Detoxifying Diets

The purpose of a detoxification diet is to rid the body of toxins. Generally, toxins make contact with the body and are absorbed into the blood stream through the nose and mouth. The most common toxins that are absorbed by the body are cigarette smoke, chemically ridden cleaning products, pollution and food additives. Though detoxification diets are intended to rid the body of harmful toxins, they have become notorious because of their rapid and drastic weight loss effects. If followed closely, certain detoxification diets can produce a weight loss of up to 20 pounds in a 10-day period.However, doctors caution that losing more than 2 pounds per week is an unhealthy practice. Dieters also should be aware that once regular eating habits are resumed, detox dieters gain back the majority of weight lost.

Water Fasting

• It has been said that long-term water fasting has the ability to flush away cancer. However, the claim remains unproven. Water fasting is the most powerful detoxification diet because of the strict intake allotment. During a water fast, the only substance to be consumed is water. The duration periods of water fasting vary from mild three-day periods to over 40-day periods; the longer the fast, the more rejuvenating the results. The average weight loss throughout a water fast is 1 to 2 pounds per day.

Juice Fasting

• Juice fasting is a purely liquid-based detoxification diet. Throughout a juice fast the only substance to be consumed is all natural fruit and vegetable juices. In order to avoid sugar and additives found in store bought juices, juice fasters are prompted to blend their daily "meals" themselves in a juicer using only all natural fruits and vegetables. Because calories are still being consumed, juice fasting produces weaker weight loss results than water fasting. On average, juice fasters can expect to lose 1 pound per day.

Raw Food Detoxification Diet

• The raw food detoxification diet promotes internal rejuvenation and overall weight loss by the consumption of unprocessed and uncooked foods. The daily diet regimen of those on the raw food detoxification diet consists of raw vegetables, fruits and all natural fruit juices. The weight loss potential on the raw food diet varies widely and is directly controlled by caloric intake.

Master Cleanse Detoxification Diet

• The master cleanse detoxification diet became popular in 2006 when American R&B singer Beyonce lost 20 pounds in 14 days on the diet. While following the master cleanse detoxification diet, the only substance to be consumed is a "lemonade concoction." The concoction consists of cayenne pepper, fresh lemon juice, natural maple syrup and water. The diet is intended to be followed for a period ranging between 10 days and 40 days. Typical weight loss is approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds per day.

Martha's Vineyard Detoxification Diet

• The Martha's Vineyard detoxification diet isn't as extreme as the above mentioned detoxification diets. While following the Martha's Vineyard detoxification diet, you are only permitted to consume all natural fruit juices, herb teas, supplements and 1 cup of soup per day. The diet promises to promote a weight loss of 1 pound per day. The diet plan is intended to be followed for a 21-day period.