Detoxifying the body is all about getting rid of waste materials.
Especially in the colon, there is a tendency for waste materials to build up over time, stagnating within the body and even releasing toxins slowly as they decay into the bloodstream, leading to side effects such as headaches, body aches, constipation, bloating, a general feeling of sluggishness and fatigue.
In addition, the liver is also an area that is prone to waste buildup, since its role is to regulate waste materials and help clean up toxins such as excess fat, sugar and alcohol.
To give the body an added boost, individuals may seek detoxifying alternatives to lose pounds and boost optimal health.
Some body detox diets include ingredients such as milk thistle, which have been shown to aid in overall liver health levels. They also help address the lungs, which are prone to pollutants breathed in through the air on a constant basis. Over time, all of these environmental contaminants grow and thrive within us, leading to the aforementioned symptoms.
Body detox diets can come in all sorts of packages and have different methods of waste removal, however there are some factors that most have in common. All recommend drinking a great deal of water, which makes a huge difference in flushing out the excess waste from the body.
Water is vital to health and should be a part of one’s daily routine.
Sure a week’s worth of fruits, vegetables and water can cleanse the body of impurities, however many individuals take the unbeaten path and use detoxifying alternatives. Some techniques have received criticism from some traditional health care providers, but maintains popularity among those who wish to cleanse and renew.
Below are several popular detox alternatives. Before beginning any sort of change in a diet plan, it’s recommended to speak to a health care professional.
Master Cleanse
Ingredients:
Pure filtered water
Grade B organic maple syrup, formaldehyde free
Organic cayenne pepper
Organic Lemons
Sea salt – Unrefined, (not iodized) or Epsom salt
Keep in mind Master Cleansers should use organic ingredients. The goal of Master Cleanse is to remove toxic substances from your body so stay away from ingredients that have been sprayed with pesticides.
Also, don’t use concentrated lemon juice because they’re filled with sugar and preservatives. Instead, use non-organic lemons.
Make sure the sea salt is unrefined or not iodized. This will be used as a laxative. For those with a salt intake problem, a laxative tea can be used in place of, or in addition to the sea salt flush.
Side effects include constant hunger. It’s important not to give in to such cravings, and keep in mind that the cravings are the worst on the first and second day. Once you get past those days, it gets better. Other side effects include fatigue, in some cases heat and discomfort during bowel movements, heavy sinus draining, excessive earwax, sweating and a white coating on your tongue.
Fluctuation in blood pressure, nausea and physical aches and pains are the most serious side effects of the Master Cleanse.
Raw food detox
There are extremes to this type of diet, however there are also benefits of a cleansing diet without the uncomfortable side effects.
For the raw food detox diet, the foundation of meals is based on whole, fresh, raw foods that are easy on the digestive system while at the same time acting to purify the liver and support the body. Dieters should choose organically-grown food and only pure, unprocessed ingredients should be used.
Common foods and substances to abstain from during this period are caffeine (in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate), smoking, processed and refined foods and alcohol.
A raw food detox diet also requires drinking a high volume of purified water. Foods that should never be eaten raw are poultry, beef, and eggs, however an abundance of raw vegetables, fruits, quality fish products and juices are required.
Raw nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds provide a sufficient amount of protein and healthy fats during this time period.
The day before starting the plan, eliminate all stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, tobacco, alcohol, herbal supplements not specified for detox purposes, as well as sugar from soda, candy, and cake. Meat, dairy products and all processed foods should be avoided as well.
On detox day, rest and stay warm. Get plenty of fresh air, but engage in gentle activity only.
Following the plan, avoid stimulants and processed foods for one week. Listen to your body, as it knows instinctively which foods are good for you and which are not. Choose whole, unprocessed, raw foods as often as possible.
Some of the common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, cramps, headache, fever, sore throat, lethargy and fatigue. The severe result of dehydration can be easily acquired. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, low urine output and irritability to name a few. This is why the consumption of water is critical.
4-Week Ultimate
Body Detox Plan
The program is broken down into four phases:
n Phase 1: Cleansing the kidneys and bowels
n Phase 2: Cleansing the lymphatic system (this helps with cellulite)
n Phase 3: Cleansing the liver and gallbladder (and you will break down fatty deposits in your body too)
n Phase 4: Cleansing the blood, lungs and skin
Holistic nutritionist Michelle Schoffro Cook created the 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan. Her program uses many forms of natural therapies to restore your body’s function including nutrition, herbal medicine, exercise, acupuncture, meditation and massage.
Cook states that the four-week program is designed to provide a thorough cleansing that is much deeper than many of the other detox programs available.
The basic dietary structure is similar for all the phases with the major difference being that specific herbal teas and special foods are recommended to affect the target organs.
Throughout the program each morning starts with fresh lemon juice in warm water and a fiber supplement.
Lunch should consist of a large salad with an emphasis on leafy green vegetables. Dinner will also include a salad as well as other dishes such as soups and vegetarian main dishes.
The downside of the diet: The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan appeals mostly to those who want a holistic approach to detoxification and restoring the body’s optimum health conditions, rather than those who are simply trying to lose weight.
