Detoxification is currently a very popular fad in the weight-loss industry, touted as a way to remove toxins from the body. Detoxification was traditionally used in alcohol and drug rehabilitation. However, detox diets have recently become quite popular, theoretically to cleanse the body of a buildup of unhealthy toxins and to promote weight loss. Detoxification can be extremely dangerous and has no scientifically proven health benefits. If you decide to try a detox diet, it is a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider, who can advise you on some safer methods.
Those who practice detoxifying believe that when you detoxify the body, you are removing a buildup of toxins and improving the function of the organs, including the kidneys and liver, improving the skin and circulation of the blood, and allowing the organs to "rest." Generally in a detox diet, there are certain foods you are allowed to eat and certain foods you are to avoid. In nearly every detox diet, you will be instructed to avoid caffeine, alcohol, meat, saturated fats and refined sugars.
Some detox diets are more extreme than others, allowing only a very limited amount of foods. One popular detoxification diet is the honey and cayenne pepper diet, which involves creating a mixture of lemon juice, honey, cayenne pepper and water and drinking it numerous times throughout the day for ten days. Other detox diets simply focus on eating lots of fruits, vegetables and grains, and drinking lots of purified water.
Another popular detoxification method is a colon cleanse, also known as a colonic. Colonics involve the flushing of the intestines with filtered water after a plastic tube is inserted into the rectum. If you choose to get a colon cleanse, spend some time researching options in your area to find a reputable colonic therapist.
Searching online will give you numerous options for detox diets, depending on the amount of time you have to devote to the detox and what types of foods or special drinks you are willing to eat. Some detoxifications last for three days, but they can last for seven days, ten days, or even longer. Planning ahead is beneficial, as some symptoms of detox diets can be quite unpleasant and something you may not want to deal with at work.
Some of the problems that detoxification may help improve include fatigue, headaches, nausea, skin problems, sinus problems and digestion. Some proponents of detox diets say that detoxification can also promote feelings of well-being. The detox diet itself, however, can also induce fatigue, headaches, and intestinal problems. Be sure to stay hydrated, as dehydration can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If you choose to do a detox diet, use common sense, speak with your healthcare provider about your plans, and stop the diet if you feel ill.