5-Day Body Detox Plan

A young man chugging a water bottle in the kitchen.
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The five-day detox diet plan is a short-term program that jump-starts an internal and external cleansing process, removing toxins from the body to promote optimal cell function. Toxins, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, pesticides, food additives, among others, can provoke a host of discerning medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and kidney stones. After completing a five-day detox plan, you will feel and see the difference, especially in your energy level and skin tone. Jump-start your detox diet and feel the difference.

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Step 1

Eliminate processed foods, dairy, red meats from your diet and plan a menu for five days that consists of fruits and vegetables. Use organic fruits and vegetables, if possible, buying locally grown organics over store-bought produce, for wholesome nutrition. Restock your kitchen with health foods, using recipes made with legumes, grains, seeds, sprouts and whole grains.

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Step 2

Use a juicer to extract all the vitamins and minerals from organic fruits and vegetables. The peel of most fruits contain vitamin P, a bioflavoin, which helps vitamins go to work harder. For convenience, store extra juice in the refrigerator, for up to three days, and consider using the recipes offered in the juicer's operating manual.

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Step 3

Fill several pitchers of fresh, filtered water and store in the refrigerator for quick access. Eliminate coffee, caffeine, sugary soft drinks and alcohol. Drink only the juice of fruits and vegetables or water during the five-day detox diet.

Step 4

Drink a cup of warm lemon water one hour before breakfast. Drink lemon water throughout the day, squeezing a quarter lemon into a glass of filtered water. Sip throughout the day.

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Step 5

Dry brush your skin daily in the morning. Dry brushing removes dead skin cells and encourages blood supply to the skin, aiding in the elimination of toxins and promoting cell renewal. Always brush towards the heart, such as from the ankles to the thighs, and wrists to the shoulders.

Step 6

Take a daily eucalyptus detox bath, using hot, filtered water, as hot as you can tolerate. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt, 2 tsp. of glycerin, 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and 2 cups baking soda to hot bathwater. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Use a shower filter to remove chlorine and other additives from the water.

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Step 7

Participate in mild to moderate exercise during the five days on the diet, committing to at least 30 minutes of cardio each day, such as walking, jogging, swimming or taking an indoor cycling class. Mix it up, but always remember to warm up for 10 minutes and cool down for at least five minutes to prevent injury and soreness the next day.

Step 8

Take a detox supplement each night before bedtime with a full glass of water. Look for detox supplements containing herbs such as burdock, horsetail, echinacea, ginger, licorice, milk thistle, cranberry, dandelion, slippery elm, cayenne, chickweed, chlorella, golden seal or turmeric. Other herbs may aid in the five-day detox diet, so talk to an associate at a health food store or consult a naturopathic doctor for more information or consultation.

Things You'll Need

  • Juicer (optional)

  • Filtered water

  • Lemons

  • Dry brush

  • Epsom salt

  • Baking soda

  • Eucalyptus oil

  • Glycerin

  • Detox supplements

Tip

If you do not have a juicer, ask a friend or relative if you can borrow one. Consider buying a juicer from a friend or relative who does not regularly use the appliance.

Warning

If you are treated for a medical condition, always talk to your doctor before undertaking any diet or exercise program. Those with diabetes or circulatory conditions may not tolerate part of the five-day detox diet, particularly the eucalyptus detox bath. Any herbs, supplements, essential oils, or other alternative medicines may interact with prescribed medicines, cause irritations or provoke allergies. Use caution when using herbs and any medicine taken internally

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references & resources

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

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