Detox Diet Ideas

Detox Diet Ideas
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Detoxification diets are commonly used to lose weight, cleanse the body and improve overall health. They work by ridding the body of harmful free radicals that enter the body from unhealthy foods, environmental toxins and other chemicals. According to ChangingShape.com, a detox diet may be combined with other practices, such as nutritional supplements, physical activities and health therapies to improve health. There are a number of detox diets that are effective, so consult your health care provider or nutritionist to find which diet will work for you.

Gluten-Free Diet

An effective detox diet that may help to improve digestive health is a gluten-free diet. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology online, gluten is a protein that is in wheat, rye and barley products. People who do not tolerate gluten well are susceptible to injury of the small intestine, which may cause bloating, diarrhea, gas and abdominal cramps. Removing gluten from the diet will improve health of the digestive system and allow the body to produce good bacteria to suppress the bad bacteria. The foods a person may eat on a gluten-free diet include corn, potatoes, rice, soybeans, tapioca, carob, buckwheat and quinoa, among other healthy gluten-free foods.

The Master Cleanse

Another effective detox diet is called "The Master Cleanse." This cleanse involves a strict diet of a simple concoction that is designed to cleanse your body of all harmful materials. The Master Cleanse diet consists of a mixture of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. The mixture is made with 2 tbsp. of the lemon juice and maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. of cayenne pepper. The acidic acidity of the lemon juice, along with the heat of the cayenne pepper, will help to eliminate toxins in your body, increase your energy and improve your digestive system. Consult your health care provider for more information about the duration of the diet, as it may vary from person to person.

Raw Food Diet

Another effective detox diet that can help you lose weight and revitalize your body is a raw food diet. According to HealthRecipes.com, the raw food diet will cleanse your body of toxins, resulting in a clearer mind, improved health, more energy and increased immunity. The diet primarily consists of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, including melon at the beginning of the day, such as honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon. Throughout the day, you may eat oranges, grapefruit, pineapples and plums without mixing the fruits together. By the end of the day, you may feel tired and sluggish, so it is recommended to add fresh vegetables and leafy greens, such as watercress, cucumbers and bell peppers. Following this diet may help you feel cleaner internally, slimmer and more energetic.

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Article reviewed by Eric Althoff Last updated on: Sep 12, 2010

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