Proponents of cleanse diets claim they detoxify the body by removing dangerous compounds that cause a variety of health problems. Dieters also use cleansing to lose weight by restricting intake of processed and unhealthy foods. While cleanse diets may cause weight loss, many have questionable nutritional value and could cause health problems. Consult your doctor or nutritionist before beginning a cleanse to determine whether it is appropriate for you.
Master Cleanse
The Master Cleanse Diet involves a 14-day fasting period in which the dieter consumes only maple syrup, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and purified water. Dieters consume saltwater flushes and herbal laxative teas daily to stimulate bowel movements and remove waste from the colon. All nutrient intake consists of a drink made from lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. While this cleanse often results in weight loss, the severely reduced caloric intake may cause health problems, including fainting, nausea and shakiness.
Clean Diet
According to the Every Diet website, Dr. Alejandro Junger designed the Clean Diet to treat chronic medical conditions, including weight gain. This diet lasts 21 days and consists of a liquid breakfast and dinner, usually a special replacement meal, although you can substitute a smoothie or soup if necessary. Lunch is a solid meal consisting of fruit, vegetables, whole grains or beans. The Clean Diet emphasizes natural, organic unprocessed foods and stipulates that dieters should experience at least one bowel movement per day.
Juice Cleanse
The website Just Cleansing recommends a juice cleanse to detoxify the body. This lasts three to 10 days and consists solely of juices. Dieters drink 32 to 64 ounces of freshly-squeezed juice daily, plus an additional eight glasses of water. This liquid diet purportedly cleanses the body of toxins while keeping energy levels high. Vary the types of juices to include different fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. According to Just Cleansing, fiber supplements are necessary to stimulate bowel movements.
The pH Cleanse
Some dieters attribute inability to lose weight and certain medical issues to their bodies' acidity. They undertake a pH cleanse to raise their internal pH levels to a more alkaline, or basic, environment. An initial step in the pH cleanse is to remove all coffee, alcohol, sugar and white flour products from the diet. Leafy greens, avocados, carrots, seeds, soy products and herbs promote alkalinity. People on the pH cleanse diet avoid sugary fruits, oils, condiments, nuts and all animal products. According to Just Cleansing, deep breathing exercises further increase pH levels and promote weight loss and good health.
Fat Flush Diet
According to Every Diet, the Fat Flush Diet is a detoxifying three-phase plan that promotes weight loss. In the first phase, dieters restrict intake to 1,100 to 1,200 calories per day. During this phase, you must avoid fats, oils, sugar, alcohol, grains, starchy vegetables and dairy products. Dieters may eat vegetables, most fruits and lean meats. During phase two, the calorie restriction eases to 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day. In phase 3, dieters eat 1,500 calories per day and consume some starchy vegetables, dairy products and gluten-free grains. Although the Fat Flush Diet promotes weight loss, the extreme calorie restriction can be dangerous. Dieters should consult a doctor before beginning this diet plan.
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