Cleansing diets, also called detoxification diets, are intended to flush toxins and accumulated waste from the colon. Often, this waste includes mucus from the intestines. The thinking behind this type of diet is that when you get rid of the mucus, you improve your overall health, says the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW). Many cleansing diets require fasting, which can cause nutritional deficiencies. Consult with your doctor prior to starting any kind of cleansing diet.
Toxins and Waste
Toxins are everywhere, according to the UW. From the foods you eat to the air you breathe, toxins are constantly finding their way into your body. Common toxic sources include medications, caffeine, pesticides, solvents and processed foods. When the body is toxic, it holds onto waste material in the form of fecal matter and mucus. That's why a cleansing diet is important for flushing out this material.
Why Cleanse?
Having an accumulation of waste and mucus in your body can cause a variety of symptoms that indicate you may need to go on a cleansing diet, says the UW. Some of these symptoms include depression, headaches, irritability, digestive issues, poor immunity, fatigue, bloating and skin problems.
Fiber and Fluids
Cleansing diets generally require you to increase your intake of water and fiber. According to UW, drinking at least 10 glasses of water a day and adding psyllium fiber to smoothies or foods twice a day encourages the body to flush out waste and mucus and keep the digestive system moving.
Dietary Requirements
Many cleansing diets require that you avoid certain foods that cause the colon to work too hard and can cause waste material to be left behind in the intestines. These foods include refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, wheat, meat and dairy. If the diet allows food, it will typically be fruits and vegetables, some lean protein and some whole grains.
Considerations
Though proponents swear by mucus cleansing diets as a means of purifying the body, medical evidence doesn't back up these claims. According to MayoClinic.com, there is no medical evidence that detox and cleansing diets do much of anything for the body, and the University of Southern California notes that the FDA has not once received a study of any kind as proof. Many cleansing diets also require fasting as a component, which can cause dizziness, fatigue and nutritional deficiencies, says MayoClinic.com, so consult with your doctor before starting any cleansing program.
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