Safe Detox Home Diets

Detox diets, also called cleansing diets, are popular due to their purported weight-loss benefits and ability to clear up other chronic health problems. Though scientific evidence supporting the benefits of detox diets is limited, some health experts believe they can resolve problems such as headaches, muscle aches, sinus congestion, digestive disorders and emotional problems caused by an accumulation of too many toxins in the body.

Detox diets are typically based on removing unhealthy foods from your diet for a designated period of time. Beware of detox diets that are based on consuming only one type of food or fasting for extended periods; they may lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Clean

The Clean diet is a 21-day program created by Dr. Alejandro Junger. The foundation of the Clean diet is eliminating foods that are difficult to digest -- such as wheat, dairy and red meat -- as well as any foods that may cause allergic reactions, including tomatoes, peanuts and soy products. Another key element of the Clean program is consuming two liquid meals every day of the diet. According to Junger, this allows your digestive system to rest so that your natural detoxification system can work more effectively. You can accomplish this by making your own juices, soups and smoothies, or by using protein shake powders made from brown rice and containing all the recommended nutrients.

Natural Makeover Diet

Developed by Dr. Joey Shulman, the Natural Makeover Diet is a program for improving skin tone, increasing energy and losing weight. According to Shulman, the foods you eat have a profound impact on outward appearance as well as inner health. The program begins with a five-day cleanse, in which grains, dairy products, red meat and refined sugar are prohibited. Shulman recommends taking probiotics and eating nutrient-rich foods such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, kale, spinach, green beans and zucchini. To maintain your health after the five-day cleanse, Shulman recommends continuing to avoid simple carbohydrates such as sugary foods, white rice and white pasta. She advises eating three healthy meals and one snack a day composed of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fats.

Gerson Diet

Often used in the treatment of cancer and other degenerative diseases, the Gerson diet is based on the consumption of as many as 13 glasses of fresh juice daily. You may also eat freshly prepared, organic vegetarian meals and snack on fresh fruits and vegetables. The Gerson diet forbids eating any meat, refined sugar and dairy products, and it also restricts the use of salt, protein and fat. A distinguishing element in the Gerson diet is the regular use of coffee enemas. According to the Gerson Institute web site, coffee enemas help remove toxins from the body by stimulating liver function and bile production. To promote optimum health and prevent the accumulation of toxins, the authors of "The Gerson Therapy" recommend adopting a regular diet containing 90 percent organic fruits and vegetables, with the other 10 percent composed of foods of your choice. Use caution with any type of enema, as too many can effect changes in normal body chemistry and potentially impact the function of the heart, muscles and other organs.