21-Day Body Cleansing

Body cleansing and detoxes have been used for centuries as part of religious traditions such as fasting, as well as in holistic medicine. The body is designed to filter most toxins we take in; however, it sometimes becomes overwhelmed. A 21-day body cleanse removes excess toxins, which in theory leads to a healthier and more energetic lifestyle.

Significance

A body cleansing is like cleaning out a sewer system. All household waste is removed and sent to the sewer, but at some point the sewer needs to be cleaned, too. If it's not maintained, it causes problems in the house. The body responds the same way and needs to be cleansed of toxins and waste that have accumulated.

Benefits

The Food and Drug Administration does not rate cleanses and detoxes, therefore official information on their effectiveness is not available. Advocates of cleansing say that it benefits the colon and digestive tract, and boosts the immune system and energy. You can choose from a variety of body-detox programs, including Master Cleanse, Colon Cleanse and the Lemonade Diet.

Preparation

A complete body cleanse takes dedication. You must be ready to follow the program's regimen or risk setbacks that will lead to frustration or, worse, dehydration and bowel irregularity. Before starting the cleanse, you should gather any necessary ingredients. For example, for Master Cleanse and the Lemonade Diet, you will need fruit and vegetables, organic maple syrup, oranges, lemons and containers to hold the cleansing concoction.

Schedule

This example of a 21-day cleanse follows guidelines for Master Cleanse and the Lemonade Diet. Other programs may vary in timing and ingredients.

On the first two days, you will stop eating all processed foods, including meat. Eat only fruits and vegetables. Drink at least eight full 8-ounce glasses of water a day to maintain proper hydration.

On the third day, begin juicing your fruits and vegetables to prepare your body for an all-liquid diet. This will be followed by a day when you drink only orange juice with maple syrup mixed in to meet your caloric requirements.

On days five through 17, you will drink a lemonade solution made of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. When you feel hungry, drink the lemonade mixture. This does not count as your water intake, so make sure to get the recommended eight to 10 glasses.

At the end of each of these days, you will flush your system. Schedule the flush in the evening to make access to a restroom more opportune. Prepare a 1-liter container of room temperature water mixed with 1 tablespoon of organic sea salt. Iodized table salt will not work. After you drink the entire mixture, you will experience an intestinal flush within about an hour.

On days 18 through 21, follow the steps in days one through four in reverse order to wean back on to regular food.

Side Effects

A body cleanse can have side effects. As toxins leave the body, they create what is called a healing crisis. Symptoms include headaches, diarrhea, nausea, low-grade fever, appetite loss and frequent urination. The most common is fatigue, as the body is working hard to heal itself. If you experience any of these symptoms, they usually last only about a week.