Though detoxification is a term generally associated with helping people rid themselves of drug addictions, it can also be used to liberate people of the toxins gathered from their daily environment and eating habits.
Detox diets, a new health fad, has proved its worth for many people, showing healthy results in only a few days.
Detox diets are defined by their attempt to remove environmental and dietary toxins from the body, according to www.altmedicine.about.com. Some positive effects that have been reported after using detox diets include improved energy, clear skin, improved digestion and better concentration.
For some people, there may be risks involved with going on one of these diets. Anyone considering a detox diet should seek the advice of a health professional first.
People who are experiencing bloating, fatigue, irritability or an addiction to carbohydrates may want to consider a plan posed by clinical dietician Jay Robb, according to www.everydiet.org.
It is called the Fruit Flush diet and it is a three-day process, in which dieters allot themselves strict servings of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, with small servings of whey protein, lean meat and plenty of water.
Robb explains that eating only from a few food groups can rid the body of some of the toxins that regular diets accumulate. This, in turn, can improve liver function and even show an increase in energy levels.
Narrowing down one's menu to specific food groups is not generally accepted as a healthy idea. However, Robb's diet, lasting only three days and including sufficient protein and healthy fat, may help to alleviate dieters' concerns. Dieters should be aware that it may be unsafe to do any cardio exercise or weight training during this process.
A traditional springtime cleansing known as Herbal Detox consists mainly of herbs, including things like red beet, liverwort, birch leaves, chamomile, sage, parsely, uva ursi, ginger and goldenseal, according to www.healthydetoxtips.com.
Though there are many choices for Herbal Detox, each one has a specific purpose and should be used accordingly. Going through the process once will not have a lifelong effect; however, doing Herbal Detox periodically can keep the system clean and ultimately have a great effect on overall health and energy.
In an article from a health publication called Natural Health, writer Judy Bass advises a seven-day plan that is effective, but not as strict as many Detox diets. According to Bass, this diet allows for more variety than most Detox plans, comprised mainly of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
According to Bass, this diet has been accepted and even used by Elson M. Haas, director of the Preventive Medical Center of Marin in San Rafael, Calif. It has helped more than 10,000 people during his 30-year career in medicine.
All of these programs involve weight loss and a radical change in daily diet, so individuals should do their own research before trying any of them. They are generally engineered for multiple periodic uses rather than just one in order to achieve optimal health.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
