Health Liquid Diets

Liquid diets may have health benefits in certain situations. According to WebMd, patients with Crohn's disease, a disorder that causes the inflammation of the intestines, can give their digestive systems a chance to rest in the event of a flare-up. Although people who want to lose weight also use these diets, in some cases the diets fail because after they return to solid food they regain their previous weight. For this reason, the website advises you not to choose one too low in calories. However, each person is different. Your doctor and dietitian can work together with you to determine which liquid diet, if any, is right for you.

Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet consists of fluids that leave no undigested residue in your intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic website, if you have certain digestive issues, your doctor may prescribe this type of diet. He may also direct you to follow a clean liquid diet prior to surgery. He may order a regimen prior to a procedure, such as a colonoscopy or a digestive system x-ray. He also may suggest such a regimen if you have nausea, diarrhea, or following a surgical procedure. The goal of a liquid diet is to help you maintain hydration and to provide sodium and potassium, two important electrolytes. A clear liquid diet allows you to drink lemonade, sports drinks, clear soda pop, honey or plain gelatin, according to Mayo Clinic.

Juice Fasts

Liquid dieters use juice fasting for detoxification, as well as for weight loss purposes. However, as the Every Diet website explains, you are most likely to only lose fluid weight, as opposed to actual body weight. In this type of diet, juices replace meals. It is, at best, a short-term regimen. The website recommends you do not pursue this type of fast fast without checking with your doctor. Furthermore, the site does not recommend juicing your fruits and vegetables. For when you do, you remove the fiber and other nutrients that were in that apple, orange, or watermelon. This could result in a slowing of your metabolism, which, in turn, could reduce your energy.

Shake Diets

People sometimes use shake diets, such as supplementary protein drinks, to replace solid food at meals. Instead, they drink smoothies, or milkshakes, at the intervals of the day when they would normally eat meals. According to the Disabled World website, people usually use these diets to quickly start the weight loss process. One of the drawbacks, however, is that shakes may contain a hefty amount of calories, depending on if you make the shakes yourself, and on what kind of milk you use. The Disabled World website recommends skim milk, as it only contains about 80 calories a cup. It is not a recommended long-term substitute for a good old-fashioned healthy meal.

100 Percent Liquid Protein Diets

A liquid protein diet of this nature may include shakes, but you may also include soups, puddings, or hot drinks. To ascertain if this type of diet, which involves total abstinence from solid food, is right for you, consult a health professional. This is especially true if you suffer from a chronic condition, such as diabetes.

Quick Weight Loss Remedies in 10 Days

If you have a big event coming up and want to lose weight super fast, don't despair. There are many quick weight loss remedies you can do right now. Watch the pounds drop off (or look as if they had).

1. Set Your Goal

First, think about what you want to accomplish. Recognize that realistically in 10 days, with effort, you can expect to lose between one and five pounds, most of which will be water weight.

Next, do you want all-over weight loss or are you mainly focused on one body part, such as your hips? If you are simply trying to fit into those snug jeans, find exercises that address your trouble spot. There are many exercise videos that offer and deliver significant results in 10 days. Work out to some of the popular workout videos on the market, such as those by The Firm, Jillian Michaels (of T.V.'s "Biggest Loser") and Callanetics. While your weight may not change right off the bat, a little toning can make your tighter clothes fit much better.

2. Exercise More

If you don't exercise, start with a 30-minute brisk walk. (You can break it down into three 10-minute walks if you must.) If you already exercise, do more. For example, if you walk for 30 minutes, go for an hour. Consider adding another type of exercise. If you already walk, add an exercise video or swimming to the mix. The variety will boost your metabolism so you'll lose weight quicker.

3. Eat Sparingly

Say no to all between-meal snacks. When temptation strikes, drink a glass of water instead. At meal times, limit yourself to one helping and avoid added fats, sugar and salt as much as possible. Eat slowly to savor each bite and to allow your body to register that it is satisfied.

Note: If you are a diabetic or have other special dietary needs, consult your doctor or nutritionist before changing your diet plan.

4. Distract Yourself

Find ways to break your bad habits. If you always grab a cookie when you walk in the door, tackle a household chore instead. If you feel you must have something in your mouth, pop in a mint or even a lollipop. Play solitaire while you're watching T.V. so you won't be tempted to grab the chips.

5. Keep Junk Food Out

If the chips, cookies and soda are not in the house, you won't be tempted to eat them. When grocery shopping, stay away from the junk food aisles and the bakery.

6. Drink Water

What we think of as hunger pangs may actually be the first signs of dehydration, according to health and fitness expert Bob Greene. Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily to stave off hunger and to flush fat from your body. If you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water and then wait 20 minutes or so. If you still feel hungry, eat some whole grain bread, lean protein or veggies (such as broccoli or carrots).

7. Choose the Right Outfit

While you can lose weight and tone your body noticeably in 10 days, a more realistic option is to choose an outfit that is flattering on you as you are right now. Choose styles that highlight your best features and draw the eye away from your less-than-perfect points. Wear good-fitting body shaping undergarments for a little extra help.

About Miracle Cures for Cancer

Is there a miracle cure for cancer? The average person who turns to the Internet to find out might get the impression that cancer can be cured by fasting cleanses, asparagus, cabbage juice and even common pantry items such as baking soda. When it comes to miracle cancer cures, misinformation is not in short supply. Read on to find out about the origin of cancer cure myths, why they exist and how you can protect yourself against health scams.

Famous Miracle Cure Hucksters

Two of the most famous miracle cancer cures circulating on the Internet can be traced back to noted charlatans Stanley Burroughs and Tullio Simoncini. Self-professed physician Burroughs claimed that his Master Cleanse fasting diet could cure cancer. However, this "miracle cure" was debunked when Burroughs treated a terminal cancer patient with the fast, as well as numerous other unorthodox cancer treatments, and was charged by the California courts for second-degree murder in 1984. Secondary charges included practicing medicine without a license and selling a false cancer cure.
But Burroughs was not the only huckster charged with using false cancer cures. Simoncini's medical credentials were stripped by the Italian medical board due to wrongful death and swindling. However, this did not preclude him from practicing "alternative" medicine in Italy and the Netherlands by injecting cancer patients with baking soda. After a 50-year-old breast cancer patient died in an Amsterdam Hospital due to a baking soda injection in 2007, the Netherlands Health Inspectorate took action against Simoncini and issued a stern warning to other physicians that they would be investigated if they used baking soda to "cure" cancer.
Despite evidence that Burroughs' and Simoncini's miracle cures are ineffective, misinformation about the Master Cleanse (sometimes known as the Lemon Detox, Lemonade Diet or Maple Syrup Diet) and the baking soda cancer cure continues to be readily available on the Internet.

How Miracle Cancer Cures Sell

According to Stephen Barrett, M.D., and William T. Jarvis, Ph.D., who regularly author for the medical consumer site Quackwatch.org, miracle cancer cures "work" because the people pushing them are "supersalesman" out for your money. Quacks use frivolous disclaimers to get around how the purported miracle cure actually works. Be extremely wary of the words "cleanse" and "detoxify."
A typical claim used by a miracle cure huckster is that the false cure helps the body "heal itself." Other common tactics used by miracle cure hucksters is that the cure has been "under our noses all the time." Many claim that it takes too long to get their cure approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. In truth, the FDA would never approve these miracle cancer cures--and these hucksters are well aware of this.

Cancer Cures and the Federal Trade Commission

There is a fine line between the legal puffery that allows marketers to compete with one another by claiming that their product is the "best" and federal laws that prohibit marketers from inducing consumers into buying false medical cures. The Federal Trade Commission is charged with protecting the public against miracle cancer cures. Recently, the FTC has assiduously pursued "cleansing" and "detox" sites and products, such as the "21 Day Program for Advanced Cancers" and "7 Day Miracle Cleanse Program."
The injunction against the latter defendant resulted when the FTC was notified by the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP), a partnership between the Better Business Bureau and the Electronic Retailing Association. Of particular concern to the FTC are sites that purport to have a miracle cancer cure. The ERSP reviews various Internet site campaigns to ensure that such blatantly false marketing is reported to the FTC.

Cancer Cures and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is the federal agency charged with testing and approving all medical drugs, procedures and treatments for cancer. However, the FDA also issues warning letters to miracle cancer cure vendors warning them of future FTC intervention. As a service to the public the FDA has compiled a list of known false cancer cures and made it available to the public (see Resources), as well as copies of warning letters sent to Internet marketers who hawk miracle cancer cures.

Report a Miracle Cancer Cure

Until the agencies responsible for protecting consumers have knowledge about a new miracle cancer cure being marketed on the Internet, through infomercials or in print, they cannot take action against the huckster. You can do your part to protect cancer sufferers against charlatans by reporting these people and their products to the appropriate authority. Also, if you or a loved one has had experience with a miracle cancer cure or cancer cure huckster, Quackwatch.org urges you to share your story.
FDA MedWatch: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm
FTC Consumer Complaints: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
Quackwatch: http://www.quackwatch.org/06ResearchProjects/cancerrsch.html

Homemade Meal Replacement Drinks

Meal replacement shakes are a proven way to lose weight and keep it off. A study published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" in 2001 found that women who lost weight using meal replacement drinks kept their weight off for more than a year, while women who used a regular low-fat diet regained nearly all of their weight in the same amount of time. A study from Harvard found that these kinds of results held true for 10 years. According to "Men's Health" Magazine, the typical over-the-counter meal replacement drink contains around 200 calories along with vitamins and minerals. Some of the over the counter drinks can be expensive and lacking in taste. Making a tasty alternative at home can be a great way to get the meal replacement benefits without taking a hit to your wallet or taste buds.

With Protein Powder

One cup of whole strawberries provides 46 calories, 11 carbs and nearly 3 g of fiber.

HealthRecipes.com has a nice selection of protein packed smoothies and shakes that work well for meal replacements. One that differs from the normal meal replacement is the tropical shake. To make it, blend half a frozen banana, four frozen strawberries, half a mango, 1 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp. frozen pina coloda mix, one scoop protein powder and six ice cubes in a blender. This recipe produces one 300-calorie shake.

Another option is the banana strawberry smoothie. HealthRecipes.com recommends making this by blending together six frozen strawberries, one frozen banana, 1 tbsp. nonfat milk powder, 1 1/4 cup water, and one scoop protein powder. This shake provides about 320 calories.

Without Protein Powder

Very ripe bananas are a great base for smoothies.

Eileen Behan, author and registered dietitian, has two great options for "meals in a blender" outlined in her book "Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding." She says that these helped her have a ready-to-eat snack on hand. Make her banana frappe by mixing 1 cup low-fat milk, 1/2 cup orange juice and one ripe banana in a blender. The entire concoction has around 300 calories and is the perfect size for a meal or split it in half for two tasty snacks.

Another option is her orange cream shake. Mix 6 oz. frozen orange juice, 1 cup nonfat dry milk, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 cup of water and 2 1/2 cups of ice cubes in a blender. This recipe yields three shakes, 200 calories each.

With Yogurt

Choose a low-fat yogurt for fewer calories.

Yogurt adds many benefits to meal replacement drinks like protein and probiotics, healthy bacteria that help keep the digestive system running smoothly. Pucker up with a lemonade tart smoothie based on a recipe from SmoothieWeb. Mix together 2 cups of reduced calorie lemonade, 2 cups of frozen strawberries, 1 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt and 1/2 cup of ice. Blend together and serve. This recipe makes two smoothies for about 300 calories a piece.

If you are looking for a basic smoothie recipe, try the vanilla yogurt smoothie from SmoothieWeb. Add one banana, 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt, 3/4 cup frozen peaches, 1 cup frozen strawberries and 1 tbsp. orange juice concentrate to a blender. Fill the blender the rest of the way with ice and blend until smooth. This recipe makes two smoothies, each about 270 calories.

How to Use a Juicer

Juicers, also called reamers, are a standard kitchen or bar tool. Vintage juicers were constructed from glass and decorated with elaborate designs. While some modern juicers are still made of glass, most are manufactured from plastic. Professional kitchenware and bar accessories include small juicers mounted on a handle for quick juicing of small lemons to preserve fruit for cooking or add flavor to drinks. Countertop kitchen appliance offerings often include electric juicers, but manual, traditional hand juicers are easy to use and are also environmentally friendly. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Set up the work space. Juicing is messy business, so proper setup is essential to keep the counters and floors clean. Lay out absorbent paper on the counter where the reamer will be placed. Newspapers work well for catching any stray juice, especially if the operation will take place outside on a picnic table or bench.

2

Cut all of the fruit in half using the small paring knife. Cut around the center of the fruit so that the stem and the end of the fruit are on opposite ends. These elements make the fruit easy to hold when juicing.

3

Set up the juicing operation. Place the juicer in the center of the counter and have the freshly washed pitcher near the operation so that the juice may be easily transferred to the pitcher. Take half of one fruit and push it down directly over the pointed reamer. Don't push too hard, especially if the fruit has a thin skin, since this will break the fruit open and make it more difficult to extract the juices. Turn the fruit slowly and gently in one direction to continue draining the juices. Then turn the opposite direction and continue the same process. When all the juice has been removed, toss the fruit into a paper or plastic bag that will serve as the trash container. When all of the fruit has been through the reamer, don't take the clean fruit rinds to the trash. Use the zester to make a few curly fruit rinds to place on the glasses as a serving garnish.

4

Strain the juice from pitcher to pitcher. Place the strainer over the empty pitcher and pour the liquid from the full pitcher into the empty one. This will strain any seeds or large pieces of pulp from the liquid. Some citrus drinkers prefer their juice without any pulp and this is easy to do with a fine wire strainer. Pour the liquid slowly and empty the strainer if it becomes clogged with pulp.

5

Add back extra pulp. Take a bit of pulp from the strainer and stir it into the fresh juice in the pitcher. This step is optional, but health researchers at Texas A&M University found that eating pulp by itself increased the antioxidants and reduced the amount of cholesterol and plasma triacylglyercol in laboratory rats. They state the findings are a good recommendation for the human diet. If you enjoy a bit of pulp, go for the potential health advantage.

How to Make Lemon Honey

Honey is a natural and delicious sweetener used in teas, breakfast cereals, desserts, and many other recipes. There are inherent health benefits in using honey to replace sugar or artificial sweeteners, as it's harvested from the earth. Many people combine lemon and honey as additives to tea in order to cure the common cold. Learn how to make your own lemon honey with no hassle at all. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Purchase your favorite, all-natural Grade A fancy honey. Many gourmet and specialty stores sell high-end honey, as well as more affordable options. You can even taste test different brands to find one that sparks your interest.

2

Squeeze or pour the whole bottle of honey into a small bowl. Be sure to get as much out of the bottle as you can.

3

Take one lemon and roll it on the countertop to release its juices. Take a knife and slice in half.

4

Gently scoop out any seeds or strings that may be in the center of the lemon. Discard it in your garbage can.

5

Depending on how tart you like your lemon honey, eyeball the amount you use. Use about half a lemon for mild to tangy lemon honey. Use both halves of the lemon for extremely tangy lemon honey.

6

Squeeze the lemon juice into the bowl of honey and mix gently. If you find your concoction has gotten too sour, add more honey to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and leave unrefrigerated for up to a week.

What Is Elemis Detox?

The elemis detox program is not a true detox program, but rather a beauty and weight loss program that includes an element of detoxification. The main goals of the program are for people on the program to lose weight, improve blood circulation and increase their energy. There are steps in the program that aim to improve the skin complexion and clear out pores. Does this Spark an idea?

Detoxification

The idea behind detoxification is that the human body is bombarded by harmful substances referred to as toxins. These toxins make their way into our bodies through the air, food and the environment. The body filters out these toxins through natural processes that take place in the internal organs such as the liver and kidneys and through sweating. A detoxification diet aims to help the body rid itself of toxins.

Step One

During the first month of the elemis detox program, the person takes two specially formulated herbal capsules on a daily basis: a weight loss supplement and the elemis detox supplement. The first is called Cal-Metab Plus and is supposed to eliminate cholesterol, suppress the apetite and burn fat. The second is called Deep Drainage and is supposed to prevent fluid retention and eliminate toxins.

Step Two

During the second month of the elemis detox program, the person switches to a new herbal capsule called Silhouette, which is deemed a body contouring pill. These pills are supposed to eliminate cellulite and improve circulation. Improvement in circulation could be related to detoxification, but this is a roundabout way of achieving it.

Step Three

During the third month of the elemis detox program, the person again changes pills. He takes energy boosting capsules named Vitality, which are meant to improve circulation and heighten energy. Every pill in the program is supposed to be taken once per day with water in the morning for the allotted month. People on the detox should also drink at least eight glasses of water a day throughout the treatment.

Considerations

Women who are pregnant; anyone with allergies to iodine, seaweed or shellfish; those with high blood pressure, thyroid disease or diabetes; or people on prescription medications should avoid this program. Three months of the elemis detox treatment costs roughly $200. You can purchased it online or through certain spas and health food stores. The elemis detox program is more geared toward those who want a beautification process that helps them lose weight and gain energy, not those who are serious about detoxifying their bodies.

What Is the Maple Syrup Cleansing Diet?

The maple syrup cleansing diet is more popularly known as the Master Cleanse diet or the Lemonade diet. Started by Stanley Burroughs in 1940, the diet is intended to purge the body of toxins and help jump-start weight loss. The diet recently came back into vogue when singer Beyonce Knowles and Howard Stern sidekick Robin Quivers reported losing a lot of weight on the diet.

Origins

In his 1976 book "Master Cleanser," Burroughs states that in addition to weight loss and detoxification, the cleanse would also cure stomach ulcers and other diseases. A second book on the Master Cleanse, "Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days" by Peter Glickman, was released in 2004, continuing to fuel the cleanse's popularity.

How it Works

The 10-day diet consists of drinking a concoction of freshly squeezed lemon juice, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. Burroughs encourages drinking salt water in the morning, laxative tea at night and the lemonade in the hours in between. No food is consumed during the cleanse.

The Effects

In the first days of the cleanse, users have reported experiencing dizziness, nausea and hunger pains. The cleanse also typically leads to a less pleasant effect, with users running to the bathroom frequently for several days with severe cases of diarrhea. Later in the cleanse, some users say they end up feeling lighter and more energized with a heightened sense of smell and taste and fewer cravings.

The Results

Some users of the maple syrup cleansing diet have reported losing anywhere from 5 to 20 lbs. in the 10 days of the diet. Others who have stayed on the cleanse longer, which isn't recommended, have reported bigger weight loss. Some followers have found the weight loss results to be only temporary, however, and regained the pounds once they began eating solid foods again.

The Science

While many medical practitioners have nothing against fasting for a few days, they warn that continuing an extremely low-calorie diet such as the Master Cleanse for a prolonged period will deprive people of needed nutrients and lead to a breakdown in muscles.

Homemade Body Cleanse

There are so many items on the market that can cleanse the body, but quite naturally it can be very expensive. Not to mention a lot of these ingredients in the product you are using to cleanse the body you cannot even pronounce. Sometimes the most effective way to cleanse the body is to do it yourself. The most natural way to cleanse the body is with products that you can actually purchase at your local grocery store, or items that are already in the pantry. Does this Spark an idea?

Diet And Nutrition

There are many foods that you can eat that will automatically cleanse the body. Nothing can cleanse the body better than nature can and eating the proper foods is a good start. Ideally you want to eat foods that are high in fiber. The purpose of fiber in your diet is to help the digestive track in dispelling the food. Start integrating rye, soy, oats, barley, bananas and flax seeds into your diet. When you eat certain fruits and vegetables it is common to peel the skin before you eat them. Next time, try keeping the skin on apples before you eat them, or eating the skin on your potatoes after preparing a baked potato. There is enough fiber in the skin of some fruits and vegetables to aid in digestion.

Enemas

You can start doing a colon cleanse at home to ensure the body is thoroughly cleansed. Purchase an enema bag, hose, and nozzle from your local drug store. The instructions of using the enema bag will be included. A normal enema can take from 15 minutes to up to 2 hours depending on your body and practice. The ideal is to ensure the enema bag, which will be filled with water gets completely emptied into your colon. This may not happen on the first try, especially if this is your first time. Also make sure you use filtered water in your enema.

The Master Cleanse

Another way to clean your body would be the master cleanse. You can do this in place of and not in addition to eating high fiber fruits and vegetables. The reason for this is it is a 100 percent liquid diet that you should be on for 7 to 10 days. The diet consists of 2 tbsp. of organic lemon juice, 2 tbsp. organic grade B maple syrup, 1/10 tsp. of cayenne pepper, and 10 oz. filtered water. Make this "lemonade" each day and every time you have the urge to eat, drink some of the mixture. By the end of each day, ensure the entire mixture is consumed. Don't worry about not getting enough nutrition because the ingredients in the master cleanse all serve individual purposes of giving the body the calories and nutrients it needs.

How to Stay Thin Like Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is considered one of the most elegant and recognizable celebrities. England considers her one of their celebrity royals, and Americans have embraced her as one of their own. Her thin and statuesque frame is perfect for fashion, and many women envy her beauty. However, achieving a body like Victoria Beckham doesn't mean starving yourself. Learn to stay thin like Victoria Beckham in a healthy and realistic fashion.

Instructions

1

Perform some research on Victoria Beckham to get a sense of her body shape. Notice her sleek frame and how she manages to eliminate all signs of fat from her body. Understand that it is not a typical or even average frame for a normal body.

2

Assess your body and your current weight. Be realistic about what you can achieve with your weight. Find a nutritionist and personal trainer who can help you to achieve the slender physique that is healthy and realistic for your height and age.

3

Keep an open mind and sense of humor about your body. Victoria Beckham once joked to a London magazine that she looked "awful" naked, playing on the notion that she has a perfect thin body. Remember that Victoria Beckham has three children and take note of the effects of childbirth on her slender physique.

4

Try yoga to help you slenderize your body. In 2005, Victoria Beckham recruited former Spice Girl Geri Haliwell's yoga instructor to slim down after giving birth to her third child. Take a page from Beckham's book and avoid strenuous exercise; Victoria doesn't enjoy exercising, so she tries to simply watch her weight and do yoga and Pilates for extra toning.

5

Eat a diet high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates. Find a good nutritional balance and eat plenty of vegetables to help you stay lean and fit. Victoria Beckham eats plenty of Japanese food and fish to help her stay slim. Treat yourself to desert every once in a while and give yourself incentives to maintain your diet and exercise routines with the occasional diet splurge.

Diet of Distilled Water, Maple Syrup and Cayenne Pepper

The detoxification diet known as the Master Cleanse or the Lemonade Diet is a diet that consists only of distilled water, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Toxins are all around us, and toxins are built up in our bodies as well. Some people believe that Master Cleanse will detoxify their bodies, help them lose weight, and give them more energy.

Background

The Master Cleanse diet was developed in the 1940s by Stanley Burrows. He published a book in the 1970s about the diet, and from there it gained popularity first as a detoxification method and then as a weight-loss method. To date, more books on the diet have been released with updated information. The diet is also popular now, as celebrities like Beyonc have used the Master Cleanse and lost weight quickly.

The Diet

Proponents of the Master Cleanse suggest easing yourself into the diet by spending two or three days eating only vegetables, and then a day or two drinking only water and orange juice. Dieters claim that this better prepares the body for the Master Cleanse, which involves a stint of at least 10 days without solid food. The only substance dieters are allowed is a mixture of filtered water, pure maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Along with this mixture, master cleansers are supposed to drink a saltwater flush daily to facilitate bowel movements. Some people experience stomach pain after drinking the saltwater solution. If needed, dieters are also allowed an herbal laxative tea, but advocates claim the saltwater flush is more effective. Whenever dieters feel hunger cravings, they are supposed to drink the lemon mixture. Most people try the diet for at least 10 days. Once the time period ends, you will need to ease back into eating solid food. Try juice and vegetable soups at first, and resist the urge to dive back into burgers and steaks too soon.

The Criticism

According to a Web MD feature about the Master Cleanse diet, nutritionists warn that the diet lacks nutrients necessary to our health. Little evidence exists regarding the diet's detoxification results. Medical experts claim that our bodies are perfectly equipped to rid themselves of harmful toxins, and that our bodies do so naturally. The liver is especially adept at cleansing bodily toxins. Experts also warn that losing weight quickly from a fasting diet causes the loss of muscle instead of fat, potentially harming the body. Since the Master Cleanse consists of only cayenne pepper, water, lemon juice, and syrup, the body may be lacking proteins that build muscle. After going off the diet, some individuals binge eat, which is also unhealthy. If you are considering the Master Cleanse, the wisest action would be to consult a physician first and hear his or her recommendations.

What Drinks Cause Dehydration?

Many factors increase your risk of dehydration. Heavy activity in the sun during the hottest part of the day is a fast way to dehydrate yourself. However, you can also dehydrate slowly by drinking the wrong drinks throughout the day. If you notice you are becoming thirsty and your skin is beginning to feel dry, these are some early symptoms of dehydration. As you become more dehydrated, you may feel light-headed or dizzy. You can resolve mild dehydration simply by drinking water or another appropriate fluid. If your dehydration has progressed, however, you may need intravenous fluids.

Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to eliminate more water than it takes in. Diuretics can be useful when you have excess fluids due to swelling and need to alleviate that problem, but if you are not careful they can dehydrate you. Drinks such as coffee, some sodas and some teas are the most common beverages that contain caffeine. Decaffeinated versions of these beverages can be less dehydrating than their caffeinated counterparts, but you still need to be aware of other factors, such as sugar content.

Sugary Drinks

Beverages like lemonade, fruit punch, soda and some juices briefly make you feel as though you are hydrating yourself, but ultimately leave your body working harder to get that hydration. Sugary drinks can sometimes increase thirst in the long run. You can cut down on this problem by buying drinks that are clearly labeled to have reduced sugar levels--or make your own. In the case of powdered drink mixes that you make for yourself, reduce the amount of sugar you add to the powder and water. Some sugar-free mixes are available, but they may have other added sweeteners.

Rehydrating Drinks

Water is the easiest way to keep yourself hydrated, especially in hot weather. If you do not like the taste of water, you can add a few drops of lemon or lime juice for flavor. Many people also find it difficult to suddenly drink the 8 to 10 glasses of water per day that many doctors and health agencies advise. Start slowly by adding one glass of water to your day if you currently do not drink water, and increase the amount every few days. Sports drinks have electrolytes that can help to rehydrate you, especially after heavy exertion. Read the labels carefully, however, because many sports drinks have added sugar.

Salt Cleansing Diet

The salt cleansing diet isn't a diet per se. Rather, it is a salt water solution that flushes the system. It is usually used in conjunction with the master cleanse diet. The dieter drinks the salt water first thing in the morning and then consumes nothing but a homemade lemonade for seven to 10 days.

Purpose

The purpose of the salt water flush is to purge the entire digestive system of impacted waste and other toxins.

Ingredients

Two quarts of lukewarm spring or filtered water and two teaspoons of sea salt are mixed together for the flush.

Directions

The entire two quarts of the flush need to be drunk within one hour for the cleanse to be affective.

Assistance

You can drink an herbal laxative tea the night before to maximize the effects of the flush.

Results

You will experience several watery eliminations of your bowels for two or three hours after drinking the flush.

Maintenance

You can continue doing the salt water flush per week after you finish the master cleanse to help keep your digestive track clean.

Water Consumption While Dieting

Your body is composed of about 70 percent water, and you need to consume some type of liquid in order to survive, even when you are sedentary. When you are dieting, your water intake should go up to stave off hunger pains and keep your energy level high. As your diet progresses, water consumption becomes even more important as a way to help your kidneys and liver break down waste products from the elimination of fat and muscle.

Significance

Water serves many purposes during a diet. It will keep you from having intense food cravings by keeping you feeling fuller, and it will help your organs break down fat. If you are on a high fiber or high protein diet, you will need to drink more water to push waste out of your colon. The fact that water has zero calories will also help to keep you from drinking liquids that have more than zero calories.

Function

Water carries nutrients and waste from one part of your body to another, and if you are on a diet this function is magnified. Water also lubricates your joints and helps maintain youthful skin. Increasing your water intake while dieting will help flush your system of fats and toxins.

Benefits

According to freedrinkingwater.com, increasing your water intake lowers the amount of fat being stored by your body. Drinking clean water also lowers the toxic load on both your kidneys and your liver, and allows them to function more efficiently, aiding in the breakdown of fat deposits.

Recommendations

You should drink six to eight tall glasses of water per day while dieting, or half of your body weight in ounces daily. If you are on an extreme calorie restriction or a high protein or high fiber diet, you may need to consume up to your body weight in ounces of water daily in order to continue to push waste through your colon--and no cheating. According to F. Batmanghelidj in "Your Body's Many Cries for Water," drinking diet soda as a replacement for water causes your body's sugar receptors to open up, leading to food cravings and possibly weight gain.

Types

Water is the best fluid to drink while you are dieting, as substitutes will contain calories, sugar, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or caffeine (which dehydrates the body due to its diuretic effect). There is some debate about the health benefits of different types of water--tap water may contain chemicals, but it is possibly healthier than bottled water, which is less regulated. Filtered and distilled water are cleaner but may not contain essential minerals. Alkaline water may be beneficial for dieters but no studies have confirmed its usefulness in this regard. Overall drinking of any type of water is good for your diet and your health.

How to Do an Apple Cleansing Fast

This simple and effective cleansing fast, adapted from Edgar Cayce's "Handbook for Health," will make you feel great with minimal interruption to your normal life. We recommend you read "How to Understand an Apple Cleansing Fast" (see Related eHows) and consult your doctor before beginning this fast.

Instructions

1

Prepare for your fast by eating lightly the day prior to starting. Avoid the temptation to eat a big "last supper" the night before. Instead, have a green salad to brush your system clear and prepare your body.

2

Eat nothing but organic apples, red or yellow, for three full days. Drink plenty of water or apple juice as well.

3

Take two tablespoons of olive oil on the fourth day to aid in digestion and facilitate your movements following the fast.

4

Begin breaking the fast on the fourth day by drinking orange juice in the morning and eating a light meal of fruits and vegetables in the afternoon. By dinner you should be ready to add some light grains to your diet.

5

Eat regularly on the fifth day and return to a normal, healthy diet, and regular exercise schedule.

6

Repeat this cleansing diet once a month for two to three months to clear your entire alimentary canal, liver, kidneys and your system in general.

Five Ingredient Diet

The five ingredient diet was designed to accommodate actors' busy lifestyles while they were filming. Since the meals could only be eaten during short breaks while on set, they had to be quick and easy. The five ingredient diet is a meal that includes five ingredients one from each of the following categories: protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, fat and fluids, and which consists of eating five meals a day that take no more than five minutes to prepare. The diet is designed to reveal results in five weeks with five "cheat" days during that time period.

Five Ingredient Diet

The five ingredient diet focuses on providing a balanced meal consisting of lean protein such as chicken breast, fish or low-fat dairy; complex carbohydrates from fresh fruits and vegetables; fiber; healthy fats (unsaturated fats) and water or any other sugar-free beverage.

Five meals should be eaten a day including an ingredient from each of the five groups.

In addition to the diet, you should spend 25 minutes exercising five days a week for five weeks.

Every Sunday, you may indulge in a "cheat" day where you can eat whatever you like, but adhering to the five meal guideline.

Meal Guideline

The five meals should be eaten with a three to four hour gap in between each meal. In most cases, this will require you to eat your first meal as soon as you wake up to get in five meals a day before you go to sleep.

For breakfast, consider eating a sugar-free cereal that contains both protein and fiber topped with fresh fruit. Non-fat cottage cheese or sugar-free yogurt mixed with fresh fruit and granola are also good breakfast options.

For lunch, soups and salads make good choices. Also, you can make sandwiches using no-flour bread, tortilla for wraps or rice cakes.

For dinner, choose lean chicken, steak or fish for protein, a side of fresh vegetables like squash, broccoli, spinach or cauliflower, with brown or wild rice.

For the other two meals, consider having a protein shake, egg white omelette or sandwich.

Meal Preparation

The foods can be prepared within five minutes or less because you are using five or fewer ingredients for each meal. Additionally, you rely mainly on mixing, blending or toasting. For example, when preparing a yogurt parfait, you will be mixing yogurt with fresh fruit and granola, and in the case of making a shake you will blend the fruit and yogurt together with protein powder, both of which will take only five minutes or less. To prepare a sandwich you will only need to put your ingredients together, and toast the bread if desired. The only time you will need to cook something is when you have a raw piece of meat or fish and egg that needs to be prepared. These items will be prepared quickly because you will not be marinating these items, just using any dry spices during cooking time. As an alternative for preparing quick meals, find ready-made products or already grilled meats so ingredients can be put together quickly.

What to Expect During the Diet

The five factor diet is not a crash diet where you will shed pounds rapidly or within days. You can expect to lose between one to two pounds each week. The low glycemic index foods (high protein and fiber foods) keep blood sugar levels steady to keep hunger satisfied for a longer period of time to prevent you from overeating or snacking in between meals. Thus, the diet is designed to provide a healthy way to lose weight, approximately five to ten pounds, in a five week span. In most cases, if you are seeking to lose a substantial amount of weight, you will need to continue the diet for a longer period of time.

The diet is easy to make part of your daily routine because the ingredients are easy to find and the meals are easy to prepare.

What Is the Danger of Taking Diet Pills?

Diet pills--such as Fen-Fen and Dexatrim--have been used over the years to lose weight quickly. Diet pills have been a source of controversy because most diet pills aren't endorsed by medical doctors. Diet pills have been known to permanently damage the body. These pills have dangerous side effects and are often compared to amphetamines.

Anxiety or Nervousness

Because of the high doses of caffeine and ephedra, diet pills can make people feel anxious and nervous. Diet pills can make people feel like they just drank a cup of coffee because of the caffeinated feeling.

High Blood Pressure

Because diet pills raise metabolism quickly, they can also have an adverse effect on the heart. As a result, diet pills can cause elevated blood pressure levels.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Diet pills interrupt the body's natural cycle and don't absorb fat easily. Because of this, gastrointestinal issues can happen. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are common side effects associated with diet pills.

Heart Attacks

People could suffer from a heart attack if pills are taken for an extended period of time. Diets pills can cause an irregular heartbeat and increase metabolism very quickly, which could contribute to cardiac arrest.

Lowered Immune System

Diet pills deplete the body of proper nutrients from food. As a result of deficient nutrients, the immune system is compromised. People are more at risk to develop bacterial and viral infections.

Which Diet Pills Really Work to Lose a Lot of Weight?

With so many different diet pills on the market, it can be difficult to sort out the ones that work from the ones that do not. You may have already tried several different pills and found that they do not work the way the advertising claims or the benefits are not worth the side-effects. Here, we'll take a look at the most effective weight loss pills with the least amount of risks to your health.

Fat Blockers

If you are looking for a fat blocker, Alli is the one fat-blocking pill that has proved to be effective. When you follow the directions on the packaging and adhere to a low-fat eating plan, you will find that Alli truly does block the absorption of some of the fat you eat. The results are faster weight loss than you would experience from a low-fat diet alone. The trick to using Alli is in watching your fat intake. It is acceptable to eat a small amount of fat but an over-consumption can cause digestive issues such as cramping and diarrhea. Alli may be combined with other types of diet supplements, though it is imperative to consult with your physician before trying any supplement, whether alone or combined.

Thermogenics

If your goal is an extra fat-burning boost to your diet plan, thermogenics can help you. Thermogenics are essentially metabolic boosters. Many of these types of pills do work to speed the metabolism. The problem comes in with the safety of the ingredients. Ephedrine in all its forms is effective for burning extra calories and increasing energy, but misuse or an overabundance of ephedrine in diet supplements has also been known to cause heart palpitations and even death. Caffeine is a relatively safe ingredient, although it can make a person jittery and irritable, especially if one is sensitive to it.

One type of thermogenic ingredient has received positive feedback. Green tea is not just an antioxidant. It is also a metabolic stimulant. Pills that use green tea as a main thermogenic ingredient may aid in burning fat. Green tea is also touted as an appetite suppressant, though this claim is not as well-documented as its use as a thermogenic. Still, green tea may give a fat-burning boost to your weight loss plan. One pill that uses green tea as a source of all active ingredients is SlimStyles Green Tea Thermogenic Formula.

Appetite Suppressants

Are you having trouble with appetite control? You may want to try appetite suppressants. The most effective stand-alone appetite suppressant is available only by prescription. Phentermine does work but has limited benefits as it is never recommended for long-term use. There are risks of side-effects such as blurred vision, palpitations, dry mouth, sleeplessness, constipation and irritability. Certain health conditions may preclude the use of Phentermine. It is prescribed to those who need to lose more than a few pounds. If you are interested in trying it as an appetite suppressant, talk to your doctor.

As far as appetite suppressants go, the best and safest non-prescribed method is an increase in fiber intake. Fiber supplements that come in pill form, such as Metamucil or Citracal, can help you feel full faster and longer, but increasing your intake by eating fiber-rich foods is the best option.

Master Cleanse and IBS

The Master Cleanse is a popular detox diet designed to help you eliminate toxins that have built up in your body. Many people successfully lose weight on this program and find renewed energy and concentration levels. There are no real studies on the effects of the Master Cleanse for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Information is theoretical and testimonial accounts. As with any diet, consult your doctor before starting the Master Cleanse.

The Master Clease is known as the Lemonade Diet

Master Cleanse Basics

The Master Cleanse is a ten-day diet program with a very basic structure. You eliminate all solid food from your diet for ten days while consuming a lemonade concoction that contains water, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. During the cleanse you may also drink herbal tea and a salt water solution to stimulate bowel elimination. At the end of the ten days, you should ease back into eating solid foods, starting with broths and juices and working your way to high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables.

IBS Basics

IBS is a disorder of the colon that leads to cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. There are several triggers that can exacerbate symptoms including diet, alcohol and smoking. Those with IBS should eat a diet high in fiber and stay away from spicy and fatty foods that can irritate the colon. Chocolate, caffeinated beverages and dairy are also triggers for IBS.

Cleanse Goal

The goal of a cleanse is to help your body restore itself to its maximum metabolic state. Those who need to lose weight often do so because of the reduction of calories and solid food. But the true goal is to revive your daily energy and mental acuity. For those with IBS, the goal is the same, perhaps with a secondary goal to help reduce IBS symptoms.

The Theory

The theory that the Master Cleanse can help those with IBS, or at least allow them to do the cleanse without IBS aggravation, has a sensible foundation. Remember this is only a theory and has not been studied or substantiated by the medical community, but is put forth in the book The Master Cleanse by Stanley Burroughs. Those who suffer from IBS are trying to regulate bowel movement and prevent aggravation of IBS symptoms. You are not smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages while on the cleanse. In fact while on the Master Cleanse you are eliminating everything that is a potential trigger, with one exception: cayenne pepper.

Cayenne Pepper Potential Problem

The purpose of the cayenne pepper in the Master Cleanse is to help flush mucus out by breaking it up. The amount of cayenne used in the lemonade is minimal, but this is a spicy ingredient that may lead to triggering IBS. The cayenne is not in the concoction for nutritional purposes and theoretically you can still flush out the toxins without the aid of cayenne. Each person is different and those with IBS have different tolerances. Always talk to your doctor to see what the risks and benefits would be.

How to Lose Weight Through A Colon Cleansing Diet

A colon cleansing diet is based on the concept of eating healthy to avoid overworking the colon. An overworked colon results in pounds of undigested food and waste building up in the intestines. In practice, the diet requires many of the same commitments as any other weight-loss program, though with an increased focus on aiding digestion and flushing the colon.

Instructions

1

Eliminate foods which are heavy in chemicals. The worst and most obvious offenders are junk food, fast food and pre-packaged food. Keep in mind that many "fresh" products are often full of additives as well -- beef contains growth hormone, fish pick up chemicals from their environment, and mass-produced fruits and vegetables are full of pesticides. Also, cut out harmful drinks, which include coffee, soda and alcohol.

2

Replace those unwanted items with small to moderate amounts of natural, organic foods. Fruits and vegetables should be favored, particularly those with high water contents. A special focus should be given to in-taking enough fiber. This is responsible for softening stools and ensuring regular bowel movements, which keeps toxic waste matter from building up. Water is a universal solvent and helps prevent constipation. You should consume at least six to eight glasses per day, but it is not necessary to go very far beyond those standard recommended levels. Strong herbal teas are also recommended, as are such herbs as rhubarb, psyllium, chickweed, peppermint and Slippery Elm. Speak with your doctor or nutritionist before taking herbs.

3

Stay active. In order for any diet to work in a healthy and effective manner, it must be done in concert with a physically active lifestyle. This can include anything from making sure you walk for half an hour each day to adding household chores to your schedule to more rigorous working out. Physical activity helps you lose weight as well as keep the body's systems working properly.

4

The final idea involved in colon cleansing diets is optional and more controversial. Since the diet started to be publicized, a number of dietary supplements claim to help clean the intestinal walls and increase effects of the actual diet. Some people go further and begin to take laxatives or go to specialists for enemas or colon irrigation.

Many people claim that the supplements are no more effective than a healthy, fiber-filled diet. Enemas and irrigation are less controversial, but can sometimes bring unpleasant side-effects. These can include nausea, dizziness and infection, as well as a number of potential allergic reactions. While you don't have to avoid all these options, they do require careful research to see if they're right for you.

The combination of a healthy, natural diet and regular exercise remains the safest, most sustainable way to maintain a healthy colon and lose weight.

How Often Do You Need to Cleanse Your Colon?

The average person does not ever need to cleanse his colon because the colon does a very good job of cleaning itself, according to best-selling author Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld. According to the Mayo Clinic, the only medical reasons a doctor would prescribe a colon cleanse is as preparation for colonoscopies or some kinds of surgeries.

Medical Procedures

For colonoscopies or most kinds of major surgery, it is necessary that the digestive system is absolutely empty. In this way, chances of catching an infection are greatly lessened. Even if the surgeon is working around the digestive system, an accidental incision or the patient suddenly vomiting during surgery may spill undigested food into the surgical site and cause infection. For emergencies, the patient may be given a barium enema to perform certain diagnostic tests. Otherwise, either an enema or oral laxatives are given to empty the entire digestive system.

Kidney Problems

Rosenfeld claims that some patients experiencing kidney problems have trouble eliminating toxins such as potassium from the body. Those patients may need a colon cleanse in the form of an enema to help the kidneys perform their filtering job. Over-the-counter enemas work well in these types of situations, but the doctor may prescribe an enema. Some doctors may add other ingredients to the enema such as licorice, milk, molasses, sesame or milk to help the body absorb the enema more easily or to make it more soothing to the bowel.

Warnings

The Mayo Clinic warns that using colon-cleansing products may do more harm than good because they put the digestive system into overdrive and may cause diarrhea to an extent that a person becomes dehydrated. If someone decides to use a colon-cleansing product, she should at least be sure she is drinking plenty of fresh water to keep from being dehydrated. Patients should also write down all of the ingredients in the product before using. They can ask their doctors or check online to see if the ingredients can affect any medications they may be taking.

System Cleansing Diet

A system cleansing diet can help get a sluggish digestive system moving again and rid the body of built-up toxins that can cause conditions such as acne, weight gain, digestive disorders and fatigue. A cleansing diet is relatively simple to follow and is a good first step to a healthier lifestyle.

When to Cleanse

Cleansing diets can be used at any time during year to provide energy and give your system a rest from the toxins that constantly assail your liver and digestive system. Some of the signs that your system could benefit from a cleanse are fatigue, feeling bloated, headaches, skin ailments, gas and constipation.

A system cleansing diet is often a good idea before a lifestyle change such as eating a healthier diet and starting an exercise program. The diet can be a psychological motivator, too.

Cleansing Diet

To choose the right plan for your system cleanse, you should examine the ingredients and the length of time required to complete the cleanse. Some cleansing diets can last for weeks and others can be accomplished in a weekend. Fasting is often a part of a system cleansing diet, but there are herbal preparations that will eliminate the toxins in a short time that will not require days of fasting.

The lemonade diet or lemon cleansing diet requires you to drink a mixture of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days. Nothing else can be consumed during this period. You will lose weight on the diet, and proponents cite a number of other benefits as well. More energy, clear skin and an overall feeling of good health are the benefits that are claimed with this diet.

Side Effects

A cleansing diet may produce headaches, skin eruptions, bad breath and body odor. This is the result of eliminating the toxins from your body. Experiencing these symptoms is a sign that the diet is working.

Difference Between Grade A & Grade B Pure Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup is made from the collected sugar-water tree sap of the sugar maple, which is then reduced by evaporating the water until the sugar content is 67 percent or greater. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created a grading system for maple syrup, which has more to do with the syrup's consistency than its quality. Most maple syrup is Grade A or Grade B, with differences between them based on a number of factors. Does this Spark an idea?

Coloring and Flavoring

Grade A maple syrup is divided into three sub-grades: Light Amber, Medium Amber and Dark Amber. Grade B is darker still. Typically, the darker the color of the syrup, the more intense the flavor. All Grade A and B syrups are safe for consumption, but Grade A syrups are usually considered "table grade," with the majority of table syrups being Grade A Medium or Dark Amber.

Usage

Grade A maple syrups are the ones most widely used on our pancakes and waffles, while the more intense Grade B is more often used as a cooking ingredient -- much like some wines are considered better for cooking than for drinking. Additionally, because of its light mild flavor, Grade A Light Amber (sometimes called Fancy Grade) is often used by bakers in the production of maple-flavored candies or creams. Some consumers prefer Grade B for table use as a personal taste preference.

Sap Collection

Late winter is considered the best time for the maple sap collection season, which takes place over several weeks beginning in March. The later in the season the sap is collected, the darker and more robust the syrup is likely to be. Grade A Light Amber is usually collected at the beginning of the season, while Grade B is collected toward the end of the season.

Sugar Content

For the benefit of those monitoring specific sugars in their diet, a 2004 study done at the University of Vermont compared the combination's of fructose, glucose and sucrose sugars in maple syrup. Predictably, the darker and more intense the syrup, the higher the total sugar content was, ranging roughly from 67 percent for Grade A Light to 69 percent for Grade B, with sucrose being the main form of sugar. However, the fructose and glucose contents differed according to grade, with the lowest amount of fructose being in Grade A Light, higher in Grade B, and highest in Grade A Medium, which is the most common table grade. Glucose levels generally decreased from light to dark.

Cayenne Pepper Cleansing Diet Information

The cayenne pepper diet, also called the Master Cleanse, the maple syrup diet and the lemonade diet, is often used by celebrities to lose weight, most notably Beyonce Knowles. Stanley Burroughs created the diet, which he thought could cure people of some illnesses.

Function

The purposes of the cayenne pepper diet, also called the lemonade diet, are to cleanse the digestive system of toxins, reduce weight or alleviate health problems. Burroughs thought many health problems were directly caused by poor diet and a buildup of toxins in the body.

Time Frame

The diet takes 10 days.

Directions

Mix 2 tbsp. organic lemon or lime juice with 2 tbsp. real maple syrup, B or C grade, 1/10 of a tsp. of cayenne pepper and 8 oz. of filtered water. Shake and drink throughout the day.

Food Consumption

The Master Cleanse is a fasting diet. The Health and Light Institute recommends drinking plenty of liquid to avoid dehydration while on the diet. Juice and broth are also acceptable while on the diet.

Side Effects

Side effects include feeling cold, tired, nauseous, hungry, dizzy or extremely emotional.

Breaking the Fast

Slowly reintroduce food back into your diet on the first day after the fast. Broth and juice drinks are recommended.

Low Iodine Diet & Peanut Butter

According to information from the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, a low-iodine diet is often prescribed during the treatment process for thyroid cancer. As the thyroid utilizes the majority of the iodine absorbed by the body, a low-iodine diet effectively "starves" it of iodine, making it more susceptible to be damaged when followed by a later injection of radioactive iodine into the body. Thus, it is important to fully comply with the requirements of a low-iodine diet, including its recommendations on the consumption of peanut butter.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid foods which are unacceptably high in iodine content. While all foods contain some amounts of iodine, certain foods contain disproportionately high amounts of the substance. According to information from the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, these foods include iodized salt, sea salt, seafood, other sea vegetables (kelp, seaweed, and the like), all dairy products, foods containing the ingredients agar-agar, nori, algin, alginate, or carrageenan (common additives for foods such as jelly, soup and sauce, so be sure to read food labels carefully to avoid these products), egg yolk, commercial breads (homemade breads are fine), chocolate, soy products, beans, potato skin, and foods containing the additive red dye 3.

Beyond that, limit your consumption of meats, grains and rices. While not entirely forbidden, they contain larger amounts of iodine that can easily add up. Consume no more than five ounces of meat per day, four servings of grain, and two servings of rice.

Foods to Consume

Eat the following foods without restriction while following a low-iodine diet. Fresh fruits, fruit juices, fresh veggies, unsalted nuts (and nut butters, like peanut butter), condiments such as jelly, honey, sugar, syrup, and molasses, herbs and spices, oils made from vegetables, and beverages such as non-instant coffee, tea, colas, lemonade, and alcohols. Finally, note that when dealing with peanut butter, you should remember to always check the label to ensure that salt has not been added to the product.

Acidic Levels in Different Sodas

Acidity within liquids is measured using the pH scale. Closer to 1 indicates more acidity, closer to 10 indicates more alkalinity and 7 is considered neutral. Fresh water is the closest substance to neutral, hovering just above or below 7. The different body fluids we possess range from 4.5 and 7.5 pH, with the blood slightly alkaline at 7.35 to 7.45 pH. The average acidic level in different sodas is approximately 3 pH -- highly acidic. Add this to my Recipe Box.

HFCS Soda

HFCS, also know as high fructose corn syrup, is a man-made chemical that is made from corn. HFCS can be preserved more easily than natural sugar, is cheaper to manufacture and is found in nearly every soda and sweet on the market today. The average acidity level of an HFCS soda like Coke or Pepsi is 2.5 pH. This is extremely acidic considering tap water has a pH level of 7.5 -- near neutral on the pH scale.

Diet Soda

Diet sodas posses a slightly less acidic pH level of 3 to 3.5. This does not make diet sodas any safer to drink, however. The average blood pH level must remain within an alkaline range of 7.35 to 7.45 pH. Drinking diet or HFCS sodas alters the chemistry of your blood by spiking the acid levels. In response, the body pulls minerals like calcium from your bones to absorb the acids. The danger arises when you drink soda frequently, which depletes the minerals in your body and increases the pH level of your body -- a condition that has been linked to increased risk of cancer and other diseases that require high acid levels to thrive.

Least Acidic Sodas

Mug Root Beer, Diet 7-Up, Diet Mountain Dew, Sprite and Diet Coke have the lowest acidic pH levels of the sodas tested, with 4.038, 3.706, 3.365, 3.298 and 3.289 respectively.

Moving down to sodas with more acidity, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Diet Dr Pepper and Slice Orange have pH levels ranging from 3.229 and 3.202 to 3.169 and 3.059.

Most Acidic Sodas

Dropping down below 3 pH, Diet Pepsi, Lemon Nestea, Dr Pepper, Squirt, Lemon Brisk, Pepsi, Coke and Cherry Coke have high acidic levels of 3.031, 2.969, 2.899, 2.898, 2.868, 2.530, 2.525 and 2.522 pH levels respectively.

The king of acidity, RC Cola, possesses a pH level of 2.387.

How Does Diet Affect Blood Pressure?

What Is Blood Pressure?

One of the first things your doctor is likely going to prescribe if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure is a change in your diet. Many patients can control their blood pressure problems almost completely with dietary restrictions. However, many do not know why they need to make these changes. Sometimes this lack of knowledge can cause them to be unmotivated to make the necessary changes. Understanding how the food you eat affects your blood pressure starts with understanding what blood pressure is. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood in your body as it pushes against the walls of the blood vessels. When this pressure is too high, it puts stress on the blood vessels, arteries and heart. Few people know what actually causes high blood pressure, but it can be treated with dietary changes.

The Effect of Salt on Blood Pressure

Salt is the main culprit when it comes to foods that increase blood pressure. Foods that are high in salt are also high in sodium. When you eat too much sodium, the body knows that it needs to flush out some of this mineral, and therefore it retains water to clean itself out. When you are already suffering from high blood pressure, this water retention can make it rise even higher. On the other hand, reducing your salt and sodium intake can help your body release some of this water, and this may help lower your blood pressure.

The Effect of Fat and Calories on Blood Pressure

A heart-healthy diet is also one that is low in fat and calories. Fat and calories do not directly affect blood pressure, but they indirectly affect it. A diet that is high in fat and calories will cause most people to gain weight. Being overweight is one risk factor for high blood pressure. Blood pressure will rise and fall with your weight, and the amount of fat in your diet will contribute to this. Studies have shown that losing even 10 pounds will lower blood pressure dramatically for those who have been diagnosed with hypertension.

Other Foods That Effect Blood Pressure

Alcohol and caffeine also affect blood pressure. No one knows exactly why, but increased alcohol consumption causes blood pressure to rise. Those who are working to control their blood pressure should only consume one or two alcoholic beverages a day. Of course, alcohol also contains empty calories that can increase weight gain. Caffeine is another food that causes increases in blood pressure, even for those who do not have problems with hypertension. This spike in blood pressure is particularly dangerous for people who rarely consume caffeine, as the blood pressure spikes can be quite high for these people. Soft drinks seem to be the most dangerous sources of caffeine for those watching their blood pressure, but research has not yet been able to prove why.

Directions for the Lemonade Cleanse

Also known as the "Master Cleanse," the Lemonade Diet was invented by Stanley Burroughs in the 1940s. Popular with celebrities, the Lemonade Diet is intended to rid the body of the toxins that processed food and stress can create, but is largely used for weight loss. The strict liquid diet is made up of three phases designed to ease the body into detoxification and a healthier lifestyle.

Instructions

1

Prepare the body and mind for the main phase of the Lemonade Diet. The diet includes a three-day ease-in period where solid foods are gradually fazed out. On the first day, remove all processed foods, meat and dairy from the diet. On the second day, drink only juices or soups and broths. On the third day, drink only orange juice.

2

Begin the Lemonade Diet on the fourth day. Mix the lemonade drink using the ingredients listed under "Things You'll Need." Make and consume the drink six to 12 times a day, depending on your calorie needs and hunger level. You may also drink filtered water throughout the day. No solid foods can be eaten while in this phase of the diet.

3

Take two senna laxatives per day, one in the morning and one at night. As an alternative to the morning laxative, you may also do a salt water flush. This consists of mixing 1 tablespoon of sea salt with 1 liter of room temperature filtered water. The salt water flush will have the same effect on the body as a laxative.

4

Follow the main phase of the Lemonade Diet for four to 14 days. The last day of the diet will depend on your personal goals and tolerance level.

5

End the cleanse by easing back into normal eating. The ease-out phase of the diet is the same as the ease-in phase, but in reverse. Start by drinking only orange juice, moving to other juices and soups or broths, then begin eating solid, healthy foods again.

Effects of Pomegranate Juice

The pomegranate fruit is highly concentrated in a barrage of phytochemicals, vitamins and antioxidants that make it a healthy and beneficial addition to your diet. It can help combat erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The fruit is generally marketed as juice, though the authenticity and health benefits of brands vary. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Phytochemicals and Polyphenols

The word phytochemical literally means 'plant chemical.' Phytochemicals act as a shield for the environment against things such as ultraviolet light, and in return, plants protect us from such harmful effects. Polyphenols, merely one type of phytochemical prominent in pomegranate juice, are rich in antioxidants and tannins. The tannins add the rich purple color of the juice and also provide its slightly tart taste.

Vitamins

Pomegranate juice holds some of the most essential vitamins of your daily intake. The juice includes Vitamin C, which provides calcium, A which is generally taken to maintain a healthy immune system and vision, E, which combats free radicals and helps maintain healthy skin, and folic acid (Vitamin B) which supports the body's ability to produce red blood cells.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help the body combat a variety of things, including fighting against free radicals which are linked to disease. Pomegranate juice contains not only polyphenols, which have a high concentration of antioxidant properties, but also ellagic acid, which consists of anti-carcinogen and anti-fibrosis properties.

Pomegranate juice has the highest antioxidant content among juices and other beverages, including red wine, which is known for its high antioxidant levels.

Preventative Benefits

With such winning combinations and elements, pomegranate juice can help prevent many diseases such as prostate cancer. The American Association for Cancer Research has found positive results in recent research on the matter, including the lowering of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) times which indicates slower progression of the disease.

Tests have also been conducted on patients with erectile dysfunction, and when given 100 percent pomegranate juice as opposed to a placebo, those tested were 50 percent more likely to improve. Cardiovascular patients with coronary heart disease also showed improvement levels of up to 17 percent when given 100 percent pomegranate juice.

Warning

While there's a variety of pomegranate juices, in order to receive a pure and natural product with the highest concentration of antioxidants, you should be cautious. While some products claim to be healthy, they include a variety of additives and preservatives. Look for the brand POM Wonderful, which consists of 100 percent pomegranate juice and is available in supermarkets.

How Does Cayenne Pepper Help With Digestion?

Many cultures have used cayenne pepper to aid digestion and improve digestive health for thousands of years, and cayenne is still used for that purpose today. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin--the same chemical that causes a burning sensation when hot peppers are eaten.

Stimulating Digestion

Capsaicin in cayenne and other chiles increases blood flow, stimulates the muscles in the digestive track and speeds up digestion. The stomach and intestines respond to capsaicin by producing important digestive juices that increase digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Hot and Healthy

The warming and burning sensation that burns the tongue also stimulates blood flow, and the excretion of digestive juices is caused by the nervous system's reaction to capsaicin. Capsaicin causes nerves to produce a compound known as substance P. Substance P sends pain signals to the brain.

Bacteria and Parasites

Certain bacteria and intestinal parasites hinder digestion and can cause health problems. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is a naturally occurring disinfectant and can help the body fight bad bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract.

Cancer Killer?

Recent studies have shown that capsaicin causes prostate cancer cells to self-destruct. This important discovery advanced the fight against cancer and can help men who suffer from digestive problems due to prostate cancer.

Use With Caution

Cayenne has many benefits but should be used with caution. Too much capsaicin can cause intense pain, stomach aches and digestive discomfort. The pain feels real, but cayenne and other hot chiles are harmless and healthy.

How to Combine Food With the Lemonade Diet

The Lemonade Diet is a detox program designed to cleanse your system and help you lose weight. Different people incorporate the diet for varying amounts of time. However, it typically lasts two days and consists of only consuming lemon juice, Grade B maple syrup, cayenne pepper, water and unrefined sea salt. While combining food throughout the entire process would eliminate its purpose, you can combine food with the beginning and the end of the Lemonade Diet to ease your body into and off the diet.

Instructions

1

Eat only fruits and vegetables on the first day of the diet. This will ease your body into what it will be going through over the course of the diet. The fruits and vegetables should be raw, if possible. Since you can't consume dressings at this point, pick fruits and vegetables you enjoy eating by themselves. You don't want to make the process any more difficult than it has to be.

2

Drink three liters of orange juice with two tbsp. of grade B maple syrup in it throughout the second day.

3

Decide how long you want to detox. Most people detox only for two days. During these days, you can only consume two liters of lemonade over the course of each day. To make this lemonade, combine 14 tbsp. lemon juice, 14 tbsp. grade B maple syrup, 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper and two liters of water. Drink from the lemonade when you feel hunger pains. In the evening of each day, mix 1 tbsp. unrefined sea salt into one liter of water and drink it at one time to flush out your system.

4

Drink three liters of orange juice mixed with two tbsp. of grade B maple syrup over the course of the first day after you have finished detoxing.

5

Eat only fruits and vegetables on the second day after completion of detox. The fruits and vegetables should be raw, if possible. Pick fruits and vegetables you enjoy eating by themselves.

6

Eat only fruits, vegetables and non-processed foods during the third day after you have stopped detoxing. Grains such as brown rice and oats will help to ease you back into your regular diet.

How to Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Weeks Just like Beyonce

Just like Beyonce, You too can lose up to 20 pounds in just 2 Weeks. While getting ready for her star role in "Dream Girls" Beyonce Knowls lost a staggering 20 pounds in just 2 short weeks by going on the Master Cleanse Diet. Beyonce lost her weight for her movie, what is your reason? Want to look good?, cleanse your body of toxins?, Or maybe just lose that baby weight. Whatever the reason, it can be done. And if you need support, we can do it together.

Instructions

1

Gather all the ingredients together on a clean counter top.
1 table spoon
1 Fresh Organic Lemon or Lime
Cayenne Pepper
Grade A or B Maple Syrup
8oz of distilled room temperature water
100% Sea Salt

2

Take 2 Tablespoons lemon or limejuice (approx. lemon) and pour it into the 8oz of distilled water

3

Take 2 Tablespoons genuine maple syrup (Not maple flavored sugar syrup) and pour it into the 8oz of distilled water

4

Take 1/10 Teaspoon cayenne pepper (red pepper) or to taste, and mix it in the 8 oz of distilled water

5

Combine the juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a 10 oz glass jar w/lid and fill with the water.
Shake it up and drink. (Cold water may be used if preferred.)
Use fresh (organic) lemons or limes only, never canned lemon or limejuice nor frozen lemonade or
frozen juice.

About Natural Body Cleansing

Fasting with the aid of herbs helps to cleanse the body. Many herbs have natural cleansing properties and can be incorporated into a natural detox program. Helping the body to flush waste promotes overall health. Used to complement a detoxifying fast, herbs promote healthy blood and organ functions and relieve symptoms of impurities in the system. (All medical statements and fasting regimens in this article are cited from Balch, James., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, New York: Avery, 2000.)

Significance

Fasting with herb remedies can promote the body's innate ability to purify toxins. Herbal detoxing helps the body naturally to remove harmful impurities without the side effects of harsher cleansing methods. Fasting is a generally safe and effective way to help the body move through its low cycles more quickly and with less discomfort. Fasting gives the body a break from digesting foods, allowing it to heal better from allergies, some colon problems and poor respiratory health. Fasting facilitates the body's natural cleansing abilities.

Function

When fasting, many cleansing activities occur. The body continues its normal excretion of toxins and experiences reduced influx of new toxins. Overall toxicity lessens.The energy usually directed to digestion redirects to promote increased immune function, cell growth and waste elimination functions. Toxic chemicals from various external sources are shed. The body becomes more sensitive to negative diet and environmental influences.

Benefits

Because of the ways that fasting functions, the body experiences many benefits. A fasting cleanse can help decrease healing times. Fasting cleanses the liver, colon and kidneys. Some people lose water weight. The eyes and tongue clear and the breath freshens. To reap lasting benefits from fasting with herbs, fast between 3 to 5 days monthly. Perform a 10-day fast, twice annually.

Types

Fasts are recommended at various points to promote and maintain health. Three-day fasts aid the body's naturally occurring purifying abilities and purifies the blood. Five-day fasts initiate healing and strengthen the immune system. Ten-days fasts are the grand-daddies of body cleansing. A 10-day fast can stop potential illnesses before they occur. The immune system is strengthened, helping to stave off degenerative diseases that are the result of environmental pollutants.

Herbs

A variety of herbs complement a cleansing fast. Herbs can be used in various ways. You can drink herbal teas during a fast, usually as many cups as desired. Suggested teas include chamomile (do not use if allergic to ragweed), red clover and rosehips to help the liver and flush impurities from the bloodstream. You may drink a blend of 2 parts each echinacea and pau d'arco and 1 part unsweetened organic cranberry juice. Drink four times daily to rebuild the immune system and promote healthy bladder function. (Do not take echinacea if suffering from autoimmune disorders.) Peppermint tea calms and eases indigestion. Ingest garlic capsules or garlic extract twice a day. This helps flush parasites from the colon.

Precautions

Always consult a physician before beginning a fast and before using any herbs. Never go on a water fast, which works too quickly and causes physical problems. The best fast is a live-juice diet, which cleanses, gives the body necessary nutrients, and promotes healing. Certain health conditions such as diabetes and hypoglycemia require a doctor's supervision. Never fast when pregnant or lactating. Fasting is not a quick fix to the buildup of years of toxins in the system. The body will feel healthy, but it takes time.