All Natural Detox Diets

From disease prevention to rapid weight loss, all natural detox diets have been touted for their numerous benefits. While many claim detox diets use the natural detoxifying power of everyday foods and beverages to achieve improved health, it's helpful to take a closer look at the detox diets out there in order to separate fact from fiction.

While detox diets have been praised by many, critics have raised concerns about the safety of certain regimens. Make sure you find out all the facts first before deciding on whether or not a detox diet is right for you.

The 7 Day Detox Diet is based on the concept that the body accumulates up to twelve pounds of undigested "junk" in the digestive tract. After taking a supplement containing 34 natural detox ingredients for one week, the diet's creator claims individuals can lose anywhere from five to seven pounds of waste.

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, was popularized by Beyonce Knowles, who used it to shed pounds for her role in the film Dreamgirls. With a recipe that calls for water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, this program aims to help dieters flush their systems. Those following the cleanse are to drink this lemonade while abstaining from all other food and drink for 10 days.

Using a foundation of high-fiber foods and water, the Colon Cleansing Diet claims to eliminate excess waste to help improve colon function and rejuvenate the entire body.

Aiming to help with irritability, bloating, fatigue, and carb overload, nutritionist Jay Rob developed the three-day Fruit Flush. The meal plan consists of protein shakes and fresh fruit, and is designed to improve liver function, rid the body of toxins, and boost energy.

Based on a method by author and nutritionist Natalia Rose, the Raw Food Diet consists of consuming uncooked produce for ten days. Acceptable foods include nuts, fruits, grains, seeds, vegetables, water, juices, and coconut milk.

Promising to help dieters shed 21 pounds in 21 days, Martha’s Vineyard Diet was conceived by Roni DeLuz, a naturopathic doctor. The plan consists of a liquefied diet of fruits and vegetables, in addition to antioxidant supplements.

The brainchild of Laura Cabot, an Australian physician, the Liver Cleansing Diet aims to cleanse the liver with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish. Lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil, salmon, and avocados are also allowed.

Supporters of detox diets, like naturopathic doctor and author of Detoxification, Linda Page, assert that benefits of detoxifying include renewing and recharging the body, while jump-starting a healthier lifestyle.

Physician, medical educator, and author Cheryle Hart claims all natural detox diets can help the body restore optimal alkaline balance, leading to improved overall health. Specifically, dieters can achieve the following benefits:

Mental clarityBetter metabolismWeight lossImproved moodHigher energy levelsRegular sleep

Detoxification, or metabolic therapy, as the American Cancer Society categorizes it, is based on the concept that the human body is exposed to toxins on a daily basis, including environmental offenders such as smog, dietary additives including preservatives, and indulgence in alcohol and caffeine.

In her article,Detox Diets: Empty Promises or Effective?, registered dietician Leslie Beck and Director of Nutrition at the Medcan Clinic in Toronto, Canada, asserts no scientific evidence exists to support the claim detox diets accelerate the elimination of waste from the body. She also claims medical experts believe that the human body has its own efficient cleansing system-–the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and GI tract–-to remove toxins.

According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, side effects of detox diets can include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. Zeratsky also supports the school of thought that the liver and kidneys work effectively to rid the body of waste and toxins without the help of cleansing diets.

Wondering if a detox diet is right for you? First and foremost, consult your doctor. Do your research, and know that it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle for long-term benefits. No miracle cure can take the place of healthy habits

Brown Rice Protein Powder Detox

The use of brown rice protein powder as a detoxification aid gained popularity through the advocacy of Dr. Morrison's Detox Diet. This diet utilizes a special protein powder derived from brown rice, due to rice's amino acid content, and because powders with a casein or soy base are unacceptable in this diet. Dr. Morrison also points out that brown rice is high in two important amino acids specific for liver detoxification: glycine and glutathione. This has been confirmed by studies that indicate a relation between glycine and liver protection and glutathione's role in preventing and reducing oxidative stress. The brown rice protein shakes which utilize Dr. Morrison's patented formula as the base are part and parcel to Morrison's recommended diet.

It should be noted that brown rice protein powder detox diets are uncommon. In fact, outside the realm of Dr. Morrison's regimen, they go largely unrecognized by the nutritional world and are virtually non-existent. Most individuals who choose brown rice protein powders over dairy or soy formulas are doing so out of concern for allergies. One of brown rice's greatest perks is that it is low on the allergenic scale. In contrast, milk and soy rank high on the Mayo Clinic's list of most allergenic foods. Morrison's diet is the only currently known diet that advocates the use of brown rice protein powder as a major element for detoxification purposes.

Dr. Morrison likes to point out on his official Detox Diet website, that the antioxidants contained within his brown rice powder may protect the body from harmful free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and damage. The protein powder combined with a strict diet rich in green vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods is key to both detoxifying and rebuilding the body over time.

This diet has a recommended length period of 30 days. Experienced dieters may notice a similarity between Morrison's protocol and that of Dr. Perricone, as these diets are both rich in lean sources of protein, antioxidant rich berries, and green vegetables. However, where Perricone leans strongly on the necessity of essential fatty acids, Morrison highlights popular detox foods such as apple cider vinegar, yerba mate tea, and his own preference of brown rice protein powder for a burst of amino acids.

Morrison's diet is very restrictive, allowing for only the following foods and food types:

Water Olive oil Apple cider vinegar Turkey, salmon, chicken, eggs Spices Green, mate or herbal teas Snapper, sardines, blue crab or shrimp Apples Melons Papaya Kiwi Grapefruit Berries Pears Lemon juice Most vegetables

The quantities of these foods are limited, of course, except where the vegetables are concerned. Most non-starchy vegetables can be consumed in unlimited quantities. However, the cooking methods of any of the above foods are also restricted to more healthy practices such as steaming or grilling. There is also a codicil when it comes to nightshade and root vegetables, many of which are not allowed on the diet. Fans of potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes and peppers will need to find solace elsewhere.

Dr. Morrison's Detox Diet provides dieters with a somewhat well rounded regimen. However, the lack of grains present in the diet may have users suffering for insoluble fiber. In such cases, certain fruits such as apples will need to carry their weight. From a nutritional standpoint, Morrison's plan should offer ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and proteins, at least for the duration of 30 days.

It should be noted that, although there is enough science to support the nutritional and antioxidant properties of many of the aforementioned foods, there is little science to prove an actual "detoxification" of the body. Dieters will benefit from the clean food protocol and the lack of processed foods and carbohydrates that may be present in their normal diet. However, Morrison's diet has no conclusive research to support its claims of improved metabolism and fine-tuned health. In fact, the Mayo Clinic has almost as much to say about the myth of "detox" diets and their claims of removing toxins from the body.

As with any diet or dietary change, you should consult your physician beforehand. Some people suffer from blood sugar issues or medical conditions that may prevent them from attempting certain health feats.