Fasting has been a process which has been used successfully since biblical times. The difference between this type of fasting and the fad diets is the addition of solid foods which are meant to boost the vitamin and mineral content of the body as opposed to forcing large amounts of lemonade or maple syrup into the cells for nutrition.
Experts believe that individuals should not fast (eating only fruit juice or water) for more than two to three days. Once the initial two or three day fast has been completed, individuals can start to add different fruits and vegetables. There are several types of detox diets which are specific about the way in which foods are added back into the diet. However, what they do have in common is that individuals should stick to fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds which are in their raw state.
Eating these raw and potentially organic foods will help to flush out the increased number of toxins in the body. It should be stressed that individuals should not use laxatives while attempting to detoxify their body. Laxatives will only work against the ultimate goal of assisting the body in ridding the toxins. Individuals who eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables will find they are not constipated and the toxins which do reach their colon are easily removed from the body on a daily basis.
Some of the more common side effects of a detox diet are headache within the first few days which may be related to caffeine withdrawal or can be related to the increased number of toxins that are suddenly released into the bloodstream. If an individual has a high caffeine intake experts suggest they should gradually decrease the amount of caffeine they used prior to starting a detox diet.
Other side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss and hunger. Some individuals report they feel as if they have flu symptoms in the first several days or weeks. These symptoms are all related to the increased number of toxins which are released into the body once the body begins to metabolize them and attempt to get rid of them.
Ultimately the individual will begin to feel healthier and better but should never return to their previous traditional Western diet which probably included large amounts of coffee, soda and processed foods. These are the chemicals and products which got the body into trouble in the first place. Some individuals find that using a strict fasting detox diet for one week every six months helps them to maintain an overall degree of good health.
Resources:
EveryDiet: Detox Diets
http://www.everydiet.org/detox_diet.htm
MayoClinic: Do Detox Diets offer any health Benefits
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/AN01334
Dr Oz: 48 Hour Weekend Cleanse
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/48-hour-weekend-cleanse
CBS News: Do Detox Diets work?
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500165_162-4036502.html
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