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Information on the Detox Foods Diet

Most detox diets last from five to seven days. Besides limiting your food intake and consuming a variety of nutritional supplements, detox diets may also include a regimen for cleansing the bowel and colon through the use of over-the-counter medications.

  1. Features

    • Detox diets require the elimination of all animal products.

      Most detox diets require you to eliminate all meat and dairy products. This includes eggs and fish, shellfish, cheese, butter and fats. Detox diets also call for the elimination of all sweeteners, including sugar, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Alcohol, caffeine and tobacco are also eliminated throughout the detox period.

    Function

    • Raw fruits and vegetables are encouraged on detox diet plans.

      While on a detox diet, foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes are encouraged. Decaffeinated teas and detox broths made of cooked vegetables are also consumed. Whole-grain products, such as brown or wild rice, oatmeal and buckwheat are eaten throughout the diet. This strict regimen dramatically reduces the amount of calories a person consumes in a day. The addition of 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day helps to suppress the appetite.

    Recommendations

    • In addition to dietary recommendations, detox diets often suggest an increase in light exercise. Yoga and stretching exercises are recommended throughout the diet. Nutritional supplements are often used as a part of a detox diet plan. In addition to multivitamin supplements, dandelion root or whey protein is often consumed while on a detox diet. Colon and bowel cleansing routines may consist of enemas or doses of bentonite clay.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the University of Southern California, the premise behind detox diets is contrary to scientific consensus and medical evidence. Roger Clemens, Dr.P.H., adjunct professor of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences at the USC School of Pharmacy, says "Humans have been endowed with extraordinary systems for eliminating waste and regulating body chemistry." He further states that while many people have been persuaded to believe that detox diets are good for them, the truth is that they can be very harmful to overall health.

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