Toxin Detox Diets

Detox diets claim to eliminate toxins from the blood, liver and intestines through various forms of fasting or following a special diet, notes CNN. There are many types of detox diets, and they can range from three days to 21 days or longer. People choose to embark on detox diets for various reasons; to lose weight, correct a health problem or motivate them to eat better. Whatever your reason to begin a detox diet, you should speak with your physician before beginning one.

Long Detox Diets

Detox diets that last 14 to 21 days claim to give the body time to eliminate toxins that have built up over time such as polluted air, water, chemicals, hormones, food and cleaning products, according to CNN. Detox diets that are longer usually have you avoid certain food groups and eat whole fresh foods, such as avoiding animal product and dairy and eating plant-based foods only. Some long detox diets suggest blending fresh fruits and vegetables into smoothies and soups and consuming only these liquids for three to seven days to clear your head and prepare you for healthier eating.

Fruit and Vegetable Juice Detox Diets

Diets that use only fruit and vegetable juices claim that this type of detox diets helps to eliminate waste and toxins from the intestines. This type of diet recommends eating only raw fruits and vegetables on the first day, blender soups and juices on the second day and only fresh squeezed fruit and vegetable juices for three days after that. When finished with a juice detox diet, you should introduce solid food back into your system gradually. Add blender soups on the first day after your fast, fresh fruits and vegetables the second day after your fast and solid foods three days after your fast, according to "The Fasting Handbook, Dining from an Empty Bowl."

Water Detox Diets

There are a few detox diets that recommend drinking only water with fresh squeezed lemon, cayenne and maple syrup. These detox diets claim that one to seven days on this diet will eliminate toxins from the liver, blood, cells, skin, intestines and kidneys for health, weight loss and vitality. This type of detox diet is a fasting diet that deprives your body of vital nutrients needed to function properly and can potentially harm your heart, according to the New York Times.