By now, everyone should know that fad diets fail to work because they are short term, unrealistic, and usually starvation diets that encourage our bodies to pack on the fat after we go off of them. There are some good aspects of the popcorn diet though, which includes snacking all day on air-popped popping corn. Popcorn is very high in dietary fiber which is key for losing weight because of it’s ability to make out stomachs feel fuller for longer without the added calories. Fiber is also essential in maintaining regular bowel health, preventing heart disease and certain cancers. Popcorn is also extremely low in calories which makes it a great food to snack on if you get the munchies.

On the down side however, most people don’t really like the taste of plain popcorn because it is really dry and bland. So instead of having a healthy low calorie snack, they load it up with butter and salt which makes it extremely high in sodium and in many cases, higher in fat than potato chips. Eating an excessive amount of corn can block the absorption of vitamin B, which can result in anemia, low energy levels, skin rashes, depression and short term memory loss.

Don’t let this turn you off from popcorn though! Popcorn can be a great contribution to your diet, and a little salt and butter once in a while won’t kill you either. Just remember, humans can’t live on popcorn alone, and this is why the “popcorn diet” is yet another failed fad. It is also important to note that popcorn belongs in the top five foods that children choke on under the age of five, so refrain from giving your little one popcorn until he/she is older, and make sure you don’t leave any popcorn laying around.

Is there anyone who should not try a detox diet?

Consult your primary care provider to find out if a detox diet is appropriate for you. A detox diet should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with anemia, eating disorders, heart problems, lowered immunity, low blood pressure, ulcers, diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, ulcerative colitis, unless recommended and supervised by your primary care provider.

There are endless detox plans you can follow, so chose carefully. Some will advocate complete fasting or juice-only days, but beware of the health implications and never start such an extreme plan without consulting your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Detox Benefits

1. Improves symptoms of heartburn, constipation and gas and treats digestive disorders;
2. Boosts the immune system.

Allergies or sensitivies?

By and large, conventional health care only deals with masking the symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities, rather than attempting to resolve them. The first step that many alternative practitioners recommend is a change of diet that cuts out wheat and dairy foods, two common allergens. To do so is also the first step in “detoxing.” Higher levels of detoxing, as well as additional immune support through nutritional supplementation, have been known to help many allergy sufferers. Allergies are, however, almost by definition, a very individualized condition.

What happens after the detox?

Many of the foods that were eliminated during this diet can be allergenic. A natural health practitioner can help to systematically reintroduce food groups (wheat, dairy, gluten, corn) and note reactions to identify the food groups that may be aggravating health conditions such as sinus congestion, fatigue, skin conditions, arthritis and bloating and constipation. Flare-ups can occur, so supervision is recommended.

The author listed in her book some foods that are especially beneficial for cleansing the system. She recommended to eat one or two of these cleansers every day. These are :

•  Round wholegrain rice is a highly absorbent food, full of vitamins and fibre, that almost never creates an allergic reaction in people. If you cannot find round wholegrain rice, use brown long-grain variety. Do not use white rice. Boiled wholegrain rice is soothing to the digestive system and a traditional cure for diarrhea.
• Beetroot (red beet) is considered by detox nutritionists to be one of the best vegetable cleansers, helping the digestive system to work efficiently, and flushing through the system.
• Apples and pears are high in fibre and pectin so they help to clean the intestines.
• Papayas and pineapples contain fibre, vitamins and minerals as well as useful enzymes to help digestion.
• Lemons are not only full of vitamin C but also have strong cleansing effect, and help kick-start the digestive system.
• Sea vegetables and edible seaweeds are packed with vitamins and minerals, and are extremely soothing to the digestive system. Some kinds of seaweed, such as kombu, are considered especially useful for mopping up toxins in the system and flushing them out.
• Onions and garlic are valued by detox nutritionists for their antiseptic properties, for boosting the immune system and their blood-cleansing attributes.
• Olive oil : recent scientific research has shown that cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is good for the heart and blood. It also stimulates the digestive system.
• Chilli peppers and other hot spices stimulate the digestive system and mucous membranes and encourage the body to flush out wastes and toxins. If your digestive system is delicate and if you are not used to eating spicy foods, use only a little at first.
• Ginger is considered an excellent cleanser and extremely calming to the digestion.

While you are following the detox diet, you should also be making some gentle changes to other aspects of your life such as proper exercise, rest, and relaxation. These changes will help to make you feel fitter, healthier and more relaxed.

If you thought that detoxification was meant only as a system for bringing drug or alcohol abusers down from their chemical dependencies you would be only partially right. However, this is not the case with detoxifying diets. Formulas for detox diets are meant to clean your body’s elimination system of impurities from the food we eat and even the air we breathe. Generally, detoxification diets are designed to clean the colon and liver, where impurities tend to accumulate.

The key to most blueprints for body cleansing diets is to include lots of fiber, lots of water, and eating veggies, nuts, fruits, and beans. What is missing from the above lists of foods? Meat! Meat intake needs to be reduced. What else is missing? Processed starches! Bread and pasta are notoriously absent when you are cleansing your bodies’ digestive system.

Cleansing drinks are a great way to give another boost to the healthy detoxification your body needs. Simply get some of your favorite fruits – berries are especially nutritious and delicious – and throw them in the blender with some purified water and ice. Whip them up until they are a thick-but-drinkable consistency, and you have an awesome breakfast or snack that will help your colon get rid of the yucky stuff that resides there.

Soups of various kinds are also some of the recipes for detox diets that you can find. Gazpacho soup and alkaline diet soups are very frequently used for body and colon cleaning diets. Alkaline diets are those that rely heavily on vegetables, nuts, and legumes, all of which help move things along in the digestive system and thus, are beneficial ingredients for any soup recipe.

One particularly popular and tasty alkaline soup recipe is for a vegetable broth. You simply chop up celery, broccoli, spinach, and a zucchini into tiny pieces. Add them to a big pot of distilled water, and simmer for about a half an hour.

Then, run the ingredients through a strainer or colander, reserving the broth. All those natural vitamins remain in the water when you boil those veggies, which is why you should minimally steam your vegetables when eating them. In this case, you are after the broth, so it is okay to boil the heck out of the vegetables. Discard the chopped vegetables and drink the broth.

Each of these recipes for detox diets contain viable ingredients for helping you to lose weight and keeping your body’s elimination system working as it should.

Two young women were on a weekend excursion when they decided to indulge in a detox massage. When they were finished and feeling very relaxed, the massage therapist warned them to drink plenty of fluids because the detoxification process of the massage would release the toxins into their system and if they did not drink enough fluids in order to eliminate the toxins, they would build up in the system. The women were young and skeptical. Instead of heeding the advice, they continued with their day of shopping and playing tennis.

After a couple of hours, they both had symptoms of fatigue, aches, stomach discomfort, and they generally felt bad. They remembered what they were told about staying hydrated and made a point to drink the water which eventually pulled them out of their discomfort. This made them believers about the benefits of massage for detox, and more importantly, the need to flush released toxins immediately from the body.

Water is needed for any detox process. Every cell in your body contains systems of transport that are completely dependent on sufficient amounts of water. The entire process of moving substances in and out of the cellular membrane is a complex chemical exchange dependent on the proper balance of chemicals, including water. No matter which part of the body is being targeted for detoxification, the point is to get the toxic substances out of the area and out of the body. How can this be done if there is not a way to flush it away? Have you ever tried to clean a pot or pan with inadequate water pressure? It makes cleaning much more difficult. However, providing proper fluids allows for toxins to be swept away and eliminated, rather than reabsorbed.

For example, the kidney is a complex unit that cleans the blood and relieves the body of toxins on a regular basis. The blood is passed through the Bowman’s capsule within the kidney’s nephron. A series of tubules then use diffusion to allow toxins to be forced away to the ureter and eventually out of the body as urine. It also allows for the beneficial substances to be reabsorbed and returned to the blood stream. It is hard to conceive that these complex chemical reactions occur constantly within tiny parts of the small organs. And yet, we all know how important the kidneys are. Water is key to the proper functioning of this process.

It is easy for a layman to see that a person who has not had much to drink will produce urine that is saturated with deeply colored and pungent toxins whereas a person who stays well hydrated is able to readily eliminate their toxins from the kidneys because the adequate supply of water allows for the easy elimination of toxins and produces a light colored byproduct with less smell.

No matter which detox diet, kidney cleansing regime, or colon cleansing method you use; pay close attention to your intake of water. Getting the toxins out of the organ is not enough. Provide enough water so that your body can completely eliminate the toxic substances.

The main health benefits of drinking Kombucha tea include liver detox. Claims state that it helps the liver to release more bodily waste by supplementing the already present glucuronic acid with more of the same, thereby increasing the liver’s capacity to function efficiently and eliminate waste. It is also believed that it improves circulation and allows for the rapid and efficient elimination of waste.

Kombucha is grown in a colony. Generally, part of an original colony is retained in a jar or vessel and allowed to continue growth. New layers of culture grow above the original culture. It is important that the new culture is light colored and smooth. If odd colors or textures are present, the culture has become contaminated and may pose a health risk. There should not be mold growing on the top of the mixture. The mixture is prepared with sugar and black or green tea. It takes between one and two weeks for the process to be completed. Pieces of the culture can be taken off to start new colonies. There are as many variations on details of preparation for this tea as chili recipes at a Texas cook off.

The tea is prepared by fermentation with green or black tea and the culture of living organisms. Kombucha is a source of many cultures, organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids, and anti-oxidants. It contains acetic acid, which gives it a distinctive taste and smell. There are 7 other mild acids as well as B-vitamins.

Because of its popularity, it is available commercially and comes from various vendors with different sources of Kombucha and different methods of preparation. It is very important to buy from a reliable source or use proper procedure if you plan to make it yourself. Some people have reported allergic reactions, stomach problems, and jaundice. It is suspected that the producers may have not used careful procedure for the fermentation process or that the production was in some way contaminated. There is no proof that the tea itself is at fault.

There are also reports that some people made the tea in a ceramic pot that allowed the lead from the ceramic glaze to contaminate the product. Be cautious when choosing who you purchase from or use your own techniques to make a pure product. If you want organic tea, make sure that you purchase it from someone offering an organic product.

Apart from the digestive and liver detox benefits of drinking Kombucha tea, many people feel that the tea lends relaxation, a sense of well-being, and a lift in spirits. This alone can benefit health by providing a healthy alternative for finding relaxation aids. Rather than turning to harsh chemicals, alcohol, or drugs to relieve tension and find relaxation; a person has the option of turning to Kombucha tea that will help them ease out of a stressful day while improving their overall health.

Master Cleanse Detox Diet

The Master Cleanse diet is a combination of maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper mixed in water. This is a gentler detox diet than a water-only fast. The energy in maple syrup is easily absorbed, which regulates the release of toxins as stored fat is converted to energy more slowly. This diet does not produce the healing crisis usually associated with water fasts, and you can continue doing your normal programme of activities.

Juice Fast

The juice fast detox diet supplies enzymes that promote the cleansing process. These come from living-food juices extracted from fruits, vegetables or a combination of both. Juice fasts produce similar results to water fasts, but provide additional benefits. Juices have high content of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that support the rejuvenating process of the body. The body assimilates the juices directly, without further producing digestive enzymes.

Juices have alkalinising properties, and these help to neutralise both the acid condition that may afflict you and the toxins being released from the body’s cells. The alkaline substances in the juice also replenish the reserves of alkalinity needed to rebuild the body’s health.

Mono Fruit Detox Diet

A diet that involves eating only one type of fruit is called a mono fruit diet. You can do mono fruit fasting for extended periods. The fruit supplies organic water that bathes the body cells allowing them to cleanse themselves. It is easier for organic water to enter and exit the cells, bringing nourishment coming in and waste products going out.

If you have not done any form of detox diet before, you may start with a mono fruit detox diet. The use of only one fruit reduces the number of substances presented for absorption by the body. The body pH becomes more stable and the sugar levels in your bloodstream become less volatile.

Raw Food Detox Diet

Raw food diet means not only going back to a natural way of eating and avoiding processed foods, preservatives and additives, but also avoiding nutrient degradation by cooking. Eating foods in raw form preserves constituents, such as vitamins, fibre, chlorophyll, and organic forms of essential minerals, to benefit the human body.

They also come with digestive enzymes undamaged by heat, thus enzyme production in the body can be reserved for metabolic processes. They contain antioxidants and substances that strengthen your immune system. Raw foods support favourable potassium-to-sodium ratios that optimise cell functioning and pH balance, which are desired states when you go on a detox diet.

Raw food detox diet also provides enzymes that help digest your food. Living foods not exposed to temperatures above 116 degrees Fahrenheit keep their enzymes intact; otherwise, the enzymes break up and your body has to work harder to digest your meals. Enzyme-rich foods give you a more realistic and efficient energy source. They rapidly break down in our stomach and immediately begin to provide energy and nutrition.

One of the most life enhancing benefits from eating a raw food detox diet is the abundant amount of energy that is available to you. Energy that is usually use to digest cooked food is freed up for you to spend for other things, when eating raw. You will find that when eating raw foods you will need to sleep less to feel rested.

Many athletes have found that light raw meals give a more sustainable form of energy and improve their performance. Students find that raw food detox diet gives them a more stable blood sugar level, helping them to think more clearly and stay more focused. Eating raw food is also known to enhance your beauty. Most of all, when you eat well you feel good — and feeling good is the essence of life.

To start your raw food detox diet, increase the amount of fresh foods in your cooked food diet. The cleansing process begins and helps flush out old toxins. Greens and fresh fruits are especially effective in pushing debris out of your cells and colon. These two primary raw food sources attune your body to eating more and more raw food.

As you feel fuller and more nourished from the increased quantities of raw food, you may consider trying to let go of cooked food. Cultured foods (like tofu) help initiate beneficial flora. Dried foods assist your transition by giving a raw food way to satisfy a cooked food craving for something heavy. The goal in a raw food detox diet is to achieve the ideal balanced diet of 60 per cent fresh foods, 20 per cent sprouted foods, 10 per cent dried foods, and 10 per cent cultured foods. Try to achieve that to make the most of healthy, energy and culinary enjoyment!

Well, there are several forms of detox diets. Here is a breakdown of some of the main ones:

Master Cleanse Diet

The Master Cleanse diet is a combination of maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper mixed in water. This is a gentler detox diet than a water-only fast. The energy in maple syrup is easily absorbed, which regulates the release of toxins as stored fat is converted to energy more slowly. This diet does not produce the healing crisis usually associated with water fasts, and you can continue doing your normal programme of activities.

Juice Fast

The juice fast detox diet supplies enzymes that promote the cleansing process. These come from living-food juices extracted from fruits, vegetables or a combination of both. Juice fasts produce similar results to water fasts, but provide additional benefits. Juices have high content of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that support the rejuvenating process of the body. The body assimilates the juices directly, without further producing digestive enzymes.

Juices have alkalinising properties, and these help to neutralise both the acid condition that may afflict you and the toxins being released from the body’s cells. The alkaline substances in the juice also replenish the reserves of alkalinity needed to rebuild the body’s health.

Mono Fruit Diet

A diet that involves eating only one type of fruit is called a mono fruit diet. You can do mono fruit fasting for extended periods. The fruit supplies organic water that bathes the body cells allowing them to cleanse themselves. It is easier for organic water to enter and exit the cells, bringing nourishment coming in and waste products going out.

If you have not done any form of detox diet before, you may start with a mono fruit diet. The use of only one fruit reduces the number of substances presented for absorption by the body. The body pH becomes more stable and the sugar levels in your bloodstream become less volatile.

Raw Food Detox Diet

Raw food diet means not only going back to a natural way of eating and avoiding processed foods, preservatives and additives, but also avoiding nutrient degradation by cooking. Eating foods in raw form preserves constituents, such as vitamins, fibre, organic forms of essential minerals, and chlorophyll, to benefit the human body.

They also come with digestive enzymes undamaged by heat, thus enzyme production in the body can be reserved for metabolic processes. They contain antioxidants and substances that strengthen your immune system. Raw foods support favourable potassium-to-sodium ratios that optimise cell functioning and pH balance, which are desired states when you go on a detox diet.

This year can be the start of a new you, in a cleansed state and rid of toxins. You will find yourself feeling lighter and more energized than ever experienced before.

One type of detox diet is comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables. A great basis for the diet includes vegetables of many colors. Try to get every color of the rainbow onto your plate. Beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and celery are great vegetables found in abundance in the fall. It is also easy to eat greens out of the garden, even after frost. Kale, mustard greens, spinach, and swiss chard are wonderful with balsamic vinegar. Top off your vegetables with herbs like parsley and basil, not only to add flavor, but to cleanse your body. Add nutrients and flavor with onions and garlic. Squash is an icon of the autumn season and can add wonderful taste and color to your diet. Apples are a fall food and are a great part of a detox diet.

Another detox diet that makes use of autumn bounty uses fall herbs to prepare for the long winter ahead. Burdock cleanses the circulatory system, liver, and kidneys. Nettles are used to clear toxins from the system. Using the abundance of apples in the fall, drink ½ cup of organic apple juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice diluted with water. Drink a glass of this mixture in the morning. During the day, drink an herbal tea with helpful detox ingredients like ginger, licorice root, parsley, lemon, cinnamon, and clove.

Many people think of winter as a time to slow down and evaluate their lives. By using the shorter days to rest and concern yourself with dietary and lifestyle changes, you can turn around the tendency to gain weight and lose energy during the winter months. In this day and age, produce is readily available every month of the year. Winter is a great time to turn on the oven and roast green beans with sesame seeds for flavor, or fill a slow cooker with vegetables to simmer and make a savory soup. This makes winter a great time to detox, rest, and reevaluate.

It is especially important to keep your body cleansed and your immune system healthy in the winter when cold and flu season is rampant and we are spending more time inside with other people. Hence, it does not mean that you cannot continue with a detox diet during winter; on the contrary, only some adjustments need to be made.