There are four main types of detox diets, including liquid-only, avoiding white foods, "clean" eating and all-fruit. Many of these diets involve fasting, avoiding refined and processed foods or eating only raw or clean, whole foods. Detox diets suggest that they rid the body of unwanted toxins; however, the kidneys and liver efficiently rid the body of most unwanted toxins you may ingest, according to MayoClinic.com. Consult your doctor prior to beginning any type of detox or cleansing diet.
Fasting or Liquid Only
Fasting and liquid-only five-day detox diets recommend that you avoid all solid foods and drink a special liquid six to 10 times a day. This type of five-day detox is the most extreme, is low in calories and nutrients, and can be stressful on your gastrointestinal tract, according to FitnessMagazine.com. When following this type of diet, it is important to lower your activity level, suggests YogaJournal.com. Avoid strenuous exercise, as this can cause dizziness and light-headedness.
White Foods Detox
The white foods five-day detox claims to rid your body of toxic buildup from overprocessed and refined foods. On this diet, you avoid all foods that are white, such as white bread, pastas, white rice, pastries, bagels and all sugars. "No White Diet" author Paul Array suggests eating fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains such as brown rice, wild rice and oatmeal. This type of diet also suggest you avoid sugary drinks and consume only water.
Clean Eating Detox
Diets that promote "clean" eating as a five-day detox suggest eating foods that are as near to their natural state as possible. Eating clean helps rid your body of unwanted toxins while providing you with energy to continue your normal daily activities, according to "The Eat Clean Diet" by author Tosca Reno. Reno suggests eating five to six small meals a day. Opt for lean beef, chicken, fish, turkey, tofu, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread, oatmeal and fresh fruits and vegetables.
All Fruit Detox
Diets that require you to consume only fruit for five days cleanse your body of chemical buildup from fats and carbs, according to Jay Robb, author of "The Three Day Fruit Flush Detox Diet." This type of diet is low in calories, protein and fat and can cause a problem with absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K and E, suggests FitnessMagazine.com.
References
- Fitness: What Is a Detox Diet?
- MayoClinic.com: Do Detox Diets Offer Any Health Benefits?
- Yoga Journal: Lighten Up
- "No White Diet": Paul Array; 2007
- "The Eat Clean Diet": Tosca Reno; 2007
- "The Three Day Fruit Flush Detox Diet": Jay Robb; 2005
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