Detoxification is a normal process that takes place every time we inhale oxygen into the lungs and exhale toxins. Generally, having one bowel movement a day is a good rule of thumb, especially in light of how much most people eat every day. If that is not the case, you might consider a detox diet for a few days. There are several types of detox programs and one is based on eating fruits and vegetables to get the roughage to help clear the colon and small amounts of protein to keep the muscle tissues fed.
Whole Fruits
Carrie L'Esperance, author of "The New Seasonal Detox Diet," recommends people eat whole fruits such as apples, to help the large intestine cleanse. She writes that in every detox program, it is a good idea to be certain the colon is functioning well. She recommends apples of all types because they contain pectin that can help soften stool and they are generally very easy to digest. For a directed liver and gallbladder cleanse, she details a special detox diet comprised of eating whole apples for three days and consuming olive oil with lemon juice on the fourth day. This cleanse is not appropriate for anyone with the risk for large gallstones, as they may become lodged and become difficult and painful to pass. Eating whole apples as a general colon cleanse with other foods is also appropriate.
Dietary Fiber
Constipation is a common reason people consider doing a detox diet. Consider consuming at least two cups of vegetables of all kinds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as part of a regular way of eating to help you reestablish regular bowel habits. They also recommend eating the same amount of fruit daily for adults. Include dark green leafy vegetables and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts for the soluble and insoluble dietary fiber they provide to act as an "intestinal brush" for the colon.
Small Amounts of Lean Protein
Consuming small amounts of lean protein will enable you to sustain the detox diet for a longer period of time. Elson Haas, M.D., author of The New Detox Diet, encourages people to eat lean cuts of beef, poultry and small amounts of low- to non-fat dairy foods such as yogurt as part of a detox diet. Protein can also be vegetable-based, such as well-cooked legumes such as mung beans, which are served with well-cooked brown rice to make a complete protein. Sprouted legumes such as lentil, bean or clover sprouts can be grown in a few days at home in a shallow plate and provide a "live food" with protein and enzymes. As part of detox diet, the chlorophyll content of sprouts help cleanse the blood. Taken together, your detox diet of fruits, vegetables and protein might last from two to three days or longer as a prelude to a more permanent way of eating. Authors Dr. Haas and Ms. Esperance both recommend consuming whole grains such as millet, quinoa and oats and unsaturated fats such as olive, canola and flax seed oil, eggs, nuts and seeds as part of a more balanced, varied detox diet, that can be eaten as a regular diet indefinitely.
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