Detoxification is done to remove the toxins we all absorb from exposure to air pollution, pesticides, insecticides, car exhaust and also from methylmercury found in all kinds of seafood. Some people will juice fast for 10 days to detox. For many, that is too difficult or not practical if they have a demanding job, exercise regimen or a family to care for.
Juice Fasting Detox Cleanse
Juice fasting is the most demanding and rigorous way to detox and is recommended for those who are in excellent health. Juice only organic fruits and vegetables; using inorganic produce may introduce pesticides to the body and is counterproductive during a directed detox.
Each day, consume at least four to six, 8 oz. glasses of freshly extracted juices. Also consume another four to six, 8 oz. glasses of filtered water. To clear the bowels, drink herbal teas such as senna, cascara sagrada or detox teas.
Seasonal Eating to Detox
Eating a detox diet according to the seasons is more realistic and still effective. Elson Haas, MD, of The New Detox Diet, recommends eating fresh, organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains such as millet, oats, brown rice, quinoa and nonsaturated fats. These include flax seed, hemp seed, olive, canola,\ and fish oil capsules. If you maintain the detox diet for more than a few days, add small amounts of legumes, low-fat yogurt or small amounts of lean protein such as fish, poultry or lean beef.
Dr. Haas states that eating seasonal produce is a way to be aware of the cycles of nature and also helps cleanse the internal organs. All full-body detox programs should cleanse the bowel first as it will remove the most amount of waste and toxins from the body.
Consume herbals teas designed to cleanse the body. These include burdock root, yellow dock, red clover, sarsparilla, buckthorn and commercial teas labeled "detox."
DIY Detox for Beginners
Ease into your detox diet of choice by reducing consumption of fried foods, meat, full-fat dairy foods and foods made from refined flour and sugar. Give yourself at least 3 to 4 days to do this. Consider keeping a food journal to record what you eat, at what time, how well you digested it and how you feel. For example, you might learn that you tend to skip breakfast, eat a fast-food lunch and sit down to a large dinner.
Begin your first detox diet by eating seasonal foods, as Dr. Haas recommends, and sip herbal teas. If you are able to sustain it for a week, consult your doctor to determine if it is appropriate to maintain it for up to 21 days. After completing at least one detox diet with seasonal foods, consider a juice fast, with a doctor or nutritionist to advise you.
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