What Is A Colon Cleansing Diet?

Answer 1

Colon cleansing diets work on the concept that matter which is decomposing in the intestines is harmful to the body and that it releases toxins into the bloodstream. These diets also operate on the idea that the body is incapable of cleaning itself completely of waste and other harmful substances. A colon cleansing diet is designed to remove any remaining matter from the large intestine and force the body to release the built up toxins in the blood.

Colon cleansing diets, also called detox diets, come in two varieties. The most popular is a food restricted regiment that is intended to be followed for anywhere from three to thirty days. The second type of diet is called a juice fast. These are short term diets where food intake is restricted to only a liquid or liquids that are prescribed by the diet. Many diets also involve taking herbal supplements. Most commercial diets sell their own proprietary version of a dietary supplement.

Detox Diets

Most detox diets are very similar in the types of foods that they suggest. They permit fruits and vegetables, but recommend again those that cause acid. They also usually say to avoid grapefruits and their juice since they interfere with the normal functioning of the liver.

Grains and starches are allowed, but primarily in the form of whole grains. Rice is allowed, for example, but not white rice instead more non-glutinous forms are permitted. Examples of allowable grains and starches are oats, quinoa or millet.

Unsalted raw nuts and seeds are allowed on this diet as are beans and other legumes, but only the small kind that are less starchy. So lentils and green peas are allowed while kidney and black beans are not. Oils are also permitted but similarly, not the types that are usually found in grocery stores. Allowable oils include coconut, avocado and flax seed.

Meat is also allowed on these diets, but only in the form of turkey, lamb or other wild fowl. These diets are meant to be short term and are not intended to be followed for a lifetime.

Juice Fasts

This is a diet that lasts only one to three days. It involves blending fruit juice with liquefied raw vegetables. This juice and water are all that are ingested during the period of the diet. Once the fast is completed, solid foods must be slowly reintroduced to the body.

There are many different diets and opinions surrounding colon cleansing. There are a wide range of commercial programs and books which describe different diets. The choice of which diet to follow is a personal decision.