Detoxification programs can vary dramatically. Here is a simple 3-day, food-based detoxification program that you can do over a long weekend to get a jump start on spring-cleaning.
3-Day Detox
This is a simple, food-based, 3-day detoxification program to help promote proper liver and gall-bladder function. If you have gall-stones, known liver impairment or diabetes, please consult with your doctor before performing this cleanse.
Most people find that it’s best to do this cleanse when they are at home (i.e., long weekend/vacation), but you can also start it over the weekend and finish it on a Monday. Note, it is not uncommon to have increased bowel movements during this cleanse.
To perform this cleanse, you’ll need:
- 54 ounces or 2 quarts prune juice
- 9 ounces of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 gallons of organic, citrus juice (grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and/or lemon) – freshly made is best
- 3 gallons distilled water
Cleansing Steps
Step One: Take 16 oz of prune juice upon rising in the morning.
Step Two: Take 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil 3x/day
Step Three: Take 8 ounces of fluid every 30 minutes while awake, alternating between 8 oz. of juice with 8 oz. of water. After 8 pm, drink only water.
Note:
- Do not eat anything during the three day cleanse; if you must eat something at night, you may have 1-2 pieces of citrus fruit (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines).
- Chew your juice – make sure and swish each mouthful of juice thoroughly before swallowing.
- If you develop constipation, consume a bit more prune juice; if needed, you can also use magnesium citrate – 200 mg 2-5x/day.
- It is not uncommon to feel somewhat weak during or after this detoxification; give your body the rest it needs.
- Cleansing symptoms – as your body begins to cleanse, you will probably experience periodic aches and pains; they should be transient and will subside with rest.
- After the cleanse, begin to slowly reintroduce foods; start with vegetable juices, vegetables and fruit, preferably organic. Continue to gradually add foods back into your diet and notice any reactions you may have. If you experience headaches, body-aches, runny nose, colds or rashes, you may be having a reaction to one or more of the foods you’ve added back in. Be sure and journal any foods eaten and any reactions you notice so you can identify potential offending foods. The most common offending foods include wheat, corn, cow’s dairy products, beef and nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and/or peppers).
