Following a detox diet as a means for cleansing and purifying one's body and mind is a common practice in many cultures since hundreds or even thousands of years. Living a modern life makes detoxing even more important than it ever was. Stress, overeating, fast food, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, too much work without enough sleep etc create an ongoing need for cleaning up our bodies on a regular base. What detox diet should we follow or what's the best detox diet?

Reasons for following a detox diet:

Get in better shape

Lose weight

Eliminate toxins

Benefits of detox diets:

Improved metabolism and digestion

Overall feeling of well being. No more depressions

A stable blood sugar level

Increased concentration and mental focus

Rejuvenation and renewal

Clearer and fairer skin

More energy

What the best detox diet is for you depends on what your goals are. Do you just want to detoxify your body, do you want to lose weight or do you want a combination of both?

There are many detox diets. It's up to you to choose which suits your lifestyle and preference.

Juice diet

Only drink juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrot, spinach, celery, cabbage, apple, pineapple or cranberry. (No citrus fruits) A juice diet is an effective way of discharging toxins and for fast weight loss at the same time. One may drop 30-40 lbs in 30 days.

Usually the duration of a juice diet is 1-3 days. Medical advice and careful assessment is required for longer fasting.

Only water diet

Only water is consumed during a water diet. Only water lets the digestive tract and organs rest completely and flushes toxins out of your body. Medical advice is required for longer fasting.

Lifetime diet

Instead of picking up the usual eating habits after a juice or water diet, one may decide to follow a diet for life. A healthy diet for a lifetime should consist of whole grains, beans and lentils, brown rice, potatoes, honey, fresh fish, unsalted nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid red meat, eggs, foods with saturated fats and refined sugars, processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces, cigarettes, alcohol and coffee.

For a maximum effect a lifetime detox diet should be combinated with regular exercising. Exercising stimulates sweating thus eliminating toxins through your skin. It improves your metabolism and aids in your overall detoxification.

Sauna,yoga exercises and contrast showers also enhance the body's natural cleansing process.

Detox diets are a safe way to clean your body of toxins. Detoxing can help clear dead cells, wastes and revitalize the natural functions as well as the healing capacities of the body.

However, some side effects may occur within the first days of dieting. Especially when following an extreme diet like the juice or water diet. Headaches, diarrhea and a general feeling of weakness are common when the body is adjusting to the changes in food intake. Therefore it's best to start a detox diet at the end of a week, when one is free of duties.

Unless approved by a health professional or dietist, people suffering from anemia, eating disorders, low blood pressure, low immunity, heart diseases, ulcers or cancers should not engage in a detox diet. During pregnancy women should also avoid detoxing.