What is a Toxic Cleanse?

A toxic cleanse, also known as a bowel or intestinal cleanse, involves ingesting certain ingredients to stimulate the elimination of toxic waste from the gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that doing so helps to detoxify the body of pollutants, which have made their way into the body by the consumption of unhealthy foods or by environmental contact. A toxic cleanse also aims to strengthen the immune system and aid in weight loss. Many toxic cleanse recipes are homemade, while ready-made solutions are available for purchase from health food stores or online retailers.

While several toxic cleansing methods involve drinking a mixture of natural ingredients or adhering to a special diet, some people attempt to get rid of toxins by using enemas and colonic treatments. Often, these are done with the help of a therapist trained to perform these procedures. Whichever method is preferred, getting rid of toxic waste in the body is the primary goal.

Home toxic cleanse methods involve the use of key ingredients and special diets aimed at helping the body detox and cleanse. One of the most widely used toxic cleanse recipes is the lemonade diet, also known as The Master Cleanse. With this particular toxic cleansing regimen, a mixture of lemon juice, distilled water, cayenne pepper and maple syrup is consumed for a period of 10 days while abstaining from all other foods. In using this home toxic cleanse method, many report losing weight and feeling better while shedding toxins.

Another toxic cleanse, known as the Detox Diet, is believed to be helpful in eliminating toxins. With this diet, individuals consume only the ingredients allowed by the diet, which include flaxseed, apple juice, lemon juice, vegetable broth and other key ingredients. An entire menu plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks is adhered to for a number of days. As with The Master Cleanse, many who have tried this diet report feeling better after it is over.

Toxic cleansing is labeled as an alternative health therapy and is not supported by most mainstream physicians. Most doctors, in fact, believe toxic cleansing to be wholly unnecessary, citing that the body naturally eliminates toxins through the normal bowel process. These experts further advise that individuals who are prone to hemorrhoids or who have other conditions affecting the bowels or intestines, such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis, should not attempt a toxic cleanse.