The Lowdown on Cleanse Diets
I hear people talking about these new cleansing diets everywhere I go — on the train, in the elevator and even in the maternity ward just before giving birth to my daughter (seriously). Not all detox diets are what they claim and most you should stay away from. Here is the lowdown on a few of the more popular ones.
The Master Cleanse
This cleanse (a.ka. “the Lemonade diet”) lasts a minimum of 10 days. On most days, you consume a “special” laxative and cleansing tea, which is made from freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and spring (or purified) water. This diet promises to clean out toxins that have built up eating all the junky food we Americans often indulge in. The average daily calorie intake for the first few days is less than 600 calories (that’s 30% of what an average person should eat) and not much higher thereafter.
- Pros:
- None
- Cons:
- An unbalanced diet with inadequate calories
- Side effects stated in the book include food cravings, irritability, headaches, fatigue and burning bowel movements
- The safety of diet and extreme laxative use is questionable
Raw Food Diet Detox
This diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that are not cooked above 118ยบ F (so toss those cookies, cakes and other processed snacks). The theory is that these raw foods help increase live enzymes and make your body work most efficiently. The specialty drink in this plan is “Green Lemonade,” which is a combination of leafy greens, apple and lemon. Proponents of this diet also suggest monthly colon cleansings, courtesy of a colon therapist or an over-the-counter enema.
- Pros:
- Raw fruits and veggies are encouraged
- Processed foods are discouraged
- Cons:
- Not a well-balanced plan since most foods are eliminated
- Regular colon cleansing is not healthy for the body
- The Green Lemonade is just plain bad (yes, Dana and I have tried it!)
Quantum Wellness 21-Day Detox
Oprah show guest and author Kathy Freston made this cleanse famous. This detox suggests you eliminate caffeine, sugar, alcohol, animal products and gluten (though you don’t have to give them all up), and emphasizes eating three well-balanced meals a day with an average calorie intake that’s more than 1000 calories. They uphold eight pillars of wellness: meditation, visualization, self-work, conscious eating, exercise, service, fun and spiritual practice.
- Pros:
- Well-balanced meals that are adequate in calories
- Includes whole foods like beans, quinoa and nuts
- Emphasis on taking care of yourself emotionally
- Cons:
- Elimination of all mentioned foods is difficult for many
- Suggested products may be difficult to find at your local grocery store
What makes a cleanse diet unsafe?
Never start a cleanse diet without consulting a doctor or registered dietitian. Here are some red flags that can tell you that your cleanse diet is unsafe:
- Cleanse suggests eating less than 1,000 calories for more than a few days
- Enemas and/or laxatives are recommended
- You’re told that you will not feel well; side effects include headaches, diarrhea or mood swings
- You have a medical condition(s)
- Quick weight loss is promised (more than more one-to-two pounds per week)
In regards to the above comments about the side effects of cleansing. These side effects do not last and are only a result of releasing the toxins into the blood stream to clean the liver and other organs. They generally only last 2-3 days. Cleansing is very important to all people to help stay healthy. But on the other hand people need to be careful when doing any cleansing to be sure it is right for them.
Can you perhaps include some cleansing that isn’t bad for you?
Minor detail, pink… your liver “releasing the toxins into the bloodstream” is exactly the opposite of what’s happening. Your liver and kidneys REMOVE toxins from your body. ALL of the various detox diets are based on flawed pseudo-science.
The only way to detoxify your body is to eat good food, drink lots of clean water and avoid taking in unnecesary chemicals.
What?!? A Food Network site that would not endorse restricting food consumption? I guess that folks on less than 600 calories, even for ten days-wouldn’t need many recipes
I suffered from stomach pain and burning mostly, couldn’t sleep well and just hated those extra pounds I couldn’t get rid of no matter what I did. Now I stumbled upon this system that is easy and it doesn’t require expensive medication or difficult exercises.
Been using the Dr Max Powers 15 Day Cleanse for 3 years now (about 3 x per year) and I am SO happy I discovered it on the internet. I had never been regular even as a child, but these pills work magic for me. I'm guaranteed results the next morning. No cramps or other problems, just good results.
In the past 3 days I have lost 6 pounds of waste. My appetite is down and I feel great. I'm taking 2 pills a day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. There is no stomach cramping, although my stomach has made a couple of growling noises at me..giving me a warning that it is time to go to the bathroom..but other than that..no real problems
Looking forward to more waste (weight) loss…hip-hip-hooray!!! I definitely recommend them for women looking for a great cleanse to do!
Absolutly, i totally agree with you. i'm a holistic nutritionist and i've studied this. Do not mistake me for a dietician. they are taught the minimal amount about food and how it affects the body whereas we've been taught the intricate details of how food affects the body and how detoxs help lesson the load on our systems and hence can then focus on healing and fighting off disease.
the best cleanses that i know of our by Renew Life. I've done them all!!
I have done a 4-day detox and it works wonders. I lost 7 pounds in 4 days, still exercised, and in the end, probably lost 4 pounds, but it helped jumpstart my weight loss. I have lost 20 pounds in the past year (162 to 142 pounds) and I'm 5'9". I have kept it off and maintained my new weight. I highly recommend the 4-day detox diet. Here are the details:
Day 1
Breakfast (B): Oatmeal (cream of wheat or instant low sugar)
Lunch (L): Protein Shake – Ready to drink (MetRx Lo Carb, any flavor, vanilla was good)
Dinner (D): fresh veggies (broc, cauli, carrots, celery – 5.2 cup container, fill with veges, you can steam or eat raw, minimal lemon juice for taste)
Day 2
B: fresh fruit (straw, grape – 3.2 cup container, fill with fruit)
L: veggie soup (low sodium, low fat – 3.2 cup container, fill @75% full)
D: 2 pieces of fruit (pear, apple recommended)
Day 3:
16oz (1/2 bottle) of Malibu Juice mixed with 16oz water
Day 4:
remaining Malibu Juice mixed with water
D: Protein Shake – Ready to drink
You can purchase Malibu Juice online or at a GNC type store.
I suggest preparing all food prior to detox and storing in fridge until ready to eat.
Drink 1/2 gallon to gallon of water per day. No other beverages or food other than above.
Weigh in on Day 1 and Day 5.
On Day 5, resume eating in moderation. No overeating.
Workout as usual with moderate weight training.
It really is a great workout and you feel so much better on Day 5!
Oops… it's a great detox diet
. Sorry for the typo. To keep the weight off, I eat whole foods (unprocessed) and exercise 6-7 days a week.
where do you find out more about that cleanse
The raw food detox diets really work well — you lose weight and have a great amount of energy. I do a weekly raw food detox about 4 times a year to help balance my system and for the remainder of the time I follow an 80% raw food diet. Nothing wrong with eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. And for the green lemonade being gross — I disagree — it's quite good with romaine lettuce, kale, lemon and a pack of stevia. Have one to two of these every day for at least a week and you'll feel great and look great. Even clears your skin. You'll want to continue drinking the green lemonade on a regular basis. Good luck everyone!
WHY DOES EVERYONE USE DETOXES AS A DIET TO LOSE WEIGHT???? iTS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE USED AS A DIET!! iT'S FOR CLEANSING THE SYSTEM TO HELP LESSON THE LOAD ON THE LIVER ETC SO THAT YOUR BODY CAN RUN MORE EFFECTIVELY!!!
What do you think of Jullians detox from the biggest looser?
We are the only culture in the world that does not do some kind of cleansing. I have done cleanses at various times for the last 25 years and find that I feel fantastic after them. I also see that my cravings for sugar, proceed foods and refined carbs disappear. I love the Isagenix cleanse which combines nutrition and cleansing. I think we need to look as cleansing as a detox from our harmful environment, not for weight loss and then we will treat them correctly. There is a National Geographic Article on the body burden (I think it was 10/07) which is proof about what our toxic load is!
To Aimee — To call yourself a Nutritionist, you must be Licensed (i.e. a Registered Dietitian). Please consult the State Board of Licensing to see if you qualify.
Re: comment that RD’s don’t study the physiology of nutrition, what are your comments on bacterial gut translocation?
Aimee….every statement you have made is exactly how i feel. i work in the health food retail and have practiced naturalpathics and homeopathics for years. i too love the Renew Life cleanses and to be the best. and too have done them all. along with other brands.
I completed Dr. Junger's cleanse, title of his book is "Clean". Along with 2 shakes a day you eat 1 meal with foods listed from his elimination diet (I continue to eat this way). I have lost approx. 20lbs., have been taken off of Lipitior. I feel great and everyone says I look better than I have in years. I would not change a thing!