Juice Detox - A Healthy Choice For You

One of the most popular and best ways to purify your body of the harmful toxins it has accumulated over the years is with a juice detox. A juice detox consists of only drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a period of 3 – 7 days. A short juice detox or fast is ideal after periods of heavy heating or drinking,

Tired celebrities all over the world have made juice fasting popular as they spend long periods subsisting only on fruit and vegetable juices to lose weight. Although you will lose weight the main purpose is to get rid of chemical toxins that can affect your metabolism.

It is best to be monitored by a nutritionist, naturopath knowledgeable about detox if you have any serious health problems or intend to fast for longer than 7 days.

Prepare your body by eliminating sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine at least seven days prior to beginning. Reduce coffee gradually to avoid withdrawal headache. A juice detox can very often get rid of cravings for nicotine.

The build up of toxins after years of consuming a combination of food additives, alcohol, caffeine, pesticides, pollution and cigarettes can cause many different health problems.

How to Begin a Juice Detox

Make a trip to the local farmer’s market to buy the fruits and vegetables that you have selected for your detox. Organic is best to avoid pesticide residues.

Some popular and flavorful combinations are carrots and tomatoes with celery, spinach, kale or cucumber. Add a little spice with garlic or onions. Avoid drinking highly acidic orange juice; instead, drink apple, cranberry and pineapple.

You should drink at least six glasses of lukewarm water each day, along with 64 ounces of your fruit or vegetable juice. After the juice detox you can add solid fruits and vegetables. Nuts, beans, herbal teas and yogurt can also be eaten to continue the detox process.

Slowly return to eating solid foods after ending the detox period, whether it is for seven days or more. You do not want to alarm your system by eating solid foods too soon.

Many people who have participated in a juice detox have reported improved skin tone, a decrease in unsightly cellulite, and a disappearance in bloating.

What to Avoid After a Juice Detox

There are many foods to avoid after a juice detox in order to get the full benefits of going through this process. These include: all red meats, alcohol, eggs, salt, dairy products except yogurt, sugar and processed foods.

Side Effects

Because of the restrictive nature of the foods during the detoxification process, some people may experience side effects. This is normal because the body is now being retrained after years of unhealthy living. This adjustment may cause headaches, tiredness and irritability due to the caffeine withdrawal.

Any type of restrictive diet will lead to weight loss. However, if you want to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, continuing to eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in fiber, along with regular exercise, is always a healthy choice.
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