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When people have high levels of toxins in the body, they can get easily tired and are prone to acne breakouts and blemished skin. They are also prone to headaches, digestive problems, and hunger pangs. At worst, they can develop depression and weight gain. To get rid of toxins, detoxification is needed. It refers to the process of cleansing the body from the inside out to get rid of disease-causing impurities. While the human body detoxifies naturally (through breathing, sweating, digestion, and urinating), some people undergo detoxification programs to hasten the process of toxic elimination.
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Fasting is the basic form of detoxification. Though it was initially performed by various religions in the belief that abstinence from food will purify the soul, fasting is currently more associated to body cleansing and fat shedding. Today, fasting takes various forms as detox diets. Here are some of them:
• The Master Cleanse. Also known as the maple syrup diet or lemonade diet, it was developed by Stanley Burroughs. It involves drinking 6 to 12 glasses of a special liquid mixture of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper each day for 10 to 45 days. Beyoncé and Ashton Kutcher are some of its celebrity followers.
• The Clean Program. Designed by Dr. Alejandro Junger, this is a gluten-free detox diet. People can eat one solid meal a day, drink two liquid meals, and take supplements (provided by Clean Program). Celebrities who have sworn to the program include Gwyneth Paltrow and Demi Moore.
• Martha’s Vineyard Detox Diet. This detox regimen is invented by registered nurse Roni DeLuz. Dieters take a concoction of fruits and vegetables, which is required to be taken every two hours, and can choose from a two-day, seven-day, or 21-day plan. Angelina Jolie is believed to have popularized this program.
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Although there is no scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of detox diets, they are popular because of the big celebrity following. Doctors, however, warn that prolonged detoxification can drain the important minerals from the body and may even lead to an eating disorder and untimely death. Thus, it is best to check with a physician before beginning any detoxification program.
Believing that each person is biochemically unique, nutrition expert Robert Pastore, Ph.D., designs nutritional protocols specific to each patient’s need. To get more updates on nutrition, follow this Facebook page.
