Detox diets are specially prepared diet plans that are designed to aid in removing toxins from the body. Diets of this type are often recommended in order to address a particular ailment or assist in weight loss efforts. The idea behind a detox diet is to rid the body of toxins using food as the means of providing the nutrients needed to stimulate the natural detoxification processes inherent in the human body.

Sometimes referred to as a cleansing diet, it is not unusual for a detox diet to provide specific guidelines for foods to avoid as well as foods to include in daily consumption. Many diet plans that focus on detoxification will recommend focusing on consuming a great deal of fresh fruits and vegetables. This means that canned foods are often discouraged, since the nutrient content is often thought to be less than with fresh food. At the same time, the criteria for the detox diet may include avoiding the consumption of the preservatives that are often found in processed foods.

While not all detox diet plans call for the elimination of red meats and dairy products from daily consumption, it is not unusual for the use of these foods to be minimized. In addition, the method of preparing these foods may also be restricted. Instead of pan frying, baking or broiling may be recommended. Often, people are encouraged to eat more fish instead of consuming as much red meat as part of the overall detox diet plan.

Some efforts to detoxify the system will focus on undergoing periods of fasting from solid food. Juice and water fasts are sometimes employed as a way to remove toxins quickly from the system. The basic idea is that if more toxins are not being consumed, the natural detoxification processes of the body will clear the system quickly. Often, some types of herbal supplements are allowed as part of the fast, so that the individual still receives nutrition during the fasting period.

There is a degree of controversy surrounding the use of a detox diet. One school of thought maintains that the body is perfectly capable of ridding the system of toxins on a continual basis, as long as the individual eats a balanced diet and pays attention to portion size. Others believe that modern living has compromised the ability of the body to eliminate toxins from the system and that steps must be taken in order to supplement the natural elimination process.