People embark on body cleanses to rid the body of toxins and to help jump-start weight loss. Body cleanses vary from near fasts to colon cleanses that require the intake of herbal supplements, but they generally require you to eat a very specific and natural diet for a certain period of time. Proponents of detoxification and cleansing believe these diets assist your body's natural ability to remove waste through the intestines, liver and kidneys. The amount of weight you lose on a body cleanse depends on the length of time you spend on the diet and on how restrictive it is.
Step 1
Decide what type of body cleanse best meets your goals. Research the Master Cleanse (lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne), colon cleansing programs or other cleansing diets that focus on eating raw fruits and vegetables. Ask your doctor about any supplements required for your chosen cleanse to ensure no adverse reactions will occur.
Step 2
Cut out caffeine, sugar, cigarettes and alcohol. Eliminate all processed food such as those that come in boxes, cans or the freezer. Avoid restaurant fare. Limit intake of refined flours, saturated fats and trans fats. Stay away from artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame (NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda) saccharin (Sweet N Low). Choose organic produce and grain-fed meats if food is included in your cleanse.
Step 3
Take a few days to relax. Do not exert yourself or exercise aggressively during the first few days of your cleanse because you may experience dips in energy, digestive discomfort or headaches from caffeine withdrawal.
Step 4
Drink plenty of water. Consume at least 8 oz. every hour or two to assist the intestines, liver and kidneys in the cleanse.
Step 5
Reintroduce a more mainstream diet slowly. Eat a very simple diet for several days following your cleanse, keeping your focus on fresh produce, fish and small servings of whole grains. Stay away from overly rich foods after a cleanse as they may shock the system and cause digestive problems. Sustain and further your weight loss by continuing to follow a low-calorie diet that emphasizes foods close to nature.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to choose a cleanse that fits your lifestyle and personal willpower. A liquid-only cleanse may only be sustained for a few days, and might cause you to binge because of deprivation---thereby destroying your weight loss efforts. Use a cleanse as motivation to begin a weight loss program and do not be discouraged when some of the weight you lose during a cleanse returns when you begin to eat whole foods. Keep your diet healthy and your portions in control when you return to a more mainstream eating plan, which will lead to sustainable weight loss in the long run.
- Certain populations---pregnant and nursing women, children and the elderly---should not follow a cleanse because of their special nutritional needs. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements, so these are consumed at your own risk. Do not follow a liquid-only diet for more than three days or risk nutritional deficiencies and other health complications.
Things You'll Need
- Organic produce
- Supplements (optional)
- Water
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