10 Day Liquid Detox

Using a liquid detox may be a good way to eliminate body toxins, increase energy and restore the body's natural metabolic rate. Many detox programs work over a few-day period, but there are 10-day liquid detox programs that are thorough, while providing you the energy and nutrients to remain healthy.

Prepare for Hunger

For those of us who enjoy eating three regular meals (or more) a day, eliminating whole food products from our diet for 10 days can seem daunting. Dealing with constant hunger pangs through the course of the detox suggests that you did not prepare your body for the lack of food.
Detox programs such as the Master Cleanse suggest taking a week before the detox to prepare your body. The way this is accomplished is to consume only raw fruits and vegetables. You may start with a light dressing for a day, but then should only use a fresh lemon juice dressing if any at all. This will prepare your digestive track for less bulk coming through and nutrient absorption.

The Liquid

Shorter detox programs may suggest only water. A 10-day detox requires you provide more nutritional substance to your body to maintain energy and health. Some detox programs suggest using only fresh-squeezed juices. Adding fresh herbs will increase the nutritional and medicinal effect of the cleanse. Use fruits high in antioxidants such as citrus, blueberries, acai berries, passion fruit and strawberries. Juice loses it's antioxidant properties quickly after being squeezed, so be sure to make the juice often and as close to consumption as possible.
The Master Cleanse uses a lemon mixture with cayenne (to help remove mucous) and maple syrup. This provides all the nutrients your body will need over the 10 days, according the to program.

Safety Issues

It is common to have a period during a cleanse where you feel worse than anticipated. You are trying to remove toxins for better health and well-being but instead you feel sluggish and sick. This is because your fat cells are releasing toxins as they are being metabolized. Continue to stay the course of fluids to release these. Be careful not to consume too much water (no more than three liters per day) to prevent electrolyte imbalance. Consult with your doctor as to whether or not you are healthy enough to do a cleanse. There are many who strongly disagree with the use of cleansing and instead recommend a healthy balanced diet with exercise to allow the body to do what it is designed to do.