Being a teenager is mostly an awkward and uncomfortable stage of life in many ways. The physical changes cause outbursts of acne, pubic hair and voice breaking situations that can be a very embarrassing time. That is why peer acceptance is essential as a back up for a teenager’s esteem. To be in with the crowd of their choice may take some shaping up physically, not just to tone muscles but for general overall health reasons, a total body cleanse may be the answer.
What are they to do when on top of the outbreaks and odd occurrences of discovering their own sexuality begin, a friend tells them they have halitosis? Do they run screaming wondering for weeks if they are doomed to a fate worse than death? Do they confide with a parent, which may not be the coolest thing to do? Or perhaps look it up on the Internet to find it only means they have bad breath?
The teenager will have to abide to the rules and these should be made clear before any attempt at starting it begins. A commitment is needed from them to follow the guidelines set down and to complete the course. Communication needs to be open and honest as it does involve their physical well being. The monitoring of the fast should not be an intrusive experience for them and if everything goes well, the guardian – child relationship will grow in trust.
An example of a detox suitable for a young teen could be a raw food diet, filled with tasty treats like smoothies and salads, as much as they can eat. Fresh seasonal fruit can be had any time of day so a huge variety kept on hand would be ideal. Water has gained in popularity so they may be willing to drink that along with mint tea.
Bulimia was mentioned earlier and Anorexia should also be mentioned just as a warning to be aware of the motive for young adults wanting to experience a detox. Both of these diseases are related to poor self-image, low self esteem and have other psychological connotations. A special diet may be able to help troubled youths but strictly only under the guidance of a medical professional. Diet can be a vehicle for open communication, relating, feeling special and getting positive attention from the people that love them most.
Eating salad can be inviting if one has the appropriate amount of flavorsome recipes. Carrot salad made with fresh squeezed orange juice, a sprinkling of raisins and shredded coconut is delicious and a favorite for teens. If they really can’t handle no dairy food, then a little cottage cheese or ricotta is permitted. Add red and green peppers and a grinding of black pepper, let sit overnight and there’s another popular salad. The diet without any dairy products or wheat should aim to last for two days as well.
Herbal infusions that aid cleansing are lemon tea, the mint family, parsley is also good for the digestive tract and chamomile will help keep the nerves calm. You can take other vitamins as well; not in excess for the diet, but as a support are vitamin C, B and a suitable multivitamin. Salt will need to be replaced as well because of all the eliminations taking the salt with them. Potassium and sodium in particular will be a focal point.
A total body cleanse can be accomplished for a teen if sensitivity to their needs is well noted. They are ripe for the learning event and will be able to endure a simplified version of a fast, if necessary. The body cleansing diet involved will keep them knowledgeable with maintaining a dignified stand in a critical phase of their lives, in more ways than one.