All Natural Detox Diets

By Yvonne Gando

From disease prevention to rapid weight loss, have been touted for their numerous benefits. While many claim detox diets use the natural detoxifying power of everyday foods and beverages to achieve improved health, it's helpful to take a closer look at the detox diets out there in order to separate fact from fiction.

Guide to

While detox diets have been praised by many, critics have raised concerns about the safety of certain regimens. Make sure you find out all the facts first before deciding on whether or not a detox diet is right for you.

7 Day Detox Diet

The 7 Day Detox Diet is based on the concept that the body accumulates up to twelve pounds of undigested "junk" in the digestive tract. After taking a supplement containing 34 natural detox ingredients for one week, the diet's creator claims individuals can lose anywhere from five to seven pounds of waste.

Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, was popularized by Beyoncé Knowles, who used it to shed pounds for her role in the film Dreamgirls. With a recipe that calls for water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, this program aims to help dieters flush their systems. Those following the cleanse are to drink this lemonade while abstaining from all other food and drink for 10 days.

Colon Cleansing Diet

Using a foundation of high-fiber foods and water, the Colon Cleansing Diet claims to eliminate excess waste to help improve colon function and rejuvenate the entire body.

Fruit Flush

Aiming to help with irritability, bloating, fatigue, and carb overload, nutritionist Jay Rob developed the three-day Fruit Flush. The meal plan consists of protein shakes and fresh fruit, and is designed to improve liver function, rid the body of toxins, and boost energy.

Raw Food Diet

Based on a method by author and nutritionist Natalia Rose, the Raw Food Diet consists of consuming uncooked produce for ten days. Acceptable foods include nuts, fruits, grains, seeds, vegetables, water, juices, and coconut milk.

Martha’s Vineyard Diet

Promising to help dieters shed 21 pounds in 21 days, Martha’s Vineyard Diet was conceived by Roni DeLuz, a naturopathic doctor. The plan consists of a liquefied diet of fruits and vegetables, in addition to antioxidant supplements.

Liver Cleansing Diet

The brainchild of Laura Cabot, an Australian physician, the Liver Cleansing Diet aims to cleanse the liver with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish. Lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil, salmon, and avocados are also allowed.

The Benefits of Detox

Supporters of detox diets, like naturopathic doctor and author of Detoxification, Linda Page, assert that benefits of detoxifying include renewing and recharging the body, while jump-starting a healthier lifestyle.

Physician, medical educator, and author Cheryle Hart claims can help the body restore optimal alkaline balance, leading to improved overall health. Specifically, dieters can achieve the following benefits:

Mental clarityBetter metabolismWeight lossImproved moodHigher energy levelsRegular sleepThe Downside of Detox: Critics and Side Effects

Detoxification, or metabolic therapy, as the American Cancer Society categorizes it, is based on the concept that the human body is exposed to toxins on a daily basis, including environmental offenders such as smog, dietary additives including preservatives, and indulgence in alcohol and caffeine.

In her article,Detox Diets: Empty Promises or Effective?, registered dietician Leslie Beck and Director of Nutrition at the Medcan Clinic in Toronto, Canada, asserts no scientific evidence exists to support the claim detox diets accelerate the elimination of waste from the body. She also claims medical experts believe that the human body has its own efficient cleansing system-–the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and GI tract–-to remove toxins.

According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, side effects of detox diets can include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. Zeratsky also supports the school of thought that the liver and kidneys work effectively to rid the body of waste and toxins without the help of cleansing diets.

Before You Get Started

Wondering if a detox diet is right for you? First and foremost, consult your doctor. Do your research, and know that it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle for long-term benefits. No miracle cure can take the place of healthy habits

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