I remember when I had done a water fast about 2 years ago, I came across a very interesting article about the "Detoxification Stages". I found the article again on the following site:http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=265174, and it was quoted from a book called:"Detox Stages" by Tom McGregor called "Fasting to Freedom".
I hope that this helps you understand what your body is going through while your cleansing. Granted, you may experience some, none or all of these symptoms at different stages, but I think it's a very accurate blueprint.
Detoxification Stages...
Stage 1 (Days 1-2)
On the first day blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl. To
restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to
glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for half a day. The
body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical
activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and
blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some
weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst.
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, glazed eyes and a
heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be
the most intense in this period unless the enema is used which quickly assists
the body into the fasting state by ending digestion in the colon.
Stage 2 (Days 3-7)
Fats composed of transformed fatty acids are broken down and
converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from
the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even
boils. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. Ketones are
formed by the incomplete oxidation of fats. It is suspected that the ketones in
the blood suppress the appetite by affecting the food-satiety center in the
hypothalamus. You may feel hungry for the first few days of the fast. This
effect is temporary. The desire to eat will disappear. Lack of hunger may last
40 to 60 days, depending on whether you are on water or juice.
The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able
to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing and
healing. White blood cell and immune system activity increases. You may feel
pain in your lungs. The cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of
being repaired. Periodically, the lymphatic system expels mucoid matter through
the nose or throat. The volume excreted of this yellow-colored mucus can be
shocking. The sinuses go through periods of being clogged, then will totally
clear. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine,
the colon is being repaired and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to
loosen.
Stage 3 (Days 8-15)
On the latter part of an extended fast, you can experience
enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better than you have felt since
childhood. On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This
is a result of the body’s increased ability to heal during fasting. If you had
broken your arm 10 years before, there is scar tissue around the break. At the
time of the break, the body’s ability to heal was directly related to
lifestyle. If you lived on a junk-food diet, the body’s natural healing ability
was compromised.
During fasting, the body’s healing process is at optimum
efficiency. As the body scours for dead or damaged tissue, the lymphocytes
enter the older, damaged tissue secreting substances to dissolve the damaged
cells. These substances irritate the nerves in the surrounding region and cause
a reoccurrence of aches from previously injured areas that may have disappeared
years earlier. The pain is good as the body is completing the healing process.
The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be
the worst affected, as toxins accumulate in the legs. Cankers are common in
this stage due to the excessive bacteria in the mouth. Daily gargling with salt
and water will prevent or heal cankers.
Stage 4 (Days 16-30)
The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There
is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many
days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the
breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the
detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or render it
harmless, the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace
damaged tissue. While a short fast will reduce the symptoms, a longer fast can
completely heal. Homeostatic balance is at optimum levels. The lymphatic system
is clean except for a rare discharge of mucus through the nose or throat. After
day 20, the mind is affected. Heightened clarity and emotional balance are felt
at this time. Memory and concentration improve.
Stage 5 (Breaking the Fast)
The sticky, toxic, mucoid coating on the intestinal wall is
loose, and the first meal frees it from the intestinal wall. Toxins enter the
blood through the colon. The gallbladder dumps its waste in a heavy discharge
of bile. This can cause an instant bowel movement upon eating followed by
intense diarrhea. If the symptoms are too uncomfortable, an enema will help.
As for myself, I'm currently at Stage 3 slowly graduating to Stage 4. I really can feel like my body is doing some repairing. :)
Until later..
