A total body detox is an excellent prelude to a weight management or a lifestyle transformation program. It is also the means to begin the process of eliminating deep-seated toxins and pharmaceutical residues which may be the foundation of health problems.
Most important, however, it is a key means of preventing disease and an opportunity to rest and revitalize the body. As a preventative tool, it is advised to detox at least two or three times annually, depending on the nature of the detox plan used. Years of experience with detoxification has convinced me that a good detox program should be no less than three days.
Although a three-day cleanse will go a far way in removing mucous and systemic sludge, it usually does not get to the root of a chronic problem. A seven-day detox, on the other hand, may get to the root of a chronic problem but poses a greater challenge to sustain and complete. Regardless of whichever detox plan is utilized, here are some of the basic benefits that one can expect.
increased mental clarity – a clean smelling body as the digestive tract is cleared of accumulated waste – a clearer respiratory tract as excess mucous is eliminated – a purer bloodstream, good functioning liver and kidney – glowing skin and complexion – better sleep – less dependency on habit-forming drugs such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol – reduced stomach bulge and size – more energy for the lethargic person
These benefits are more pronounced on the seven-day detox plan.
Preparations For The Detox
It is advisable that beginners and individuals who consume lots of meat and dairy products, embark on a three-day vegetarian diet to prepare the body for detox. Peas and beans, raw unsalted nuts and edible seeds as well as whole grain cereals can be comfortably used as alternative protein sources to meat and dairy. Do consult with your nutritionist if additional information is needed to help you during this phase.
Basic Instructions While On The Detox
No cooked food or dairy products – one of the goals of a total body detox is to eliminate undigested food built up from consumption of red meats and dairy.. Use coconut water as your water (if you have issues with this, then use purified water). Blend juices in coconut water.
No foreign fruits, instead use only local fruits and vegetables in season. No sweeteners except for sugar cane or/and cane juice.
At least one glass of green juice should be consumed daily (see instructions below on preparation). Green juices come packed with an artillery of iron, calcium, vitamin C, folic acid and other nutrients, as well as cancer fighting antioxidants and phyto-chemicals.
Two optional but very useful preparations are aloe vera and a mixture to which I coined the term Immune Booster. Aloe is probably the best skin healer known to man and when taken internally will assist in the healing of the internal skin of the digestive tract. So as not to disturb its healing film when consumed, it is recommended that it be taken as the entree before bedtime.
The immune booster consists of garlic (a well-known antibiotic) and orange juice. Additions of passion fruit or guava to the immune booster are optional but would greatly increase the vitamin C content of this juice. Instructions for these preparations are given below.
Green Juice.
To make the green detox juice, blend together and strain the following – coconut water, cucumber, lime juice, fresh ginger, and anything green such as parsley, lettuce, pakchoy, callaloo, celery, string beans, okra, broccoli, etc.
It doesn\’t matter what green vegetables are used as long as the juice is green. Experiment until you find a green juice that tastes right for you. If you still have an issue with taste, then use extracted carrot juice instead of coconut water as the base. You can make this juice any time you wish, as it acts as a great liver detox drink. To make Aloe Vera Juice peel one third of an aloe leaf and blend in grapefruit or orange juice.