When attempting to cleanse the body by using a detox program, it is important to remember that it should be done gradually. Most detoxes begin with a fast, followed by juices, and then end with a raw food diet. The purpose of a cleanse is to remove toxins from the body . By removing toxins, nutrients can flourish and the body will become re-energized and healthy. Keep in mind that a cleanse should be done for health purposes, rather than for weight loss. Once a fast ends, the body will store fat faster than usual because the body is in a starvation mode. This can lead to sudden weight gain so conclude the cleanse with caution by eating healthy and in moderation.
Step 1: Fast
When you fast you drink primarily water and eat no food. This is a process that should only last for two to three days. Apart from water, you may drink herbal teas. You will notice many side effects, such as nausea, headaches, irritation and fatigue. This is because the body is eliminating all the toxins from its system, which can be tiring. Remember to rest during this time and stay hydrated.
Step 2: Juice
Following a fast, introduce a juice diet. Now that the body has been cleansed of most of its toxins, it will grasp nutrients quickly. By sticking with a juice diet, the nutrients with not only refresh the body, but also energize it, ending the many side effects from the fast. Remember to drink 100% natural juices so that toxins do not re-enter the body at this time.
Step 3: Raw Food
Follow the juice diet with a raw diet, introducing more food groups and nutrients to the body, yet still avoiding toxins. The raw diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that are all uncooked. It is believed that when food is cooked, it is depleted of most of its nutrients. By following this diet, you are not only able to eat again, but you are filling your body with healthy foods and nutrients.
Step 4: End with a Healthy Diet
Now that the cleanse has concluded, it is important to eat healthy and in moderation so that food is not stored to quickly in the body, leading to sudden weight gain. Since your body will still remain hungry at this point, it will quickly store the food and toxins, making the cleanse pointless. Remember to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, all of which can be cooked and seasoned to taste. Some doctors, including John Robbins, M.D., author of "The Food Revolution," believe that after a cleanse you should begin a vegan diet. He believes that meat and dairy introduce more toxins to the body and cannot be easily digested.
References
- "The Food Revolution"; John Robbins; 2005
- "The Miracle of Fasting"; Paul Bragg and Patricia Bragg; 2004
- WebMD: Fasting Diets



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