulin or sugar-lowering tablets
• Low blood pressure or a history of fainting
• Kidney, liver or heart disease
• Being underweight, or a past or present eating disorder
• Children and frail older adults
• Taking medicines that must be taken with food

If any of these apply, fasting may still be possible in a modified form, but only after the doctor examines you. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines on your own.

Common side effects

On the first day or two you may notice hunger, headache, tiredness or irritability, especially if you usually drink tea or coffee. Dizziness, palpitations or confusion are reasons to stop and tell the doctor immediately.

Fasting at Shree Narayandham

Fasting is used only when the doctor advises it, as part of your diet therapy. Juices and herbal drinks are prepared fresh in our kitchen, and the doctor reviews you during the stay. Read more about our naturopathy treatments.

Common questions

Will I lose weight on a juice fast?

You may lose some weight, much of it water, in a short fast. Lasting change comes from the diet and routine you keep afterwards.

Can I do a juice fast at home?

A single light day may be fine for a healthy adult, but longer fasts should be supervised. Ask our doctors first.

Next step

Call +91 98810 68109 or book a consultation.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please read our wellness disclaimer.