Cleanse/Detox Questions

2

Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    BramageOMG wrote: »
    Detox/Cleanse Diet: lower in calories; cut out refined sugars, soda, packaged foods and unhealthy snacks, sodium, alcohol, and anything cooked. Encourage lots of fruits, vegetables, water, and tea. Remove all processed foods from your diet.

    What does this detox or cleanse, exactly?
  • svgomez1241
    svgomez1241 Posts: 12 Member
    I'm not looking for a magic potion to help me loose weight or to help me look good. I just want to be healthy. Maybe I didn't title this correctly since I'm not specifically looking for a detox/cleanse. I should've phrased it differently. But thanks for the honesty. It's always appreciated. I'm just trying to get back on track the healthy train.
  • svgomez1241
    svgomez1241 Posts: 12 Member
    yesimpson wrote: »
    yesimpson wrote: »
    Drink enough fluid to keep well hydrated, keep smoking/booze to a minimum, eat nutritious food and lay off anything which causes you to bloat (which might be salty food/fizzy drinks/whatever), get enough sleep and exercise regularly. That'll do you. Your body can detox itself.

    That's the thing. I don't know which foods cause me to bloat but I have the exercise and sleep on check.

    You can always use the food diary on here to try and identify possible culprits for bloating. List everything you eat, note the days you feel the bloating is worse, and then once you have a list of suspects, then try eliminating each one for a week or so to see what effect it has. I find salty food like takeaways and also sugary alcohol like sweet wine or cider does it for me (not that I've cut those out totally, but I know what I'm letting myself in for now!).


    Thanks that's actually a pretty good suggestion. I'll def do that.
  • svgomez1241
    svgomez1241 Posts: 12 Member
    BinkyBonk wrote: »
    OP, if you're wanting to do a cleanse/ detox to reset yourself mentally, go for it. I have done cleanses in the past and find them very helpful from a mental standpoint, simply because it forces me to be focused. The recommended plans that come along with the cleanse don't leave you with any choices, which some people find helpful.

    Physically though, a cleanse isn't really going to do anything for you like rid you of toxins. You've already started that process by quitting smoking.

    Make sense?

    Yea it does. Thanks.
  • SconnieCat
    SconnieCat Posts: 770 Member
    yesimpson wrote: »
    yesimpson wrote: »
    Drink enough fluid to keep well hydrated, keep smoking/booze to a minimum, eat nutritious food and lay off anything which causes you to bloat (which might be salty food/fizzy drinks/whatever), get enough sleep and exercise regularly. That'll do you. Your body can detox itself.

    That's the thing. I don't know which foods cause me to bloat but I have the exercise and sleep on check.

    You can always use the food diary on here to try and identify possible culprits for bloating. List everything you eat, note the days you feel the bloating is worse, and then once you have a list of suspects, then try eliminating each one for a week or so to see what effect it has. I find salty food like takeaways and also sugary alcohol like sweet wine or cider does it for me (not that I've cut those out totally, but I know what I'm letting myself in for now!).


    Thanks that's actually a pretty good suggestion. I'll def do that.

    This is the best suggestion I could think of. Pay attention to your body and note everything that you're ingesting. Since there is no such thing as a cleanse/detox (you have functioning organs to do that for you), you really just want to start paying attention to how your body reacts to certain foods.

    If you're still unable to pinpoint which ones are causing the bloat, headaches, or anything else that you might be experiencing (sorry, I don't recall exactly from your first post), I'd bring up these concerns with a doctor.
  • I_Will_End_You
    I_Will_End_You Posts: 4,397 Member
    Bloating can be caused by a lot of carbs, sodium, and alcohol. Check your diary and see if you tend to feel bloated on the days you have a lot of them.
  • Lrdoflamancha
    Lrdoflamancha Posts: 1,280 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Just once I wish someone would tell me specifically what toxins they are trying to clean out.

    Why the liver ones of course.... Well and maybe the intestinal toxins...
  • bigblondewolf
    bigblondewolf Posts: 268 Member
    As many have already pointed out, there's no need to "detox" your body assuming your liver is in good working condition. Upping your water intake is never a bad idea though, and sometimes it helps a bit with the bloat.

    You might want to get really strict about your food logging and start noting what you've eaten on the days where the bloating is at it's worst. When I really started paying attention I realized a lot of my bloating was due to going waaaay over in sodium. Once I kept that in check I no longer felt like the stay puft man lol.
  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    Haven't read the whole thread yet, although I'm readying my popcorn.

    However, there is nothing - NOTHING - that you can eat or drink (or not eat or drink, other than alcohol if you're an alcoholic) that will "detox" your body. Or flush toxins, or "clean up" your body. Absolutely nothing.

    You have a liver and kidneys for that.

    Eat a balanced diet within your alloted calories, hit your protein goals, hydrate, and exercise. That's all you need.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    BramageOMG wrote: »
    Detox/Cleanse Diet: lower in calories; cut out refined sugars, soda, packaged foods and unhealthy snacks, sodium, alcohol, and anything cooked. Encourage lots of fruits, vegetables, water, and tea. Remove all processed foods from your diet.

    What does this detox or cleanse, exactly?

    Well, it clearly detoxes you from anything delicious.
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    OP I think you've gotten the message about the concept of a "detox" or "cleanse". And I don't have any first hand experience with this, but I have seen others post on MFP about elimination diets where they try to identify a culprit that may be causing them some undesirable issues. I am sure this would best be done under the guidance of a registered dietician, but there are probably some likely culprits that you could find through some basic trial and error on your own.

  • MKEgal
    MKEgal Posts: 3,250 Member
    edited May 2015
    svgomez wrote:
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already.
    I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body.
    Stop smoking, take a shower, brush your teeth, eat less food that's processed and more food that's natural.
    Seriously, that's all the 'cleansing' you need.
    If your liver, lungs, kidneys, colon, and skin aren't working to remove toxins on their own, you'll be
    very sick, probably in ICU. There's not much you can do to help their function, other than drinking
    enough water and eating nutritious foods.

    .
    I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr
    Headaches are pretty generic & common.
    Bloating & constipation can often be solved with more water & fiber... see above, about eating more
    food that's natural. Vegetables & fruits are mostly high in fiber. Beans, lentils, whole grains.
    You could even do a week or 2 of metamucil once a day, just to get back on track, until your new
    better diet starts taking effect.

    .
    I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. ...
    i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how
    to [?] this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body.
    Water. (Though in excess it is dangerous.)
    Stop putting in actual toxins (smoke being the biggest you've mentioned), start giving your body
    the things it needs to rebuild & be healthy, stop worrying about the fad 'toxins' that don't exist.
    Your body doesn't need any more help than that.
    The liver & kidneys are not like sponges that need to be rinsed in clear water once in a while.


    Here's more information, since you've gotten partway there (learning that 'cleanses' are bunk), but
    not really believing it or understanding how the body works.

    From Sara
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/821828

    From SideSteel
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1159755/looking-for-a-detox-cleanse/p1

    https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/toxins-the-new-evil-humours/
    http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/the-detox-scam/
    https://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/the-detox-delusion/
    https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/fashionable-toxins/
    http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/detox-diets/faq-20058040
    https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-detox-scam-how-to-spot-it-and-how-to-avoid-it/
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    You do realize that your body detoxes all by itself right? BTW, WTG on the quitting smoking!
  • khloesdad0124
    khloesdad0124 Posts: 62 Member
    Try just a simple green tea, or even regular tea and coffee. All of these are full of anti-oxidants (which help reverse any kind of bad side effects of smoking eventually).
  • KathyMBragg
    KathyMBragg Posts: 48 Member
    If you don't have cirrhosis or fatty liver, your liver should be working fine. Bloating and long bathroom stays could mean you need more fiber. Bloating from water retention, add some lemon juice to your water. I don't think stomachs need cleaning ;/ But if you wants a good natural flushing out maybe prunes or prune juice.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.

    You should get a high colonic.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Just once I wish someone would tell me specifically what toxins they are trying to clean out.

    Duh, the toxic ones like alcohol, you know the ones your body never gets rid of ever ever and that's why everyone who has ever had a drink is still drunk.
  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Just once I wish someone would tell me specifically what toxins they are trying to clean out.

    Duh, the toxic ones like alcohol, you know the ones your body never gets rid of ever ever and that's why everyone who has ever had a drink is still drunk.

    The only way to flush it all out is drink a shot of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper before sucking on a lemon and sacrificing a chicken.

    Otherwise the toxinz build up and cause a yeast infection in your bloods.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Just once I wish someone would tell me specifically what toxins they are trying to clean out.

    Duh, the toxic ones like alcohol, you know the ones your body never gets rid of ever ever and that's why everyone who has ever had a drink is still drunk.

    The only way to flush it all out is drink a shot of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper before sucking on a lemon and sacrificing a chicken.

    Otherwise the toxinz build up and cause a yeast infection in your bloods.

    The lemon must be soaked overnight in bitters or it won't work. Or is that for hiccups?
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Just once I wish someone would tell me specifically what toxins they are trying to clean out.

    Duh, the toxic ones like alcohol, you know the ones your body never gets rid of ever ever and that's why everyone who has ever had a drink is still drunk.

    The only way to flush it all out is drink a shot of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper before sucking on a lemon and sacrificing a chicken.

    Otherwise the toxinz build up and cause a yeast infection in your bloods.

    The lemon must be soaked overnight in bitters or it won't work. Or is that for hiccups?

    No, that's for a delicious cocktail, I think. But then you're putting the alcohol back in and the whole sorry cycle starts up again...

    Anyone want another martini?
  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Just once I wish someone would tell me specifically what toxins they are trying to clean out.

    Duh, the toxic ones like alcohol, you know the ones your body never gets rid of ever ever and that's why everyone who has ever had a drink is still drunk.

    The only way to flush it all out is drink a shot of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper before sucking on a lemon and sacrificing a chicken.

    Otherwise the toxinz build up and cause a yeast infection in your bloods.

    The lemon must be soaked overnight in bitters or it won't work. Or is that for hiccups?

    I think you're actually thinking of lead poisoning. But you gotta rub essential oils all over your temples and squirt the bitters-soaked lemon juice directly into your nose via a nettipot.
  • Asiya481
    Asiya481 Posts: 1 Member
    mccraee wrote: »
    I would just start eating well and drink a bunch of water. You will feel better very quickly
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.


    drink some aloe vera gel three times a day. and garcinia tablets with a healthy diet :smile:
  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    edited May 2015
    Asiya481 wrote: »
    mccraee wrote: »
    I would just start eating well and drink a bunch of water. You will feel better very quickly
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.


    drink some aloe vera gel three times a day. and garcinia tablets with a healthy diet :smile:

    No.

    Gross.

    MhhiF.gif
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    Please read the full post before commenting. I stated that I'm turning over a new leaf, I won't smoke anymore. I know it's bad. So thats out of the picture.
    Second, I was thinking of something like a tea in the morning or I've heard of apple cider vinegar in the mornings has shown improvements in some people's health. I just want more info. I don't believe in doing a 3 day thing or 7 day thing and eating nothing. I know the body still needs nutrients.

    Congratulations on deciding to stop smoking and to stop drinking.

    The only thing that will detox you from smoke chemicals is to stop smoking (and you have). I don't think alcohol has toxins, but tit's the overbuild of it that can cause toxicity in your blood (alcohol poisoning). Again, if you feel this is your situation, stopping is the answer.

    I have no judgment, but I will tell you the truth: there is no tea or vinegar or anything else that will detox your body because peeing and pooping does this for you. :)

    Good luck to you!
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.

    Hello

    I know unicorns don't exist, but I'd really like to ride one so can you tell me where I can buy one

    If you can't tell me where I can buy one then please don't comment
  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    edited May 2015
    Please read the full post before commenting. I stated that I'm turning over a new leaf, I won't smoke anymore. I know it's bad. So thats out of the picture.
    Second, I was thinking of something like a tea in the morning or I've heard of apple cider vinegar in the mornings has shown improvements in some people's health. I just want more info. I don't believe in doing a 3 day thing or 7 day thing and eating nothing. I know the body still needs nutrients.

    Green tea is nice in general and has antioxidants. Tea with lemon is refreshing, but the acid is horrible for your teeth. Vinegar is a complete, Total waste of time AND bad for your teeth. Actually tea is acidic too.

    Really, water is all you need now that you've quit smoking. If you want to relax in a sauna occasionally, that is a nice feeling, although don't believe anything they say about sweat flushing out toxins. It just feels good.

    Massage is also an option.

    Basically it sounds like you want that feeling of freshness. Water, sauna, massage or meditation is what I'd recommend. The rest is just snake oil.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    Asiya481 wrote: »
    mccraee wrote: »
    I would just start eating well and drink a bunch of water. You will feel better very quickly
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.


    drink some aloe vera gel three times a day. and garcinia tablets with a healthy diet :smile:

    tumblr_nceoanKHJM1tjk7guo1_500.gif

  • steph01510
    steph01510 Posts: 1 Member
    edited May 2015
    Yogi makes a nice detox tea. A good probiotic will help rebuild or fortify your gut (reduce bloat) . Vega Nutritional powder is awesome as a meal replacer/ nutritional booster. Its allergen free. Your bloating may be caused by food allergies. Get tested or do the illimination diet. Good Luck.

    Nice job quitting smoking!!
  • Nony_Mouse
    Nony_Mouse Posts: 5,646 Member
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.

    Hello

    I know unicorns don't exist, but I'd really like to ride one so can you tell me where I can buy one

    If you can't tell me where I can buy one then please don't comment

    I love you Rabbit :)
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    Before ya start judging and saying detoxing/cleansing isn't good. I've done some research already. I don't want to do those fad juice cleanses (I know they're no good). I just want to clean up my body. I do drink and smoke, occasionally, but I'm turning over a new leaf and I decided to stop doing that. I get really bloated sometimes, headaches and I usually take a while in the rr. I don't want to just drink a certain liquid all day. I want something natural that will help me clean my liver, stomach, etc. catch my drift? I still want to eat healthy during the day. I just want like an extra boost to help get rid of anything that isn't helping me. and yes i know that the body has its own way of flushing toxins out. Anyone have any suggestions on how to this? Something that is not frowned upon or dangerous to the body. I do drink plenty of water, no coke or other carbonated drinks.

    I appreciate any honest answers but if you can't help please shy away from commenting.

    you know they don't work, but you want to know which one to do???

    The answer is your liver and kidneys already do this and there is no cleanse that is going to do what they are already doing.