Although fasting is medically defined as going without food and drink, you can do a "smoothie fast" by only drinking smoothies for intermittent days to lose weight. To shed pounds, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn off.

According to Harvard Medical School, “The human body can defend itself very well against most environmental insults and the effects of occasional indulgence.” Still, there are uncounted numbers of websites, books and magazines devoted to the idea that we can, and should, detox the body.

The Joshi Detox Diet, also known as Joshi's Holistic Detox and Dr. Joshi's 21-Day Detox Diet, is a weight management plan that was designed by osteopath and holistic health clinic owner Nish Joshi.

Cleansing programs can help jump-start a diet or get you off of a plateau, but they can also help you clean your body. If you're trying to change lifestyles or cleanse your body after excesses, a two-day cleanse can be a good way to accomplish your goals.

If you are concerned about heavy metals and their effect on your health, eating certain foods may help to detoxify these toxic chemicals from your body.

The five-day detox diet plan is a short-term program that jump-starts an internal and external cleansing process, removing toxins from the body to promote optimal cell function.

In recent years, detox diets have become the new dieting and health trend. While some types of detox diets are recommended by natural health professionals, others are simply clever marketing schemes.

The company that manufactures Colon Cleanse, Health Plus Inc. in California, suggests that detoxing the colon releases trapped toxins and absorbs water in the intestines.

The Master Cleanse is a method of detoxification typically used to energize, promote weight loss and remove harmful toxins from the body. Developed in the 1940s by Dr.

Fasting, which is practiced for a variety of reasons, includes fasts to cleanse, detoxify, lose weight, treat a medical condition and conform to religious practices. The type of fast you choose should be appropriate for your level of health, body chemistry and any special physical needs you may have.

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Common symptoms associated with eczema include blisters that crust and scale, thick patches of skin and itchy rashes that can bleed. Medical professionals don't know what causes eczema; there is no known cure though treatments are available.

Detox diets are marketed as ways to eliminate toxins that build up in the body and as quick weight-loss plans. The diets normally are organized around some fasting or all-liquid phase, followed by a strictly limited choice of foods. You may eat fresh fruits, vegetables, broths or teas on a weekend detox.