Types of Body Cleanses

Body cleanse is a general term used to describe any fasting or detoxification system that promotes elimination and rids the body of toxin buildup. Symptoms like irregularity, fatigue and constipation are commonly treated with body cleansing products. A basic body cleanse can consist of water, juice or raw food. A colon cleanse can also be performed to directly remove toxins from the colon.

Water Cleanse

• A water cleanse induces the metabolism of body fat by restricting the body of all fuel sources over a short period of time (two to four hours). When released into the blood stream, toxins that are stored in the body fat are metabolized and then eliminated as the body depletes fat oils in search of fuel. The strict nature of the water cleanse requires that it only be used for short-term fasting. Some water fasting programs encourage participants to remain on the fast for a 24-hour period; however, this is generally not advised as dehydration, fatigue, extremity weakness and anxiety may occur.

Juice Cleanse

• A juice cleanse is a detoxification system that supports the systems of the body with live enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients found in raw fruits and vegetables. Pomegranate juice, Goji berry juice, Acai berry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, as well as tomato juice and carrot juice are all high in preventative properties and are ideal for a juice cleanse.

  The juice cleanse should be consumed over a short period of time and is said to combat constipation, sinus, bronchitis, obesity, colds, the flu, indigestion, back pain, bloating and flatulence, acne and inflammatory skin problems as well as fatigue, according to Detox Guide. Like the water cleanse, the objective of the juice cleanse is to flush the body of toxins and waste. However, unlike the water cleanse, the juice cleanse supporting the systems of the body and incorporates nutrition in the detoxification process.

  A juice cleanse can be done for several days depending on the program. Speak with a dietitian or healthcare professional before starting a juice cleanse.

Raw Food Cleanse

• A raw food cleanse consists of raw vegetables and raw fruits. Unlike the juice cleanse, the raw food cleanse is made up of raw fruits and vegetable that are eaten, rather than blended into a juice. According to Bob Davis, founder of the Alternative Cancer Treatments website, "[The] bathroom experiences will be virtually odorless and [participants] will experience unbelievable regularity." The high fiber content of fruits like avocado, papaya, guava and cantaloupe as well as vegetables like tomato, artichoke and lima beans help to aid in elimination.

  The raw food cleanse does not have restrictions regarding the detoxification period. In fact, many diets are based around the raw food cleanse and can be found as part of several commercial detox programs. Because the fruits and vegetables are eaten, and not blended, participants generally feel full longer than those undergoing a juice cleanse.

Colon Cleanse

• A colon cleanse can be done one of two ways. A supplement can be taken or inserted into the rectum or a pump or tube can be inserted into the rectum and flushed with water to induce elimination. Both methods are safe. However, colon cleansing products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Proponents of the colon cleanse insist that by flushing toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, the detoxification process can reduce symptoms associated with arthritis, allergies and asthma. There is little scientific evidence to support the benefits of the colon cleanse, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Warning

• Always consult a physician before starting a body cleanse regardless of the duration of the detoxification program. Monitor how your body responds to the cleanse before advancing to a more restrictive body cleanse regimen. Use a journal to record feelings of fatigue, anxiety or irritability. If these symptoms persists over the course of the detoxification period, stop the body cleanse right away.