Post 9: Detoxifying Cleanses for the Body

Studies have shown that our bodies are not capable of flushing all of the various types of toxins and chemicals that are consumed through the food we eat. Pesticides, food additives, preservatives, hormones and antibiotics, and fungicides are some of the toxins that interfere with normal chemical processes in the body. In today’s societies, it is very hard to avoid any harmful substances from entering our bodies. Not only are we consuming them but we are inhaling them as well. These substances which are inhaled unknowingly include cigarette smoke, pollution, household cleaners, and paints. Fast food, alcohol, and prescription drugs also keep the body busy by contributing to the build up of chemicals and toxins in our systems.

By consuming all of these toxins, our large intestine—aka the colon—undergoes a great deal of stress. The colon is the waste pipe for all the toxins that enter the body. Once the nutrients are removed from foods and processed through the colon, the waste is then expelled from the body. But if toxins are within the nutrients being processed, then the nutrients are blocked from being absorbed into the body causing waste to build up in the intestine. This build up hardens; fixing itself to the wall of the colon. Eventually, the waste seeps through the walls of the colon and releases toxins into the bloodstream. This harmful process is what causes indigestion, constipation, illnesses, and bloating. Also, an unhealthy colon can have up to 20 pounds of waste that has been built up for multiple years. 

Because our body can’t do all of the work itself, doctors recommend a diet cleanse, also known as colon cleansing. There are many different types of detoxifying diets that eliminate toxins from the body such as the Master Cleanse, the Fruit Flush, and the Juice Cleanse.

Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, has been approved since 1940 as the world’s most successful detoxifying diet. Not only does the Master Cleanse flush out internal waste from the body, but it also aids weight loss, increases energy and focus, and helps replenish the appearance of skin, hair, and nails. It was created by Stanley Burroughs and continues to grow in popularity due to its many beneficial effects of detoxification. Another reason why this cleanse is highly popular is because the detoxifying mixture can be made at home.

Essentially, the Lemonade Diet is a type of fasting meaning no food is allowed to be eaten during the cleansing period. In order for the body to properly detoxify, this cleanse must be strictly followed for three to ten days. During this cleanse, a lemonade mixture containing maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and lemons are consumed. Sixty ounces a day is the minimum amount required to be consumed in one day. Drinking plenty of water through out the day is also highly recommended.

The recipe includes the following ingredients for a 60 oz. daily serving:    

• 60 ounces pure filtered water
• 12 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 12 tablespoons pure lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

By drinking this concoction for more than three days, the body will be detoxified of any toxins that had been built up from food consumed or pollutants in the air. Once this cleanse has been completed, the body should feel rejuvenated and replenished. This cleanse can be done up to three times a year but is not recommended more than this amount.

Fruit Flush

The second cleanse that promotes healthy detoxification of the body is The Fruit Flush. This cleanse was created by clinical nutritionist Jay Robb for people who are in need of detoxifying the body or are showing signs of bloating, fatigue, and carbohydrate addiction. Robb believes that by eating specific foods, people can remove toxins and flush away extra pounds in a matter of only three days. He also believes that by eating a balanced healthy diet with periodic cleanses with fresh raw fruit that a person can maintain good healthy and long-term weight loss affects.

This type of cleanse lasts three days long and requires a person to only consume protein powder and fruit. Fruits are highly concentrated with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and water which help dissolve toxins in the body, improve liver function, and increase energy levels.

The first day of the Fruit Flush calls for five protein drinks consumed every two hours until dinner time. For dinner, lean protein such as fish or turkey should be eaten along with a raw vegetable salad. The second and third day require a serving of fresh fruit every two hours until dinner time. The same meal for dinner on day one should be consumed both the second and third day as well. 

Here is a sample menu for the Fruit Flush diet: 

Day 1:
Every two hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Drink a 6-ounce protein drink, followed by 8-12 ounces of water

Dinner: 3-6 cups of raw vegetable salad, with 1 to 2 tablespoons olive or flaxseed oil or 1/2 avocado, plus half a lemon or lime
3-6 ounces lean protein or egg whites

Days 2 and 3:
Every two hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Eat one serving (approximately 100 calories' worth) of fresh fruit and drink 8-12 ounces water

Dinner: 3-6 cups of raw vegetable salad with 1 to 2 tablespoons olive or flaxseed oil or 1/2 avocado, plus half a lemon or lime

During the Fruit Flush, it is recommended to avoid both cardio and weight training exercises to not deplete any muscle tissue or energy levels. With this cleanse, a person can lose up to nine pounds within three days and flush out all toxins that had been built up in the body.

Juice Cleanse

The third type of cleanse that helps flush the body is the Juice Cleanse also referred to as a juice fast. A juice fast is another way to nurture the body, rebuild the immune system and restore a person’s lifestyle to a healthy way of living. This is also another at home remedy that helps detoxify and improve bodily functioning. As mentioned previously, raw fruits contain many cleansing elements such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants to heal and detoxify the body safely. Vegetables also have the same benefits as fruits do, plus more. During the Juice Cleanse, mixing both fruits and vegetables together will fulfill all of the nutrients required for the body to detoxify itself causing energy levels to remain high. The cleanse lasts three to ten days long in order to cleanse and heal the body of any harmful matter.    

Freshly squeezed fruits, vegetables, and herbs are the foods that should be used when creating the juice mixtures. Keep in mind that all solid foods should be avoided during the Juice Cleanse, as well as any other liquids other than water. Experimenting with combination's of celery, carrots, apples, beets, cucumbers, ginger, garlic, cilantro, wheat-grass and cayenne pepper are a few ingredients that can be used to create the cleansing juices. The recommended dose of the juice blends is 32-64 ounces per day, plus eight glasses of water.

Here are a few recipes for juice cleansing blends:

Recipe 1 

Ingredients:
3 celery stalks
2 tomatoes
1 lemon, peeled
2 carrots
Water

Recipe 2

Ingredients:
1 Cucumber with skin
1/2 bunch Fresh Parsley
1 4-oz. tub Alfalfa Sprouts
4 Sprigs Fresh Mint
Water

Recipe 3

Ingredients:
2 bunches Grapes
6 Oranges
8 Lemons peeled
1/4 cup Honey
Water

There are many different types of cleansing techniques including The Master Cleanse, the Fruit Flush, and the Juice Cleanse. Theses cleanses are all safe and effective cleansing techniques but consulting a doctor or physician before starting any cleanse or weight loss diet is highly recommended. By cleansing the body of all harmful matter, an increase of energy, blood flow, and weight loss are just a few benefits that are ensured to make the body feel replenished and rejuvenated.