"Three day detox" is a term used to describe many different, usually extreme, three-day detoxification plans. Their goal is to rid your body of toxins, contaminants and excess weight by severely reducing or eliminating certain --- sometimes all --- foods, often accompanied by a regimen of supplements. Adherents believe that such programs can lead to quick weight loss, healthy skin, eyes and hair, increased energy and clear thinking. Although relatively popular, these diets are often unsafe. Do your research and consult a medical professional before beginning any detoxification or elimination diet. Children, the elderly and pregnant women should not participate in liquid-only or low-calorie detox programs, or any detox program that involves laxatives.
Types of Detox Programs
Many detox programs are little more than fasts, limiting participants to juices or water with a few drops of lemon juice and sweetener. Some eliminate certain foods, usually carbohydrates, proteins and sugars. Others involve commercial products such as shakes, teas or supplements to help flush the liver, kidneys and intestines of toxins, parasites, built-up waste and residue. Intestinal cleansing programs usually involve diuretic or laxative herbs and bulk-forming fiber supplements like psyllium. Some detox diets claim to relieve symptoms of chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, but there is no medical evidence to support this.
Results and Risks of a Three-Day Detox
Fluids-only or low-calorie detox regimens can result in rapid weight loss. However, this is generally due to dehydration and an empty stomach, not fat loss, and the weight will return immediately once you resume healthy eating. Fasts and extreme low-calorie diets send the body into starvation mode, lowering its metabolism, so that after your detox you may find that you gain weight more easily than before. With intestinal cleansing programs, the unusual amount of stool you produce may lead you to believe that the detox is ridding the body of built-up waste. In fact, the increase is more likely the result of the bulk-forming fiber supplements. In all detox programs, dehydration, electrolyte loss, nutritional deprivation and blood-sugar problems are serious risks.
Your Body's Detox Systems
The human body has its own highly effective detoxification systems. Your skin is an effective barrier against most toxic substances. The small hairs in your nose trap inhaled particles -- those that make it through are expelled in mucus. Your liver produces proteins that neutralize heavy metals and enzymes that regulate the metabolism of drugs and toxins. Your kidneys filter many types of waste from your body, and the intestines reject and expel most parasites and foreign materials. All of these work to eliminate toxins and waste from your body, and if your system is healthy, they are probably all the detox you need.
Safe Three-Day Detox
Some people, like Dr. Mark Hyman, believe that the body's detoxification systems may occasionally be overloaded with toxic chemicals from the environment and organic matter like bacteria and yeast. In an interview with "Yoga Journal," Hyman suggests an occasional gentle approach. For a safe three-day detox, eliminate stimulants like caffeine and sugar, as well as all tobacco, alcohol and refined grains. Increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains in your diet and limit portions of animal products. Yoga poses like twists, gentle and supported backbends, and inversions like headstand and legs-up-the-wall pose can help support the body's natural detoxification. If you feel better at the end of the three days, you may continue these healthy lifestyle changes as long as you like.
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