The Dr Hulda Clark website has provided various diets to support detoxification by increasing elimination from the body, cleansing the colon, enhancing circulation to clear toxic substances, eliminating foods from the diet that require detoxification or are allergenic, and providing nutrients to support and protect the liver, the main organ involved in detoxification. The list of diets are provided on the menu bar (above)
Detoxification Diets can remove potentially toxic substances from the body. Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health.
What is Detox?
Detox, short for detoxification, is the body’s natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Toxins (anything that can potentially harm body tissue) are transformed chemically to less harmful compounds and excreted via stools or urine. Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead that enter the body when we ingest or inhale them.
Dr Hulda Clark Detoxification Diet
There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:
– Minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (for example, by the use of organic food).
– Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
– Contains foods, such as high fiber foods and water, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination.
Why do People go on a detox diet?
A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.
The cumulative load, called the “body burden”, is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.
What results are gained by the Detox Diet?
People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.
What are the Side Effects of a Detox Diet?
One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal. For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet. In addition, some people opt to take time off work to begin a detox diet or start the diet on the weekend.
Other side effects include excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Constipation may occur if people consume excess fiber without also increasing their fluid intake. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.
If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium.
Fatigue, indigestion, cough, muscle pain, and poor sleep can be signs of serious illness. That’s why it’s important to see a primary care provider for a thorough assessment to ensure that any symptoms are not caused by a medical condition that requires immediate treatment.
Detox diet plans may include a special diet, herbs and supplements, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna therapy. Although more controversial, some detox programs include fasting, colon hydrotherapy, liver flush, and chelation.
Alternative practitioners usually recommend that people trying a detox diet for the first time opt for a gentle detox diet plan. Some detox diets claim to target different organ systems involved in detoxification, such as the skin, liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and lymph system.
What Do People Eat After the Detox Diet is Over?
After the detox diet is over, alternative practitioners often suggest gradually easing back into a healthy, but less restrictive diet. Many people use a detox diet as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle and continue eating many of the vegetables and fruits they ate on the detox diet.
Do People Temporarily Stop Taking Medication During a Detox Diet?
No. Medication should never be discontinued or reduced without consulting the prescribing doctor and/or your primary care provider.
Getting Started:
Follow one or more of the following diets and/or supplements to existing diet. If you focus on an exclusive therapy, such as the Gerson therapy that conducts all meals as liquid juices, set a time limit, say 3 days, and allow you body to adjust… Following this, in order to achieve a remission from a serious disease such as cancer, or a life threatening illness, one must consider that a serious timetable must be created in order to achieve the goal of restored health. This requires determination and will power.
