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Detox?


ArmyOfFive4God

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It started as a bet at work. It was to see who could go longest without eating anything. After 2 days everyone else caved in. For some reason it wsn't bothering me to just be drinking water and diet pepsi. After about a week I quit because I didn't want to possibly hurt my health. At the time I did this I was in my late 20's and I was about 20 pounds overweight. I didn't have any problems from it and I did actually feel extra good! It wasn't just physical but also mentally clearing.

 

I wouldn't recommend it to everyone though. At the time I had no health problems and was young.

 

Alot of religions promote days of fast and abstainance, usually for a day or weekend. They feel it helps one get closer with their creator or feelings.

 

 

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http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/dietarythe...DetoxBasics.htm

 

What You Need to Know About a Detox Diet

 

What is Detox?

 

Detox, short for detoxification, is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins (anything that can potentially harm body tissue) are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted via stools or urine.

 

Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead that enter the body when we ingest or inhale them.

 

What is a Detox Diet?

Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for optimum health

 

There are many different types of detox diets.

Minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (for example, by the use of organic food).

 

Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.

Contains foods, such as high fiber foods and water, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination.

 

Why do People go on a Detox Diet?

A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.

The cumulative load, called the "body burden", is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.

Some private labs, such as Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs, offer tests that assess urine, stools, blood, and liver function. These tests are not standard medical tests and many medical doctors do not recognize them or consider them valid.

To become more familiar with symptoms alternative practitioners consider to be linked with toxicity, take the Detox Screening Quiz

 

Benefits of a Detox Diet

People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.

 

Who Shouldn't Try a Detox Diet?

Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first.

Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn't try this diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification.

 

Side Effects

One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal. For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet. In addition, some people opt to take time off work to begin a detox diet or start the diet on the weekend.

Other side effects include excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Constipation may occur if people consume excess fiber without also increasing their fluid intake. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.

 

If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium.

 

Getting Started

Fatigue, indigestion, cough, muscle pain, and poor sleep can be signs of serious illness. That's why it's important to see a primary care provider for a thorough assessment to ensure that any symptoms are not caused by a medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

 

Detox Diet Basics

Choosing a Detox Diet Method

Detox diet plans may include a special diet, herbs and supplements, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna therapy. Although more controversial, some detox programs include fasting, colon hydrotherapy, liver flush, and chelation.

Alternative practitioners usually recommend that people trying a detox diet for the first time opt for a gentle detox diet plan.

Some detox diets claim to target different organ systems involved in detoxification, such as the skin, liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and lymph system.

Alternative practitioners often can customize a program to suit individual needs.

 

How Often Do People Go On a Detox Diet?

Proponents of detox diets generally recommend one to two times a year to improve health and prevent disease.

They are usually not recommended more than three times per year. In some cases, however, alternative practitioners may recommend a detox diet more frequently or may recommend a longer detox diet.

 

What Do People Eat After the Detox Diet is Over?

After the detox diet is over, alternative practitioners often suggest gradually easing back into a healthy, but less restrictive diet. Many people use a detox diet as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle and continue eating many of the vegetables and fruits they ate on the detox diet.

 

Do People Temporarily Stop Taking Medication During a Detox Diet?

No. Medication should never be discontinued or reduced without consulting the prescribing doctor and/or your primary care provider.

 

What Critics of the Detox Diet Say Detox diets aren't needed. The body can detoxify on its own without the help of a detox diet. Our system has evolved to adequately elimate new chemicals in our environment without extra assistance.

There is no evidence that detox diets work.

Herbal detox products are unproven and expensive. In some cases, they can even be harmful.

 

 

 

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