There are several types of detox diets. There are those in which you can only eat fruits and vegetables, those in which you can only eat clean foods, those in which you can only drink fruit and vegetable juice, and the most extreme type where you can only drink water. You can also do specialized cleanses designed specifically for certain area of the body, for instance the liver, kidneys, blood or lungs. However, most detox diets just involve cleansing the entire body. Below, there is a sample of a seven day detox diet that you can try.

First of all, it is important that you have regular bowel movements during a detox because this will lessen the likelihood of toxins being reabsorbed by the body. A good way to make sure you will eliminate regularly is to take 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds in lemon water in the morning, and drink lemon water throughout the day. Flax seeds provide the body with fiber and lemon water has a slightly laxative effect.

It is also important to drink enough fluids on a cleanse. You should try to include at least 8 glasses of water daily to ensure that you are allowing toxins to be flushed out.

A sample menu of a detox diet follows below. This is a diet that allows some food, since this tends to be easier for beginners. Remember, you can modify this to fit your needs and preferences.

UPON RISING

1/2 lemon squeezed into a glass of warm water
1 tablespoon of bentonite clay and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water

BREAKFAST

breakfast smoothie made with pear, rice milk and rice protein powder
supplements: vitamin C

SNACKS

apple juice diluted with water
water
vegetable broth
supplements: milk thistle
celery sticks and hummus

LUNCH

chunky vegetable soup made with vegetable stock and your choice of vegetables
steamed broccoli with sesame seeds and beets sprinkled with lemon juice on brown rice
apple sauce
supplements: multivitamin

SNACKS

dandelion root tea
carrot sticks with hummus dip
water
supplements: milk thistle

DINNER

curried lentils on quinoa
salad with mixed greens, red peppers, artichokes and sprouts drizzled with salad dressing of garlic, lemon juice and olive oil
vegetable broth

BEFORE BED

1 tablespoon of bentonite clay and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water

This can be followed for up to seven days. Have fun, and remember to be careful, because while you should expect to feel sluggish and slightly ill, if you are feeling very ill or fatigued, contact your doctor.