Athletes face many challenges. From the vigorous workout routines they must maintain to the competition they face, it is important that they take all measures necessary to keep their bodies in optimal shape in order to perform at their best capability. Many are turning to detox plans to increase the quality of their athletic accomplishments.

The toxins that are stored in the body during periods of normal food consumption can include debilitating bacteria that negatively impact an athlete’s overall performance. Choosing to detox one’s body is a great way to improve the function of the immune system, prevent chronic disease, and improve the overall quality of the athlete’s life. All of these benefits ultimately reflect in the athlete’s ability to perform.

The lemon detox diet is a popular one for good reason. Developed more than a half century ago by Stanley Burroughs, this diet is also known as Master Cleanse and is an amalgamation of lemon juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper. These ingredients, when combined, are known to drive harmful toxins from the body. The user should continue this detox plan for around a week and a half, and, during this time, they should be prepared for frequent restroom visits as the body releases toxins through urine and bowel movements.

Nutritionist Natalia Rose devised another very effective detox plan to help athletes increase their performance in the Raw Food Detox Diet. Those pursuing this plan do so by consuming larger than normal intakes of raw fruits and vegetables. Not to be confused with a vegetarian diet, the user is also encouraged to eat meats as well as athletes need to consume adequate amounts of protein to help their muscles recuperate after strenuous workouts and games.

Similar to the Raw Food Detox Diet is the Fruit Flush Detox Diet created by Jay Robb. While this diet consists of strictly the consumption of uncooked fruit once every two hours, it is only intended to be followed for a three day time frame. This is long enough for the plan to achieve its primary purpose of flushing the system of harmful toxins. Once completed, the athlete can once again begin the consumption of the other vitamins and nutrients necessary to maintain a balanced diet.

Detox plans are a great way to increase athletic performance; however, those choosing to do so should not proceed without a doctor’s advice. When followed correctly, the athlete can reap health benefits from these plans as well as perform at a higher level.