Reduce Inflammation and Lose Weight with Antioxidants

Did you know that besides doing wonders for your health, a certain nutrient group might also help you get rid of belly fat, keep you lean overall, provide you with energy to burn and reverse inflammation?  Antioxidants can do that.  Specific antioxidants found in fruits, veggies, chocolate, tea, wine and much more, help to ward off belly fat, inflammation and increase energy.

Antioxidants are nutrients — including vitamins like E and C — that prevent or slow oxidative damage throughout the body.  Antioxidants act as free radical bounty hunters that prevent and repair the damage done by the free radical.

Free radicals are oxidants and are a result of normal metabolic processes (such as with our mitochondrial function) in the human body or from external sources such as exposure to X-rays, cigarette smoking, air pollutants, industrial chemical chemicals.

Chronic inflammation is the core cause of most every illness or disease (including aging).  Even weight gain itself is a result of inflammation – the silent inflammation of fat cells that reduces metabolism and promotes health conditions as well.

When you reverse or reduce low-level inflammation, you are increasing every aspect of your health on a cellular level <=== This is key. You are increasing your mitochondrial health which are the tiny engines or the ‘batteries’ that run the cell. Without our healthy mitochondria, you begin to gain weight, become fatigued and increase vulnerability to disease and we are not even addressing mental wellness. We essentially are our mitochondria…if they are not healthy, we suffer.

Short sleepers need more antioxidants.  Recent research shows that the combination of low antioxidant intake and a lack of sleep promotes obesity.  Higher antioxidant intake could lower the chance of obesity simply by increasing antioxidant intake.

How can you obtain a plethora of health and weight loss benefits?  By Loading-up on these antioxidant superstars every time you hit the grocery store—they’ll help you bring out your healthy best in these five ways:

Multitasking Polyphenols

These phytochemicals help to curb belly bulge by improving the body’s metabolism, help fight aging by preventing — and repairing — cellular damage. The major sources of polyphenols in the average diet are flavonoids.  Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, even more, powerful than vitamins C and E combined that also have anti-inflammatory effects that can protect against dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. 

Antioxidant Vitamins

The human body does not produce antioxidant vitamins naturally, so it is vital to add them in our daily intake of food, be it through foods or supplements. Common antioxidant vitamins include vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, and beta-carotene. Including a wide array of flavonoid foods to your diet will promote a leaner and healthier you.

Antioxidant Enzymes

Enzymes are types of antioxidants that come from the protein and minerals we eat as part of our daily diets. These enzymes are synthesized in the human body, and in order for antioxidant enzymes to provide optimum antioxidant activity, they require cofactors such as iron, copper, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. The quality of the protein source we eat does have an impact on the quality of the antioxidant enzymes.

So where can you get your fair share? 

Apples, cherries, cinnamon, turmeric, tea, chocolate, beans, onions, garlic, leeks, and sweet bell peppers, all berries (blueberries, strawberries etc), plums, spinach, beans (especially lentils), Brussels sprouts, broccoli, citrus fruits, watermelon, Pretty tasty choices! 

Alkaline Ionized Water

You read that right: There is a type of water –  ionized alkaline water that acts as an antioxidant within the cell. One of the greatest benefits of alkaline ionized water is the ability of H2- antioxidants (also called molecular hydrogen) to penetrate cell walls and do their work where no other antioxidant can. 

One reason H2 antioxidants are the most powerful antioxidants is that they are so tiny. These microscopic antioxidants can enter cells and give their benefits directly into them. No other antioxidant can do this. Another amazing feature of molecular hydrogen is that it can bond with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E after they have been “used up”, and regenerate them.

The health benefits are amazing: 

·        Increased Energy

·        Super-Charged Hydration

·        Better Sleep

·        Weight Loss

·        Healthy Skin

·        Anti aging

·        Healthy Immune System

LEMON WATER

Adding lemon to your water is also alkalizing to help keep you free from disease, inflammation and weight gain. Lemon peel contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Add an ounce of lemon juice and some zest to each of your eight daily glasses of water (which will help you feel fuller) as the pectin in the lemon turns to a gel that helps balance blood sugar – stopping hunger and cravings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                source: Lori

SHE ATE CUCUMBER EVERY DAY, AND THEN EVERYBODY NOTICED THAT SHE HAS CHANGED. HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED!

Studies have shown that cucumber is rich in nutrients that can combat even the most dangerous diseases such as cancer.

Likewise, this vegetable is beneficial for improving the quality of the skin and hair. It is also useful in eliminating toxins and hydrating the body.

You just need to add some cucumber as a side dish to your main meal.

Elimination of toxins & hydration of the skin.

Because cucumbers are 95% water, this vegetable is perfect for deep hydration of the body.

Cucumber will also help you restore most of the essential vitamins in your body.

Digestion & Burning fat

With their ability to stimulate the metabolism, cucumbers will help you eliminate the excess fat.

This vegetable is also a rich source of dietary fibre, which makes it highly efficient in removing toxins.

Bad breath

Cucumber is the perfect solution for bad breath, which is a common health problem to many people.

Simply slice a piece of cucumber, put it in your mouth, and hold it there for about half a minute.

The powerful antibacterial effects of the cucumber will kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

source:LG365CucumberTips

10 Reasons You’re Always Tired (and what you can do about it)

Feeling tired on a regular basis is extremely common. In fact, about one-third of healthy teens, adults and older individuals report feeling sleepy or fatigued.

Fatigue is a common symptom of several conditions and severe diseases, but in most cases, it is caused by simple lifestyle factors.

Fortunately, these are most often easy things to fix.

This article lists 10 potential reasons why you’re always tired and provides recommendations for ways to get your energy back.

1. Consuming Too Many Refined Carbs

Carbs can be a quick source of energy. When you eat them, your body breaks them down into sugar, which can be used for fuel.

However, eating too many refined carbs can actually cause you to feel tired throughout the day.

When sugar and processed carbs are consumed, they cause a rapid rise in your blood sugar. This signals your pancreas to produce a large amount of insulin to get the sugar out of your blood and into your cells.

This spike in blood sugar levels — and subsequent fall — can make you feel exhausted. Craving quick energy, you instinctively reach for another serving of refined carbs, which can lead to a vicious cycle.

Several studies have found that minimising sugar and processed carbs at meals and snacks typically lead to greater energy levels.

In one study, children who ate snacks high in refined carbs before a soccer game reported more fatigue than children who ate a peanut butter-based snack.

Luckily, research suggests that some foods may help protect against tiredness.

For instance, both okra and dried bonito broth contain compounds that may decrease fatigue and increase alertness.

To keep your energy levels stable, replace sugar and refined carbs with whole foods that are rich in fibre, such as vegetables and legumes.

Summary: Consuming refined carbs can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, which can make you feel tired. Instead, choose whole foods that minimally impact your blood sugar.

2. Living a Sedentary Lifestyle

Inactivity could be the root cause of your low energy.

But many people say they’re too tired to exercise.

In fact, in one recent study, this was the most common reason that middle-aged and older adults gave for not applying.

One explanation could be chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is characterised by extreme, unexplained fatigue on a daily basis.

Research suggests people with CFS tend to have little strength and endurance levels, which limit their exercise ability. However, a review of studies including more than 1,500 people found that exercise may reduce fatigue in those with CFS.

Research has also shown that exercising can reduce fatigue among healthy individuals and those with other illnesses, such as cancer. What’s more, even minimal increases in a physical activity seem to be beneficial.

To boost your energy levels, replace sedentary behaviours with active ones. For instance, stand rather than sit down whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk instead of driving short distances.

Summary: Being sedentary can lead to fatigue in healthy people, as well as those with chronic fatigue syndrome or other health problems. Being more active can help boost energy levels.

3. Not Getting Enough High-Quality Sleep

Not getting enough sleep is one of the more obvious causes of fatigue.

Your body does many things while you sleep, including store memory and release hormones that regulate your metabolism and energy levels.

After a night of high-quality sleep, you typically wake up feeling refreshed, alert and energised.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society, adults need an average of seven hours of sleep per night for optimal health.

Importantly, sleep should be restful and uninterrupted to allow your brain to go through all five stages of each sleep cycle.

In addition to getting enough sleep, maintaining a regular sleep routine also seems to help prevent tiredness.

In one study, adolescents who went to bed at the same time on weekdays and weekends reported less fatigue and less difficulty falling asleep than those who stayed up later and slept fewer hours on the weekends.

Being physically active during the day may help you get more restorative sleep at night. One study in older people found that exercising contributed to improving their sleep quality and reduce levels of fatigue.

Furthermore, napping may help boost energy levels. Taking naps has been shown to decrease tiredness in pilots, who often experience fatigue due to long working hours and jet lag.

To improve the amount and quality of your sleep, go to bed at roughly the same time every night, relax before sleeping and get plenty of activity during the day.

However, if you find it difficult to fall or stay asleep and suspect you may have a sleeping disorder, speak to your doctor about having your sleep evaluated by a specialist.

Summary: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep is a common cause of fatigue. Getting several hours of uninterrupted sleep allows your body and brain to recharge, allowing you to feel energised during the day.

4. Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities or intolerances typically cause symptoms like rashes, digestive problems, runny nose or headaches.

But fatigue is another symptom that’s often overlooked.

Also, research suggests that quality of life may be more affected by fatigue in those with food sensitivities.

Common food intolerances include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and corn.

If you suspect that certain foods may be making you tired, consider working with an allergist or dietitian who can test you for food sensitivities or prescribe an elimination diet to determine which foods are problematic.

Summary: Food intolerances can cause fatigue or low energy levels. Following a food elimination diet may assist in determining which foods you are sensitive to.

5. Not Eating Enough Calories

Consuming too few calories can cause feelings of exhaustion.

Calories are units of energy found in food. Your body uses them to move, and fuel processes like breathing and maintaining a constant body temperature.

When you eat too few calories, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy, potentially causing fatigue.

Your body can function within a range of calories depending on your weight, height, age and other factors.

However, most people require a minimum of 1,200 calories per day to prevent a metabolic slowdown.

Experts on ageing believe that although metabolism decreases with age, older people may need to eat at the top of their calorie range to perform standard functions without becoming fatigued.

Also, it’s difficult to meet your vitamin and mineral needs when calorie intake is too low. Not getting enough vitamin D, iron and other essential nutrients can also lead to fatigue.

To keep your energy levels up, avoid drastic cuts in calorie intake, even if your goal is weight loss. You can calculate your calorie needs using the calorie calculator in this article.

Summary: Your body requires a minimum number of calories to perform daily functions. Consuming too few calories can lead to fatigue and make it difficult to meet nutrient needs.

6. Sleeping at the Wrong Time

In addition to inadequate sleep, sleeping at the wrong time can reduce your energy.

Sleeping during the day instead of at night disrupts your body’s circadian rhythm, which are the biological changes that occur in response to light and darkness during a 24-hour cycle.

Research has found that when your sleep pattern is out of sync with your circadian rhythm, chronic fatigue may develop.

This is a common problem among people who perform shift or night work.

Sleep experts estimate that 2–5% of all shift workers suffer from a sleep disorder characterised by excessive sleepiness or disrupted sleep over a period of one month or more.

What’s more, even staying awake during the night for a day or two can cause fatigue.

In one study, healthy young men were allowed to sleep either seven hours or just under five hours before being kept awake for 21–23 hours. Their fatigue ratings increased before and after sleep, regardless of the number of hours they slept.

It’s best to sleep during the night whenever possible.

However, if your job involves shift work, there are strategies to retrain your body clock, which should improve your energy levels.

In one study, shift workers reported significantly less fatigue and better mood after being exposed to bright light pulses, wearing dark sunglasses outside and sleeping in total darkness.

Using glasses to block blue light may also help people who perform shift work.

Summary: Sleeping during the day can upset your body’s natural rhythm and lead to fatigue. Try to bed at night or retrain your body clock.

7. Not Getting Enough Protein

Inadequate protein intake could be contributing to your fatigue.

Consuming protein has been shown to boost your metabolic rate more than carbs or fat do.

In addition to aiding weight loss, this may also help prevent tiredness.

In one study, self-reported fatigue levels were significantly lower among Korean college students who reported eating high-protein foods like fish, meat, eggs and beans at least twice a day.

Other studies have found that high-protein diets tend to produce less fatigue among weight lifters and people who perform resistance training.

What’s more, research suggests that fatigue may be reduced by certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of the protein known as branched-chain amino acids.

To keep your metabolism active and prevent fatigue, aim to consume a high-quality protein source at every meal.

Summary: Consuming adequate protein is essential for keeping your metabolism up and preventing fatigue. Include a good protein source at every meal.

8. Inadequate Hydration

Staying well hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy energy levels.

The many biochemical reactions that take place in your body every day result in a loss of water that needs to be replaced.

Dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough liquid to replace the water lost in your urine, stools, sweat and breath.

Several studies have shown that being even mildly dehydrated can lead to lower energy levels and a decreased ability to concentrate.

In one study, when men worked out on a treadmill and lost 1% of their body mass in the fluid, they reported more fatigue than when they performed the same exercise while remaining well hydrated.

Although you may have heard that you should drink eight, 8-ounce (237-ml) glasses of water daily, you may require more or less than this depending on your weight, age, gender and level of activity.

The key is drinking enough to maintain healthy hydration levels. Here are some common signs of dehydration.

Summary: Even mild dehydration may reduce energy levels and alertness. Make sure to drink enough to replace fluid lost during the day.

9. Relying on Energy Drinks

There’s no shortage of beverages that promise to provide quick energy.

Popular energy drinks typically include the following:

·        Caffeine

·        Sugar

·        Amino acids, such as taurine

·        Large doses of B vitamins

·        Herbs

It’s true that these beverages may provide a temporary energy boost due to their high caffeine and sugar contents.

For example, a study in sleep-deprived healthy adults found that consuming an energy shot led to modest improvements in alertness and mental function.

Unfortunately, these energy drinks are also likely to set you up for rebound fatigue when the effects of caffeine and sugar wear off.

One review of 41 studies found that although energy drinks led to increased alertness and improved mood for several hours after consumption, excessive daytime sleepiness often occurred the following day.

Although the caffeine content varies widely among brands, an energy shot may contain up to 350 mg, and some energy drinks provide as much as 500 mg per can. By comparison, coffee typically contains between 77–150 mg of caffeine per cup.

However, even at smaller dosages, drinking caffeinated beverages in the afternoon may interfere with sleep and lead to low energy levels the following day.

To break the cycle, try cutting back and gradually weaning yourself off these energy drinks. Also, limit coffee and other caffeinated beverage consumption to early in the day.

Summary: Energy drinks contain caffeine and other ingredients that can provide a temporary energy boost, but often lead to rebound fatigue.

10. High-Stress Levels

Chronic stress may have a profound effect on your energy levels and quality of life.

Although some stress is normal, excessive levels of stress have been linked to fatigue in several studies.

Also, your response to stress can influence how tired you feel.

One study in college students found that avoiding dealing with stress led to the greatest level of fatigue.

While you may not be able to avoid stressful situations, developing strategies for managing your stress may help prevent you from feeling completely exhausted.

For instance, large reviews of studies suggest yoga and meditation can help relieve stress.

Engaging in these or similar mind-body practices may ultimately help you feel more energetic and better able to cope with stress.

Summary: Excessive stress can cause fatigue and reduce your quality of life. Practising stress-reduction techniques may help improve your energy levels.

The Bottom Line

There are many possible causes for feeling chronically tired. It’s important to rule out medical conditions first, as fatigue often accompanies illness.

However, feeling overly tired may be related to what you eat and drink, how much activity you get or the way you manage stress.

The good news is that making a few lifestyle changes may very well improve your energy levels and overall quality of life.

 source: WhyYouAreTired

Detox Diets - Good? Bad?

Let's start with, "What are toxins?" Toxins are chemicals known to have unfavorable effects on the human body. They can be found in food (or substances used in growing food), water and even in the air. Toxins are processed through organs like the liver and kidneys and are eliminated through perspiration, urination and bowel movements.

Those that promote detox diets believe that toxins don't entirely leave our bodies through these natural processes and instead they linger in the digestive or lymph systems and can cause harmful effects such as headaches or fatigue. These type of diets require giving up specific foods that may contain toxins to purge the body of them, and initially involve a fast; you are required to completely go without food for two days and then you gradually introduce specified foods back into your diet. Most detox diets also encourage some sort of "cleansing" process via a colonic irrigation or by the use of enemas. Some detox plans may also recommend the use of supplements or laxatives to aid in the purification process. It is believed that these types of diets do anything from increasing energy levels to preventing... or even curing... health conditions.

This sounds great! But do Detox Diets help you lose weight?

Many people believe they can lose weight with detox diets, but these plans are not the best method for healthy, permanent weight-loss results. Diets that involve fasting or restriction of entire food groups are not ideal for everyone. While people who fast do seem to lose weight, this weight is water loss, not a fat loss (which is what you need to achieve to permanently reduce your weight). This type of crash dieting can lead to muscle loss, and if done on a regular basis can cause the metabolism to slow down.

Children, teenagers, diabetics, pregnant women, those with heart disease, or anyone suffering from medical conditions should not follow a detox diet. Anyone with an eating disorder should not follow this type of diet. Additionally, these diets are not appropriate for people who are very active, have physically demanding jobs or participate in sports, because they do not provide sufficient energy or nutrition.

A detox diet is a short-term diet, often three to 21 days, focused on removing toxins from the body. Although detoxification is ongoing in the body, toxins and stress prevent us from doing it optimally, which can eventually affect other systems in the body. This diet allows our bodies to focus on self-healing, with the goal being to raise energy levels, stimulate digestive health, clear headaches, remove bloating, improve concentration and mood, avoid getting allergies, regain our natural ability to ward off colds and flu and prevent premature aging and disease.

Considering the touted benefits, it's easy to see why a detox diet may appeal to some.

Is a Detox Diet Right For You?

If you're considering a detox diet, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting. Keep in mind that these foods are not intended to cure disease. Instead, they are designed to make obstacles to health and allow all body systems to run more efficiently.

Although there are many types of detox diets, most eliminate foods that contain potentially harmful substances and allow foods that support the body's natural ability to rid itself of toxins, such as dark, leafy green vegetables. Overall food intake is usually reduced, ranging from small meals to full-fledged juice fast:

The Master Cleanse: Also called the "lemonade diet," is a fast that involves drinking only lemonade, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper.

Juice Fasting: A type of fast that calls for consuming only fresh vegetable and fruit juices, such as beet juice and wheatgrass juice, and water. Juice fasts include the Blueprint Cleanse.

Smoothie and Shake fasting: Involves drinking pureed or blended vegetable and fruit smoothies, especially green smoothies.

Commercial cleanse programs: Specially designed protein powders, vitamins, nutrients for detoxification. Examples include the acai cleanse, Colon cleanse, and Bowtrol.

Raw food detox diet: Based on the raw food diet. Involves only eating food that is raw or hasn't been heated above 118 degrees.

Ayurvedic detox diet: An Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation plan called panchakarma.

Other menus can be used on their own as detox diets, including the brown rice diet, elimination diet, a candida cleanses, macrobiotic diet, and a digestive cleanse.

Common Questions About Detox Diets

The following are some answers that alternative medicine practitioners typically give in response to common questions about detox diets. Be sure to speak with your health care provider if you have questions about detox diets or about making a change to your own regimen.

How should I prepare for the detox diet?

Start removing certain foods such as coffee. Following this step minimizes and reduces unpleasant reactions such as headaches, tiredness, and nausea.

Find out how to prepare for a detox diet.

If you work from Monday to Friday, it’s a good idea to begin the detox on a Friday, so that you are at home for the first few days, which are usually the most difficult.

Who shouldn't try a detox diet?

Consult your health care provider before starting a rehab. People who have health conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease or eating disorders should avoid detox diets and should only modify their diet after consulting their doctor. Children and women who are pregnant or nursing should not try the food.

Should I continue taking my prescription medications and my supplements?

Speak with your doctor, but discontinuing prescription medication is not recommended. Medication should never be discontinued or reduced without consulting the prescribing doctor and/or your primary care provider.

What should I do if I get a headache?

If you have followed the guidelines on how to prepare for the detox but still get a headache, be sure to drink lots of water, massage the temples, try aromatherapy, or have a cup of green or white tea, which both contain less caffeine.

Can I work out?

Exercise boosts circulation, which can help the body to eliminate waste products. Try light exercise such as walking, gentle yoga, or stretching or exercises but don’t push yourself, especially if you’re tired. Also, if you don’t exercise regularly, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.

How can I expect to feel?

The first few days are usually the most difficult. If a person is accustomed to drinking coffee in the morning, he or she may get headaches. People often feel tired. By day 4 or 5, people may begin to feel more energetic and notice that their digestion is improving.

What should I do if I’m constipated or bloated?

There are some foods that can help to prevent or relieve constipation while on a detox diet. Ways to Getting Constipation Relief Naturally

If you’re not used to eating a lot of fiber, it may take a few days for the body to adjust. Try herbal tea such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, caraway tea, or cinnamon tea to ease digestion. If you’re suddenly eating beans, try Beano® or try adding a piece of kombu seaweed to the soaking water (if you’re using dried beans).

How often do people go on it?

Proponents of detox diets generally recommend one to two times a year to improve health and prevent disease. In some cases, however, alternative practitioners may recommend a detox diet more frequently or may recommend a longer detox diet.

What do people eat afterward?

After the detox diet is over, alternative practitioners often suggest gradually easing back into a healthy, but less restrictive diet. Many people use a detox diet as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle and continue eating many of the vegetables and fruits they ate on the detox diet.

How to End a Cleanse?

A health practitioner can help to systematically reintroduce food groups (wheat, dairy, gluten, corn) and note reactions to identify the food groups that may be aggravating health conditions such as sinus congestion, fatigue, skin conditions, arthritis and bloat and constipation. Flare-ups may occur, so supervision is recommended.

A qualified practitioner can help design a long-term dietary plan to maximize health and well-being and prevent disease.

The Top 8 Cleanses of 2016

2016 was the year of the cleanse diet. Celebrities swear by them and more and more people have been getting in on the action, whether it's to detox diet, brighten skin, lose weight, or get a fresh start. And nowhere is that more evident than in Yahoo's Year in Review, where different health cleanses consistently topped the site's most popular stories lists. Here, the year's top 10 most popular cleanses:

1. A Colon Cleanse. Our colons have the important, albeit kind of icky, job of taking digested food from our stomachs, pulling the nutrients out, and excreting waste. While for most of us, our colons perform their duties just fine, every once in a while you might feel like giving a helping hand, er, enema. Colon cleanses come in many different types, methods, and prices, but the main idea is to use water, fiber, and/or supplements to flush all the gunk out of your intestines so you can start fresh. Considering a colonic? 

2. A Liver Cleanse. Just like our colons, our livers play an important role in ridding our bodies of unwanted toxins. The three-pound organ sits just under your ribs and is responsible for cleaning your blood. Some people believe that eating certain foods or taking certain supplements can help your liver perform better—or help it when it's overwhelmed by too many trips through the drive-thru. However, experts caution that most "liver detox" products don't work as advertised. Some can actually cause harm to your liver as the organ is responsible for metabolizing any drugs, medications, or herbals supplements. In fact, diet supplements are the number two cause of hospitalizations for liver damage—and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning against these types of detoxes. There are some healthy ways to support your liver in its important detox work, however.

3. The Master Cleanse. While the Master Cleanse has been around for decades, it was Beyonce who made it mainstream. She used the diet to drop some serious weight for her role in Dreamgirls. To do it, you drink a concoction of lemon water, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper, along with an herbal detox tea, daily for at least 10 days—and nothing else. While it may work in the short term, experts say it isn't safe long-term. And even Miss B said it was "awful" and made her "cranky." Before you try it, get the facts about the Master Cleanse and what it entails.

4. The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. Pictures of green smoothies have probably been all over your Facebook feed for months as this popular cleanse has spread through social media. Participants say they drop up to 15 pounds by drinking only smoothies made of blended fruits and veggies for 10 days, as outlined by J.J. Smith's favorite book. While the diet is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it lacks other essential nutrients, like protein. To reap all the benefits of a green smoothie cleanse while still eating a balanced diet, check out our Clean Green Food and Drink Plan. http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/meal-ideas/clean-green-food-drink-cleanse 

5. A Juice Cleanse. Juicing has long been used as a way to get lots of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables without having to, well, eat all those fruits and vegetables. So juice cleanses, of which there are many different types, take advantage of this vitamin mega-dose by having people replace all (or part) of their solid food with specially formulated juices. While the cleanses can be an excellent way to get your daily produce in, experts warn that many juices are high in sugar and lack the fiber that whole fruit has. Try our Non-Juice Detox for all the health benefits of juicing without the blood sugar spikes.http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/your-non-juice-detox-7-day-clean-eating-plan

6. Detox Cleanse. Detoxing—or removing unhealthy toxins from the body—is one of the main reasons people give for wanting to do a cleanse. Toxic overload can make you feel sluggish, lead to acne, and can cause allergic reactions—among a host of other ills. But most experts warn against pill- or drink-based detox cleanses. The body's own mechanisms for cleansing using the liver, kidneys, and colon are sufficient to rid your body of most toxins, they say. Thankfully, there are lots of healthy changes you can make to support your body while it does all the tough detox work. Try our post-weekend detox plan to get back on track after a long weekend of office parties and holiday goodies.http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/your-weekend-detox-meal-plan

7. Forskolin and Garcinia and Natural Cleanse. Forskolin (coleonol) is a labdane diterpene that is produced by the Indian Coleus plant. Forskolin is commonly used as a tool in biochemistry to raise levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the study and research of cell physiology. Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylyl cyclase and increases intracellular levels of cAMP. cAMP is an important second messenger necessary for the proper biological response of cells to hormones and other extracellular signals. It is required for cell communication in the hypothalamus/pituitary gland axis and for the feedback control of hormones. Cyclic AMP acts by activating cAMP-sensitive pathways such as protein kinase A and Epac. For the Right Forskolin Formula Recommended by us visit:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DIZ5OQI

Garcinia Cambogia is a supplement made from the tropical fruit that bears its name (also known as a tamarind). It's high in fiber and boosts serotonin levels in your brain, possibly helping you feel full faster and longer. A Garcinia cambogia supplement that is often combined with a larger cleansing plan involving "natural" laxatives and diuretics. Most experts advise steering clear of laxatives and diuretics, physical or otherwise unless your doctor advises you to take them for a particular reason. Long-term use can be very harmful to your body. However, both Forskolin and Garcinia Cambogia extracts may offer a boost for dieters.

8. Blueprint Cleanse. A celebrity favorite and "2015 diet of the year," the Blueprint Cleanse is a pre-packaged juice cleanse in which you are sent six bottles of vegan juices made from fruits, vegetables, and spices, customized to your health goals. You drink the juices—and nothing else—for periods ranging from three days to two weeks. The company says their plans range from 860 to 1,040 calories per day. While this is not specifically billed as a weight-loss cleanse, you probably will drop some pounds. Interested in a DIY juice cleanse?http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/best-juice-whats-bugging-you

Again, please do not start a fast or detox plan, or eliminate food groups from your diet, without talking to your healthcare provider.