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Saturday, June 7, 2014

Liquid Detoxification Diets

"Detox" diets have become a popular alternative for individuals looking for non-mainstream methods of weight loss and body purification. Detox diets generally come in two different types--solid food and liquid detox diets. While neither type is generally accepted by the scientific community as effective or necessary, liquid detox diets are the more insidious of the two, as they provide a much greater deprivation of nutrients over the course of treatment.

About Liquid Detox Diets

    Liquid detox diets generally consist of a period ranging from as little as two days to two weeks, during which time you will consume no solid foods whatsoever. In some liquid diets, you will be consuming virtually zero calories, as you will be forced to subsist on nothing more than water. In the more "liberal" liquid detox diets, you will have the option to drink water or fruit juice.

Liquid Detox Theory

    The theory behind this prolonged deprivation is simply, if not entirely convincing--according to those who market detox diets, over the years, your body accumulates a variety of toxins within its cells. By halting food consumption entirely for a number of days, you provide your body with the chance to purge itself of these toxins, leaving you (purported) feeling healthier than ever.

Master Cleanse

    One of the most popular liquid detox diets on the market is the Master Cleanse. During the Master Cleanse, you will purge your body through consumption of solely fresh-squeezed lemonade mixed with maple syrup and pepper. In addition to this, you will intentionally force bowel movements through an auxiliary Salt Water Flush. Thus, while your body runs on the calories provided by the syrup-flavored lemonade, it is supposedly cleansed by the bowel movements brought on by the salt water.

Detox Proof

    According to registered dietitian Keri Glassman, there are a number of problems with detox diets--they cause weight loss that is too rapid, they deprive the body of essential nutrients, many (such as liquid detox diets) border on starvation, and there has been no scientific evidence to date supporting the necessity of a detox diet. However, she also states that they can be used effectively in one- or two-day stints (but not for longer!) to jumpstart weight loss before embarking on an ordinary diet.

Liquid Detox Considerations

    On balance, there appear to be a number of safer alternatives for individuals looking to lose weight. However, if you absolutely must perform a liquid detox, stick to one that is not a complete fast--in other words, one of the fruit juice diets or even the Master Cleanse. At least this way your body will receive some sustenance while you embark on your quest for sustainable weight control.

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