What do you think about Detox...?

I've read some mixed comments about detoxing. I've read good things, like the skin will def. get better... but I've also read that it is dangerous, kills the metabolism... and that's bad for you.. I need to know what you guys think about detox diets.... just to cleanse my body? Would you recommend it or not?

"Detox" is dumb and useless. That's what I think. If your body didn't get rid of toxins you would be dead.

You'll get mixed reviews depending on what kind of 'detox' you're talking about. If you're talking about eating at least 1200 calories a day of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-and-protein-rich foods with very little processed food in the mix, you'll get enthusiastic reviews, and yes, your skin will improve, etc. If you're talking about drinking spicy lemonade for a week, then yes, THAT will mess up your metabolism and doesn't help to 'detox' anything.

Original Post by minerva_moon:

If you're talking about eating at least 1200 calories a day of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-and-protein-rich foods with very little processed food in the mix, you'll get enthusiastic reviews,

That's not a "detox" that's eating like a healthy person but I'm assuming that's what you meant

detox diets are a joke and unneccesary.

our bodies are pretty amazing.. they "detox" themselves naturally so don't worry (:

Original Post by spirochete:

Original Post by minerva_moon:

If you're talking about eating at least 1200 calories a day of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-and-protein-rich foods with very little processed food in the mix, you'll get enthusiastic reviews,

That's not a "detox" that's eating like a healthy person but I'm assuming that's what you meant

 Well, yes, *I* know that, but a lot of people on this site say that they're going to "detox" by only eating natural foods, nothing processed. Then people say they're going to "detox" by drinking spicy lemonade.

i do a detox once every 6 months or so. and its a week long plan ( the first week from the bikini fit plan) and i think that for me, it helps me feel more energetic, and my skin does get alot better and its still healthy. i think detoxes arent bad at all.

Original Post by spirochete:

Original Post by minerva_moon:

If you're talking about eating at least 1200 calories a day of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-and-protein-rich foods with very little processed food in the mix, you'll get enthusiastic reviews,

That's not a "detox" that's eating like a healthy person but I'm assuming that's what you meant

Actually the first she was talking about it called juice fast (only fruits, juices, veggies and water though) and it is considered a detox.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/detoxcleansin g/a/juice_fasting.htm

The 2nd one that she is talking about is of course, the master cleanser/lemon diet. I sorta wanted to try that myself but I'm too afraid to do it so I just gave up. I rather do the juice diet if I had to do any of them.

I will recommend a safe detxification. Its not just for the skin but also for general well being. If you don't move your bowels regularly say at least once everyday, the experts say you should consider yourself constipated. Which actually means the body is not getting rid of the waste matter completely and this can cause putrefaction in the intestines resulting in some digestive problems or IBS like flatulence, acidosis, blaoting to mention a few.. Plus, those feacal matter can even add to one's weight! If you have so much in you. So in my opinion, you can't go wrong if you give your digestive track a good cleansing once in a while and make sure you do a safe detox program/diet. This will rejuvenate your bowels and not weaken them. Will help in good digestion and assimilation of nutrients. You should consult the real experts though. I dont know much.

FYI, Calorie Count Plus does not support the promotion of cleanses and fasts for dieting purposes.

The problem with using fasts and cleanses for weight loss is that you are bound to gain the weight back once you get off the fast. Also during the fast you are not getting sufficient dietary nutrition. The gain back in weight after ending the fast may lead to what is known as "yo-yo dieting" which can add to frustration, self-esteem issues and a life of constantly going up and down with your weight with no real progress.

Instead of cleansing using a fad diet, eat these foods which are healthy, mainly low cal and naturally cleansing ...

Fruit
Fresh or frozen fruit.

Vegetables
All fresh vegetables. Vegetables thought to be particularly good detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and green vegetables.

Rice
All forms of rice, including rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta. Brown rice is typically preferred.

Other Grains
Quinoa, amaranth, millet, and buckwheat can be used instead of rice. They can be purchased at a health food store or in some grocery stores.

Beans
Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easiest to digest and require the least soaking time. Other good options include kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and adzuki beans.

Nuts and Seeds
Unsalted nuts or seeds can be sprinkled over salads or eaten as a snack. Good options include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Nut butters are permitted. Peanuts and peanut butter are usually not recommended.

Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is a preferred oil.

Condiments
Vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, all herbs or spices.

Tea
Herbal teas, green tea.

Other Beverages
Water, lemon water, pure unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, rice milk

Daily Detox Do's
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day, warm or room temperature.

Take the time to chew food well, especially grains.

i do a raw vegan «cleanse» once a yr for one week, around spring time (basically, to get rid of the excess winter gunk.  eww, gross, i know).  i don't consider it a traditional cleanse because i still get to eat, i don't feel hungry, i just have to plan the week before and stock up.  i don't get clenses or detoxs that are all about only drinking )be it juice, tea, whatever).  you end up being SO malnourished.  don't do that, if that's what you meant.  you won't be able to do anyting active you'll be too weak.