The 3 day juice detox is so successful because it works quickly and is relatively easy to do.  For this approach, you should drink only fresh juices and no solid food for three days.  You will need fresh foods of organic fruits and vegetables, a juicer machine, some juice recipes, and most of all a desire to start a healthier lifestyle.

Important Preparation

Before your three day cleansing diet it is important to prepare.  For the week preceeding the cleanse, gradually eliminate all sources of caffeine, and meat from your diet.  This will make the juice detox process easier with less side effects.  Since the diet will consist of raw vegetable juices, begin eating some raw foods to adjust your body to experiencing beneficial foods.

Alkaline is Best

The reason that this total body cleanse works so well is that the juice drinks will have alkaline properties.  Vegetables, especially green leafy ones actually create an environment in your body which makes it difficult for disease to thrive.  After three days of juicing, your body will be prepared to better handle the toxins that are already inside.  The colon, liver, kidneys, lung, and skin will flush toxins out and you will begin to feel improvements in some of your symptoms.

Experts have been recommending juice cleansing and fasting for many, many years.  When done with care, this detox method is a safe way to feel better and begin a healthier life.

Detox diets vary.  The basic premise behind them is to temporarily abstain from certain foods believed to contain “toxins,” such as meat, sugar, certain grains, dairy products and caffeine.  Typically a detox diet begins with a diet of raw vegetables and  fruits,  freshly prepared juices, and water.  In addition, some detoxification diets advocate using herbal and colon cleansing products to help the functions of the liver and colon.  The duration of such programs often ranges between 7 to 10 days,  These regimes  are not intended for long term use as they often involve a great deal of calorie restriction.

Research, planning, and discussing with a qualified health professional is recommended.  Extreme diets, such as the master cleanse, or diets which involve “miracle” pills to shed pounds or burn toxins are not recommended here.  Such diets can cause moderate to severe side effects that may or may not be immediately apparent.  Early side effects of a detox diet  include headaches. Though this may be a reaction to removal of caffeine, it should be watched closely.  Prolonged fasting or severe calorie restriction can result in anemia, low blood sugar and irregular heartbeats.

After a detox diet involving juice or other methods, it is wise to return to a healthy, natural diet based on whole grains, fruits/vegetables, lean proteins and unsaturated fats.  This will help to maintain the benefits experienced while detoxing.

Don’t be too quick to believe the headlines about quick fixes, laxatives and pills, or extreme diets.  Healthy detoxification and cleansing is to be approached seriously and consistently.  There are many aspects to detoxing, and many methods for doing so.  I personally recommend that you begin with a healthy diet of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables.  Raw foods are most beneficial, but an entire diet of raw food may seem extreme to some people.  One of the best tasting ways to introduce raw fruits and vegetables into your diet is through blending and juicing.  (For some starter recipes, try these juice cleanse recipes.) Start with one juice in the morning and try that for a month.  You’ll probably notice a subtle improvement in your digestion and energy levels.  That’s a great start!  Now you’re ready to move on to a periodic juice cleanse which involves one to five days of consuming only fresh juice.

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So what does a periodic juice cleanse mean?  It’s a form of colon detoxification which requires abstaining from solid foods and drinking only juice.  How can this be a detox method?  Basically this method supports the body in eliminating toxins because it provides the body with raw plant foods containing the vitamins and minerals necessary to good health.  Juice contains no solid food to digest, so digestion occurs quickly and naturally.  No magic pill here, just basic nutrition that the body can handle.

Juicing is one way to help the body cleanse itself, but the body uses several channels of elimination to maintain health.  Some of these are discussed in my intro to a total body detox post.

Instead of working out during your fast or cleanse, try a more relaxed approach and pamper yourself.  If you are looking to release toxins through the skin try these helpful tips:

• Dry Brush – In the morning before showering, dry brush your skin with a body brush for 5 minutes.  This will help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase circulation in the body thus encouraging the detox process.
• Hot/Cold Shower -  When showering, alternate the water temperature between hot (whatever is normal for you) and cold water.  One minute at each temperature and do this a couple of times to invigorate the body.
• Easy Exercise – Instead of a heavy weightlifting workout, try stretching exercises and take an easy stroll around the neighborhood to keep limber and support healthy circulation and digestion.

Watch the following video for examples of beginning yoga stretching:

BEGINNING YOGA FOR STRETCH AND STRENGTH – CLASS 1

“Should I continue taking vitamin supplements while juice detoxing?”

The short answer is no.  Vitamin supplements are not necessary while on this type of diet.  The theory is that if you are juicing correctly you will be consuming enough nutrients to maintain proper health especially for the short duration of the detox.  By taking additional vitamins in pill form, you may actually be taking too much of any given vitamin.  Also the pills may be harder for your body to digest and that is why some are suggested to be taken with food to alleviate any stomach issues. 

Your body may have particular needs or restrictions in regards to juicing, especially if you are currently experiencing health issues.  If you are currently taking prescription medications, do not discontinue.  In any of these cases it is advised that you contact a qualified health practitioner to assist you through the detox. 

While vitamins boost the health of the body, they are usually taken when a deficiency exists. Juicing is a safe and healthy way to help the body’s natural healing process for achieving total wellness and balance.  Both should be used with logic and careful planning.