One-Week Juice Diet

One-Week Juice Diet
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In "The 3-Day Cleanse," authors Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss say that today's diet does not meet your nutritional needs. Foods are loaded with salt, sugar, saturated and trans fats, chemicals, herbicides, pesticides and other toxic substances. The accumulation of toxins within your body causes conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, autoimmune diseases and obesity. Following a one-week juice diet nourishes, cleanses and restores your body to health. Speak with your doctor before starting a juice diet.

Solution for Free Radicals

Free radicals from the environment and the food you eat are highly toxic to your body. They damage healthy molecules and cells by attacking the nucleus and membrane. Damage to your cells causes cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic illnesses. You need to consume antioxidants to prevent free radicals from damaging your body. Antioxidants are commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Drink juices made from foods that have high levels of antioxidants such as blueberries, strawberries, watermelon and tomatoes.

Solution for Inflammation

Inflammation weakens your immune system and its ability to fight off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Inflammation leads to greater free radical production. It contributes to tissue damage, heart disease, arthritis and chronic pain in the joints. Drink juices that reduce inflammation through vitamins A, C and E. Try orange, grapefruit, carrot, beet and lemon juice during this week.

Function of the Liver

In "Juicing For Life," authors Cherie Calbom and Maureen Keane identify the liver as one of the most important organs involved in your body's natural detoxification system. It functions by producing bile, which breaks down fats during metabolism. The liver uses various enzymes to break down toxins such as alcohol, drugs, caffeine and other harmful substances. Drink enzyme-rich juices during your one-week diet to ensure that liver enzymes work properly. Enzyme-rich juices include bananas, apples, cranberries, grapes and dark green leafy vegetables.

Function of the Kidneys

The kidneys help you to maintain proper fluid levels. These organs help purify the blood by removing salts, cellular wastes and other toxins before excretion as urine. Liquids transport the toxins out of your system. Drink six to eight glasses of water, herbal teas and juices daily to help your body detoxify. Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss suggest consuming only filtered, purified water to avoid drinking chemicals and arsenic commonly found in tap water.

Considerations

Choose organic fruits and vegetables when purchasing produce for your juices. According to Cherie Calbom and Maureen Keane, organic fruits and vegetables contain fewer pesticides, herbicides and other poisonous substances. Organic produce is more costly than non-organic produce. If you cannot afford to purchase all organic foods, start with those that are least protected from toxins. These include bell peppers, spinach, kale, collard greens, strawberries, peaches and apples.

References

Article reviewed by Mary Bland Last updated on: Nov 3, 2010

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