Detox diets suggest that avoiding processed, refined and over-cooked foods and consuming only raw or juiced foods, or foods in their natural state gives your body a way to rid itself of built up toxins and contaminants, according to "Science Daily." Some detox diets involve consuming fresh foods while others promote liquids only. Detox diets that do not provide any nutrients and recommend only water can be harmful to your health. Before beginning any new detox diet, discuss what type of detox diet is best for you with your doctor.
Organic Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Basic detox diets encourage eating foods in their natural state, with one of the staples being fresh, organic and raw fruits and vegetables. Most detox diets allow eating as much fresh fruits and vegetables as you want with a minimum of one to two servings of cruciferous vegetables such as collard greens, kale, radishes, cauliflower and broccoli to promote liver health, according to Northwestern Health Sciences University. Detox diets allow all types of vegetables: leafy greens, root and vine. All fruit is allowed on most detox diets, with the exception of grapefruit, which is not allowed on liver detoxes.
Whole Grains
Many detox diets allow whole grains. Choose whole grains that are not overly processed such as basmati, wild or brown rice, bulgur wheat, rice cakes and rice crackers and quinoa. Avoid any grains that have additives such as sugar, salt, dairy or preservatives.
Protein Shakes
Some detox diets recommend drinking one to three protein shakes while detoxing to ensure you get enough protein. The protein should come from pure whey powder, rice or rice milk; avoid dairy while on a detox diet. If you use a whey protein powder it should be pure with no additives such as sugar. Adding fresh apple, carrot or beet juice will give you a sweeter shake while adding frozen fruit will thicken it. Some detox diets recommend adding cinnamon for flavor as well as for blood detoxifying, according to Northwestern Health Sciences University.
Drinks
Detox diet guidelines recommend drinking pure, filtered water out of glass containers and avoiding plastic water bottles. Most detox diets recommend drinking one cup of warm water in the morning, on an empty stomach, with the juice of one fresh lemon to cleanse the liver and clear the sinus. Some detox diets recommend adding pure cranberry juice to your water to detox the liver. Coffee, tea, soda and bottled juices are a no-no on detox diets, according to FitnessMagazine.com. Naturally decaffeinated herbal teas and green teas are allowed as well as fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.
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