According to the Mayo Clinic, detox diets are "touted" as methods to rid the body of toxins. The 3-day versions are the fastest, and they generally offer different combinations of raw fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, grains, some herbs and vitamin supplements, and lots of water. Exercise is usually recommended to accelerate the process.
Significance
Detox diets are promoted wildly by the Internet, TV infomercials, magazines and newspapers. None of them work for everyone, but most if not all of them promise to eliminate toxins and poisons from the body while generating better overall health and a sense of well-being. According to the website Every Diet, "The idea of a good detox diet is to eat pure and natural foods that will aid the function of the lymph, kidneys and liver." Among these diets are the "Three-Day Detox Program" and the "3-Day Fruit Flush Plan."
Three-Day Detox Program
Eat no cooked foods for three days. Avoid all teas, coffees and colas. Drink only freshly squeezed juices and lots of water, hot or cold. Eat raw fruit and vegetables like baby sweet corn, avocados, broccoli and sugar fat peas plus the usual carrots, cauliflower, cabbage and mushrooms. Add nuts for protein and sprouting beans for extra mineral elements. Detoxing the body may cause some slight headaches, flu-like symptoms, occasional diarrhea and irritability. This precedes feeling much lighter and an increase in energy. Walk or exercise 20 minutes per day to accelerate the detox effects. Control cravings by brushing your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash.
3-Day Fruit Flush Prgram
Clinical nutritionist Jay Robb authored a book on this approach to detoxification for those who feel bloated, tired, irritable and somewhat hooked on carbohydrates. Founded on the consumption of protein powder and fruits, this diet is high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and water. Flush away toxins and a few extra pounds in three days. The first day requires five protein drinks at two-hour intervals. Dinner consists of a large, raw vegetable salad with lean protein and olive oil or avocado. The second and third days, replace each protein drink with a serving of fresh fruit. Dinner is another large, raw vegetable salad with olive oil or avocado, and a protein drink.
Foods Recommended, Discouraged
According to Every Diet, most detoxification diets tend to include the following foods: organic foods with no pesticides or fungicides, organic drinks, whole grains, nuts, seeds and sprouts. Also included are a thorough mix of fresh vegetables and fruits, and 2 liters of water per day. Among the herbs involved are psyllium seed, licorice root, yucca root, milk thistle seed and gentian root. All assist in the process of detoxification. Most detox programs exclude processed and refined foods, alcohol, caffeine and drugs, and also some supplements due to the additives they contain.
Considerations
According to Harvard Health Publications of the Harvard Medical School, studies have shown that fasting and an exceptionally low consumption of calories can slow the body's metabolism. Both components are common in detoxification diets, and their participants can anticipate an increase in weight upon returning to a normal diet. Advises Harvard: "If you're healthy, concentrate on giving your body what it needs to maintain its self-cleaning system -- a healthful diet, adequate fluids, exercise, sleep and all recommended medical check-ups, instead of relying on so-called detox procedures."
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