A cleansing diet can boost your system tremendously should it be conducted in a healthy and safe manner.
There are extreme cleansing diet regimes which can be particularly uncomfortable and have dangerous side effects.
What is a Cleansing Diet?
Cleansing diets are frequently called detox diets due to the detoxification process the body has to go through when adapting to this kind of diet. Detoxification means the elimination of toxins and other unhealthy compounds from the body, particularly the liver.
The liver performs detoxification functions itself and serves as the body’s filter; it is the organ to which each bodily substance finds its way to and through. After a period of time, this “filter” can get blocked, and this filtration system starts to become inefficient and slow. A cleansing diet is considered to clean out the liver, which it then purifies and re-energises the whole body.
Why Cleanse?
The benefits of a cleansing include enhanced energy levels, better concentration, efficient absorption as well as digestion of nutrients, and improved sleeping patterns.
Types of Cleansing Diets
There are many diet plans to choose from when looking for a cleansing routine.
The cleansing practices range from the extremely intense to quite mild. The following cleansing diet plans are some common picks:
The Lemonade Diet
Intensity level depends on how long you are going to practise the diet plan. Even though it is not recommended, it can be adhered to for up to 40 days. The main energy source is fresh lemon juice, a dash of cayenne pepper, a tablespoon of pure maple syrup, and purified hot water. This fast is also called the Master Cleanse Diet.
The Grapefruit Diet
This is a particularly mild way of purifying the body. As the majority of citrus foods offer the benefit of detoxification, grapefruit is a major food source. You just add the grapefruit at the start of each meal. You can follow this diet for any length of time without any side effects.
The Cabbage Soup Diet
This cleansing involves eating lots of cabbage. So should you be able to tolerate cabbage, this cleansing diet plan can be tolerated well.
A 24-hour Cleanse
This a particularly common diet with minimal major side effects. You will find lots of menu plans, the majority of which include whole, unprocessed, raw (or slightly steamed) fruit and veg, brown rice, tofu or almonds (a good source of protein) and plenty of water.
A 3-day Cleanse
The 3 day detox is also a pretty popular cleansing diet which provides lots of benefits minus the harsh side effects of longer diet plans. The basis of meals is quite similar to the 24-hour process.
A 2-week Cleanse
The longer period of time of such cleansing diet plans are very likely to cause extreme side effects. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that the length of time is beneficial. Make sure that you research this kind of diet carefully. There are several plans available.
The Moon Diet
The moon diet is a type of cleansing diet which is based on the phases of the moon.
Detoxifying Herbs
In Chinese medicine practice, herbs are utilised for various symptoms and ailments. Common herbs are used in lots of teas, infusions and formulas for the purpose of cleansing the body.
Herbs such as star anise and fennel are used for their anti-spasmodic qualities. These are often added to teas and other cleansing sources to help moderate the severe cramping that accompanies the main ingredients.
Common Guidelines
Each cleansing diet is somewhat different. Nonetheless, they have several factors in common. Eliminating toxins and stimulants is central to all diets claiming to detoxify the body.
Common foods that you should abstain from during this period are caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, soda, smoking, chocolate, sugar, processed and refined foods and alcohol. In addition, practically each type of diet of this kind requires drinking a lot of purified water.
Side Effects and Health Risks
While the lighter versions of cleansing diet plans are not going to cause great discomfort, the side effects increase in intensity as the diet itself intensifies. Particularly common side effects are nausea, cramps, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, fever, fatigue and lethargy. The severe effects of dehydration can easily be experienced. Symptoms include blurred vision, dizziness, irritability and low urine output to mention but a few. Hence, it is vital to drinks lots of water. It is also considered very harmful to stick to a diet that consists of fewer than 1200 calories per day. Temporary weight loss is a common side effect too, so, it ought to be monitored to avoid any health risks.
Seek Advice
The majority of medical practices do not support nor encourage cleansing diets. However, many alternative health practitioners can offer you proper support and guidance. Find trained and licensed practitioners prior to commencing a regime.
Please note that, cleansing diets are not recommended and ought to be avoided should you be pregnant or attempting to conceive.
Cleansing diets are also not to be recommended should you be diabetic or suffering from any health condition, like auto-immune diseases, or should your health be compromised in any way.
Cleansing diets are only suitable for healthy adults only with proper supervision. Children of any age ought not be encouraged to engage in any kind of detox diet. Fasting diets are particularly dangerous and ought not be followed without prior sound knowledge and support.
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