Saltwater Detox

Saltwater Detox
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Dieters perform saltwater flushes to eliminate dangerous toxins from their digestive tracts. A saltwater flush stimulates frequent bowel movements and removes excess waste from the colon. Saltwater detox plans can be used alone or in conjunction with a dietary cleanse. Talk to your doctor before beginning a saltwater detox, because it can result in serious health consequences.

Significance

Typical supermarket foods contain chemical additives, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers and hormones that increase shelf life or ease of food production. These chemicals enter your body and may accumulate in the digestive system, causing a variety of medical symptoms. The website Self Growth claims that a saltwater detox reduces constipation, bloating, gas and other gastrointestinal distress.

Time Frame

The length of a saltwater detoxification plan typically lasts from a few days to several weeks. If you are fasting, 24 to 48 hours of water cleansing is appropriate. The Homemade Body Cleanse website recommends doing a saltwater flush every morning for one week while following a diet of small portions of fruits, vegetables and other light foods. Some dieters extend the cleanse beyond one week by reducing the frequency of saltwater flushes to once every two days. This prevents health problems associated with prolonged cleanse diets.

Features

Prepare your saltwater detox beverage by adding 2 tsp. of unrefined sea salt to 2 qt. of warm water. If you find the drink unpalatable, add a small amount of lemon juice to the beverage to improve its taste. Drink the entire 2 qt. at once. Homemade Body Cleanse recommends drinking the saltwater flush each morning before eating solid foods.

Considerations

Drinking a saltwater detox beverage rapidly stimulates bowel movements. You will likely empty your bowels within one to three hours. The Master Cleanse website reports that a saltwater flush results in three to seven bowel movements over a few hours. Prepare for the saltwater detoxification by staying close to a bathroom. After 15 min. without a bowel movement, it is generally safe to continue your regular daily activities.

Benefits

A saltwater detoxification clears your digestive system of excess waste. This typically results in your body shedding several pounds. Self Growth states that a saltwater flush improves energy levels, reduces cold symptoms, detoxifies the gut, freshens breath and improves skin complexion. You may feel less fatigued and experience an improved mood.

Warning

A saltwater detoxification can be dangerous to your health. Your organs effectively neutralize dangerous toxins and eliminate waste without the need of a special detoxifying diet. The Mayo Clinic warns that a detoxification plan, such as a saltwater flush, can leave your body dangerously dehydrated, causing fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Talk to your doctor before beginning a saltwater detoxification to determine if it is a safe choice for you.

References

Article reviewed by SPEstes Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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