You may (and probably will) lose weight on a detox diet because they're so low in calorie consumption. If thats your goal, you'll more than likely accomplish it until you go back to eating REAL food again.
I'd say that eating "clean" foods is a better way to go than some of the detox diet plans out there and there are a few. Some involve fasting while others may utilize juicing and then call for the use of supplements and herbs to retrieve the loss of minerals and vitamins from such an extreme diet. These extras can get pretty costly too. This is just not a way of eating than one can sustain for any optimal length of time, nor do I believe you should.
Clean foods would include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. In other words foods without a lot of processing. Portion control will probably take care of the issues and allow them to last much longer, especially if you exercise on a regular basis.
There are some side effects of these kinds of diets too. They might include fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, feeling dizzy, low blood sugar, achy muscles and a serious drop in energy levels. Oh yeah, thats what I want, NOT!
Constantly hungry & weak, not what I want to be.
Now, the length of time on these things can be different too. I'd say there are some "ok" side effects such as the weight loss but again, it tends to come back when you eat "normally" again.
"If we do not eat enough protein this specifically reduces Phase I efficiency and effectiveness. Inadequate consumption of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and micronutrients intake will cause the liver to obtain its nutrients from elsewhere in the body. It will do this by breaking body tissue to produce the energy it needs, thereby creating an even larger toxic burden.
The detoxification process requires large amounts of caloric energy and insufficient calorie intake decreases overall detoxification function. Caloric energy mainly comes from the food we eat, and in the process the liver produces a lot of heat that is needed to keep our bodies at the right temperature." DetoxAndBodyCleanse.com
Here'a a list of 10 foods that according to an article Feb. 2013 on www.Activebeat.com /diet-nutrition,kbh help the body remove toxins and cleanse the systems that do so;
1) Artichokes - rich in antioxidents and fiber that can stimulate liver function and cleanse and digest those fatty meats from the body.
2) Berries - high in antioxidants and fiber also but rich in vitamins and minerals too. Can boost digestion and improve bowel movements. Yay!
3) Lemons - chock full of vitamin C, lemon also helps the immune system, improves skin and helps to prevent free-radicals that can form into disease.
4) Watercress - this is a natural diuretic and rich in vitamins B, C & E along with zinc & potassium.
5) Flax - rich in fiber these little guys attach to and flush out toxins from the intestines while coating the walls of the intestines with Omega-3 oils.
6) Apples - Dr. was right! rich in many vitamins & fiber too, they also contain phytochemicals and more, the apple helps the production of bile. This helps the liver remove toxins like ingested metals, additives and pesticides.
7) Brown Rice - rich in so many key vitamins & minerals that detoxify the body, and of course its a fiber, that it helps to cleanse the colon and protect the liver.
8) Ginger - long known for relieving nausea and other stomach ills, ginger also improves immunity and encourages digestion.
9) Cabbage - this cruciferous veggie is a wonderful antioxidant rich veggie. Containing sulforaphane that eliminates toxins and glutathione that promotes liver detoxification.
10) Garlic - a natural anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-bacterial containing a compound called allicin, which increases white blood cell production to fight free-radicals and toxins.
I've posted on the subject of juicing (or blending) before and although I do like it, I don't think it a necessarily a great idea to do prolonged juicing. Mainly for the reasons stated above.The body is quite well equipped to take care of us.I do understand that sometimes it can use a little, and I mean a little) help.
I do have a blended smoothie most mornings before or during work. It's fast and easy and tasty too. Right now my smoothie consists of mixed organic berries, fresh-ground flax seeds, juice of a slice of lemon and water. Occasionally, I add a small dollop of plain yogurt. The berries are frozen so I don't need to add ice. I use a Nutribullet now, ever since my juicer broke. I like the fact that I can grind my own seeds, etc. freshly, as needed.
On a different note, I took my 1st Afro-Brazilian dance class since my knee got replaced. Yes, I have been also taking belly dance classes but they're not as rambunctious as Afro-Brazilian. I'm sure you get that. I was able to last only about 1 hour and 5-10 min of a 1.5 hour class but it's more than I've been able to do before. I'm thrilled! I could feel my knee begin to swell and decided to be smart, for a change, and sit down and just watch with my leg elevated.
My heart, body and soul were ecstatic! Relieving myself of negative energy, calories, limitations, stress and gaining strength, endurance, balance (including mind, spirit & body), happiness and moves.
Moving is something that every body needs, so get out there and find something that fills your spirit and you'll be able to stick with it. Be it dance, swimming, yoga, strength training, cycling, SOMETHING, go do it.
Keep dancing y'all. Peace