Detox Dilemma
I was recently at an event where a lot of "Hollywood types" were present – models, actors, producers, etc. I overheard an acting and modeling coach extol the virtues of a “detox” diet to a naïve young model. Later, when she expressed that she was anxious to start the diet and lose 15 lbs. in one week, I realized how many people get taken in by these “detox” fads. I wonder if any of them realize that you can detoxify without starving yourself, and you can utilize detoxification tips to help you lose weight and keep it off, rather than just lose water weight.
When you go on a water or juice fast, all of the weight that you lose is water weight. You’ll gain it all back when you end your fast, or yo-yo up and down if you try to keep the weight off with repeated fasts. Additionally, traditional detoxifications can cause side effects that range from mild (headaches, fatigue, irritability) to moderate (aches and pains, frequent bowel movements) to severe (nutrient deficiencies, muscle breakdown, blood sugar problems).
If you want to lose weight, “detox”-style, why not try a modified healthy detoxification plan? This method does NOT involve starving yourself or using so-called “cleansing” liquid concoctions. The truth is, the body already has natural agents that detoxify your body! Instead of subsisting on water alone, try eating a healthy balance of foods. Increase your fiber intake, fruits and vegetables, and add in the top "detox" foods.
The best foods for getting your body into healthy, dieting condition include leafy greens, lemons, garlic, green tea, sprouts, and fruits. Try psyllium, a bran-like plant that clears out toxins such as cholesterol.
You should also modify your lifestyle choices to enhance your detox: cut out alcohol, cigarettes, and processed sugars. Increased exercise will do your body and mind a world of good. Finally, add in lemon juice and cayenne pepper to stimulate the cleansing process. Avoid meat and any foods that are high in saturated fats. Within a week, you’ll be feeling and looking better.
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Detox Dilemma
A detox diet can help increase your health, energy and a sense of well being. It does so by helping your body remove toxins and other contaminants.
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Sally
Drug Detox
Detox
I have heard of all sort of detox diets, mainly used to lose weight. What many people don't understand is that a detox diet should exist for cleansing the body from the toxins not necessarily starve our selfs. I read about drug detox and this type of detox should exist in our lives as well. It's only purpose is to get every toxin out and leave behind a clean organism. It can be done by drinking natural teas or by taking herbal medicine. The idea is to avoid any other intoxicating product like slimming pills.
Hypoglycemia!
I'm already hypoglycemic, so it boggles my mind how people can simply starve themselves and do fad diets and fasting. I'd turn into an angry evil monster (with green skin?) if I tried to force myself to starve hahaha I don't even know how I'd do the Master Cleanse thing. With convulsions? LOL
I personally found that reducing my carbs (breads/pastas/cereals in meals) and switching to more proteins and simple carbs (cottage cheese, leafy salads) was difficult enough. My body felt constantly hungry and I got really frustrated.....But I found myself eating healthier and dropping fat weight within two weeks. I also don't have as many episodes of low blood sugar. I just "get hungry" instead of the other side effects in addition to it.
The constant hunger signals are somewhat going away a bit but I still demand food about every 2-3 hours. While they say it's a good thing to eat meals like that, I find it a tad bit obnoxious that my life rotates around food sometimes. If I decide I need to go anywhere I have to seriously consider when and where I'm going to eat in that area or if I need to bring a protein drink. And since most people have unhealthy diet's and just eat where-ever when-ever, I sometimes wonder if I'm alone in that problem LOL
Lemon and Cayenne!
Doc have you heard about the 'Master Cleanse' ? A 10-45 day program where you basically fast and all you consume is Grade B Maple Syrup and Lemon Juice and Cayenne pepper?
It sounds ridiculous, and something i would never do especially due to my hobby of bodybuilding, but i found it interesting that 2 of the 3 main proponents of this 'detox' were on your list of items that are great for detoxing.
The master cleanse fast
is a fine fast that I have no problem with. I think it is a healthful idea to fast for 7-10 days once or maybe twice a year. I do think fasting for more than a few days should be done with the knowledge and supervision of your doctor. The problem I have with fasting is that it will not replace making good choices everyday in terms of what you eat. It is SO important to know your body, and what it is sensitive to, and to avoid sugar, get enough fiber, drink adequate amounts of clean water, eat organically if possible, etc.
Its the choices we make everyday that determine our health or lack of it.
Darren Clair, MD
Vibrance Health Services
See...?
And this is exactly why I always say that you have to educate yourself before you experiment. People are out there to make money. It's only smart that you save yourself some too! Thanks Doc. I agree with you 110%!
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tip!
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Priming your body before a workout [Warmup]: http://www.myfittribe.com/forums/best-ways-prevent-treat-post-work-out-s...
I recently
had to go on a no yeast diet due to the accumulation of yeast in my from antibiotics. I have found that non-processed foods foods containing less sugar and simple carbs, and more fiber foods are in fact much healthier.
I was taken off of dairy products and I switched to soy milk, which I really like a lot more.
As the yeast is making its way OUT of my system, I will continue to limit certain foods just because I feel better not having them.
My allergies have gotten better also by elimination of certain foods.
I hate to see people get on fad diets! I have never dieted until I was made to due to the yeast. I must say it was one of the most challenging things I have ever had to do. I would rather eat healthy and exercise than to yo-yo around on fads that are short lived.
Great article, Darren.
~~~Teri
Your story
Teri is very common. I am glad you are on to a nutritional program that is clearly right for you and is noticeably affecting your allergies and overall health. It is amazing to me how important our eating is to our overall health in addition to its impact on our weight. If only more people would be as conscientious as you, there would be a lot less doctors visits, less sick days and more health!
Thanks, Teri, for the comment!
Darren Clair, MD
Vibrance Health Services
amen
great advice
Thanks Rick!
Coming from someone as knowledgeable as you, I am very appreciative.
Darren Clair, MD
Vibrance Health Services