Health

Detox Diaries: My One-Day Detox

A McDonald's-eating detox-newbie goes on her first cleanse. Can she do it? Will she change her fast food-eating ways? Find out

by Sharon J. Yi

5 of 11

All clear from here It's Day 7, the day before my juice fast, and I'm noticing something extraordinary. Right around the second week of every month, I normally start to break out as a not-so-happy reminder that my period is about to arrive. But today, I realize that my skin is completely clear -- no zit in sight. I talk to Gittleman about this happy side effect of her detox plan and she tells me it's due to all the liver-loving foods I've been eating -- asparagus, celery, and artichokes being three of the biggies.

"The liver is the body's most important filter," she says. "One of its jobs, besides detoxification, is being able to break down hormones into water-soluble metabolites, so they're not toxic to your system." And you guessed it: When those hormones aren't broken down, they cause breakouts that'll remind you of your face back in high school.

Wondering if your liver is compromised? Your body is likely telling you. Gittleman says some signs of distress include acne, indigestion, headaches, sleepiness after eating, weak tendons, and depression. This definitely fit the bill for me before I started this detox. And I have to say, not having to bust out the salicylic acid this week is definitely taking the sting out of giving up some of my favorite foods for the past seven days.

SEE NEXT PAGE: They weren't kidding about the "cleanse" part

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Older comments

REALLY loving this! I used to be a caffeine addict, but I switched to water in the school where I teach because it has no A/C and is hot year 'round (the heating is very intense and dry in the winter). I realized that I became "addicted" to water and can't really handle caffeine the way I used to; I like that.

by GigiSD Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 01:21PM Report as inappropriate

I appreciate the honest assessment.

by purple9a Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 05:53AM Report as inappropriate

I wanna try it... Sounds good!

by Zeaundra Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 09:21AM Report as inappropriate

This was great info, I was just looking into detoxing especially after all the crap I've ate during the Holidays!!!

by MizzPink Friday, January 4, 2013 at 07:17AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article. I've been thinking about doing a detox, maybe now is the time!

by WiccanLady Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

I couldn't do it, I'd take death if I can't have my caffeine intake!

by yestfl Monday, November 19, 2012 at 01:53PM Report as inappropriate

That is so terrifying, but your detox is probably the only one I've read so far that I feel capable of doing.

by schien Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 05:37PM Report as inappropriate

I have begun a serious diet - I will add a Detox into it soon. I still stop for a fast food but no later than 3pm. Actually my life have been a continual diet.

by Janann Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting & well written. And definitely educational.

by tallredamanda Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you so much for this! You had to deal with a little torture! This sounds like a good detox, but I am one of the people who needs something with my medication (thank you for mentioning that by the way) but the pre-tox sounds interesting!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 02:41PM Report as inappropriate