Cleanses

[girlracer]

Has anyone heard about this thing called a cleanse? A bunch of people I race with are doing these cleanses. I want to ask exactly what it is but dont want to sound stupid (so I will sound stupid here instead ). Does anyone know what they are and if they are beneficial? These guys seem to think so but it sounds like a fad crash diet to me?:

[Zen]

I want to ask exactly what it is but dont want to sound stupid

If I gave a ---- about sounding stupid I'd be Silent Bob.
Which would be more stupid-
a) To not ask and just go do something that turns out to be stupid
or
2) Ask about it while thinking you sound stupid but deciding against it because it sounds stupid?

it sounds like a fad crash diet to me?:

I think you're on to something there.

Then there's always the third option of asking and making the wrong decision which does turn out to be stupid

[velogirl]

they are referring to a detox diet or colonic cleanse. if you want lots of information (and graphic photos) google either term.

many athletes detox on a regular basis. I do it about 3 times a year (it's a ritual with me and seasonal changes: winter, spring, and summer). I'm in week two of a detox right now. I personally find the process uplifting and renewing but it's definitely not for everyone.

and I wouldn't consider it a fad diet. I also wouldn't suggest trying it without the guidance of either a doctor or a nutritionist.

there are lots of reasons to detox, but the primary one (in my opinion) is to improve liver function and remove the toxins from your body.

[Zen]

Do your own research, consider the sources of the information presented and Google is your friend.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detoxification
http://www.quackwatch.com/01Quackery...ics/detox.html

[KnottedYet]

A cleanse could be very good practice for the prep for a colonoscopy. Doing a few cleanses before you go for the real thing could make the real thing a snap!

[kdskaggs]

There are all types of cleanses: juice fasts, water fasts, supplements used for cleansing, colonics, acupuncture and simply cleaning up one's diet can have cleansing benefits.

As has been recommended previously, research and choose what is appropriate for your lifestyle. Anyone with liver/gallbladder problems should steer clear of certain cleanses because they can cause your body to dump too quickly, causing a gallbladder attack. I learned this the hard way, not knowing I had gallbladder problems until after the attack I caused.

Kenda

[Zen]

or maybe you didn't have gallbladder problems before then.
A healthy body will detox itself but there's nothing harmful in a two or three day juice/water/whatever regime. It probably does make you feel better even if it's just psychological.

Just steer clear of the three day beer and whiskey diet. This one I definitely know about.

[bmccasland]

Just steer clear of the three day beer and whiskey diet. This one I definitely know about.

Um Zen dear, was this in your misspent and misguided youth? And how is a 3 day drunk hangover?

[7rider]

Um Zen dear, was this in your misspent and misguided youth? And how is a 3 day drunk hangover?

I think this was last weekend!!!

[Velobambina]

My mom used to "cleanse" every Friday during Lent. The real-deal hardcore "mick" fasting--only water and coffee. We used to steer clear of her. She seemed to reach for the wooden spoon (paddle) more readily during Fridays in Lent.

Each to his/her own. Fasting/cleansing isn't for me. I won't get my cholesterol or blood tested because I refuse to fast. I need to eat regular or I turn into a Strega.

My idea of cleansing my system is eating no junk food for a couple days in a row. Happens only when I have the stomach flu.

[Pedal Wench]

Could anyone who's had success with a cleanse post what they've done, what they drink (just water, lemon juice, broth, whatever) so we'll know which plans might work and which to avoid? I've been looking at the Stanley Burroughs one.

[velogirl]

There's a great book I can recommend called "The Detox Diet." It's a bit misleading since the word "diet" implies weight loss. The book covered all types of detoxes (nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, sugars, etc). I think before anyone considers a detox, she really needs to think about her goals in doing so. This is not, in and of itself, a quick fix for weight loss.

I do not fast when I detox. I use an OTC supplement product to cleanse (Detox 7, Simple Greens, etc) and then I prescribe to a low glycemic eating plan (no fruits, only low-glycemic veggies, lean meats, no caffeine or alcohol). I usually end up restricting calories just because the foods I'm eating are not very calorie dense. And I drink a ton of water! It's almost impossible to do this when I'm riding long or hard, so there is a definitely a trade-off but I actually think the break a few times a year is good for me.

I started doing this in 2003 while I was working with a coach who really believed in the benefits of detox. If for no other reason than psychological, it makes me feel clean and fresh and healthy. My docs are fine with it as well.

Then again, a 3-day beer diet makes me feel something too!

[OakLeaf]

There were just a few stories in the news recently about how mainstream medicine has recognized the benefits of regular fasting. LA Times, AP.

There are a lot of different ways to cleanse (modified fasting, fasting plus enemas, laxatives, fiber supplements, blood detox supplements, liver supporting supplements, chelation therapy, any combination of the above).

I haven't fasted in ages, but 3-5 day juice fasts always made me feel really good (and I was able to do long rides at an easy pace during fasts).

There's another thing to consider, and that's food allergies. Something like 80% of Americans are allergic and/or sensitive to common foods. So some of the benefit you feel from fasting may really be from avoiding certain foods, not all foods. IMO everyone should try an allergy challenge diet at some point in their adult life (which is almost more of a hassle than fasting, but well worth it if you do identify food allergens).

[Zen]

And how is a 3 day drunk hangover?

[shootingstar]

Ramadan or Lent, fast for specific religious reasons is perhaps most meaningful of all.

Or the required 10 hr. fast requested by your doctor, before undergoing blood testing.

Otherwise no juice diets. There's no rhyme or reason but occasionally I have just soup broth with veggies for supper..of course already had something more solid for brekkie/lunch.

The body needs some healthy, diverse fibre also, just scale down the fibre not eliminate it.

Geez. I'm sorry ...I need my solid fresh fruit and veggies not just fruit juice and soup, etc.

I'll wait until I'm 95 yrs. old when my food is softened or made liquid when I might have problems swallowing food or drinking fluids properly due to declining fragility.

No family doctor or registered dietician would be support juice diets for "cleansing".