Adolescence is a like having a navigational lesson without the map. It is mostly a time where individuals learn from their own experience. It is a perfect time for concerned parents to teach them, or should I say let them learn a few simple therapeutic remedies that may benefit them for the rest of their lives. A total body cleanse may need to be tailored to suit the age and maturity of the individual and their need for the cleanse evaluated, too.

As these years are years of concern, letting go of immaturity and beginning a new life as emerging adults, it should be their own decision to undergo the detox process. Guidance is absolutely necessary from a mature adult, as fasting is not meant to be a cover for adolescent prone diseases like anorexia. It can be done but keeping in mind the health reasons and risks.

To keep the procedure simple, the minimum fast time could be brought down to two days instead of the full ten to twelve days as taken by well practiced experts. All of this should also be under the advisement of a health specialist especially with the younger teens. The older ones will understand more the affects of fasting and detox dieting and the dehydrating effects of alcohol on the growing bodies system.

The menu can consist of pure vegetable soups, herbal teas, only a piece of fresh fruit if they really can’t stand to not eat at all. Oranges or banana smoothies will suffice. Eight liters of water per day is the target and a potassium and sodium supplement will assist in the rejuvenation of the cells during the fast. Chewable Vitamin C is also recommended to help replenish nutrients missed from not eating.

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.

A few things they can learn along the way include tips for their general well being. When to take a fast and ensuring they have supervision and what simple remedies, herbal and other items available at the local pharmacy, can assist to heal or cure certain conditions such as bad breath and acne. This is a perfect learning condition for the teenager to gain wisdom of their bodies through their own life experiences, all done with a little help from mom and dad.

A good dose of will power is needed to help them see it through to the end of the week. Slowly reintroduce heavier foods back into their diet, like dairy, meat and breads. Overall, participating in a total body cleanse should not be an event full of suffering. It is meant to be a health benefit to get their bodies in peak working order. If their minds are not adjusting to the benefits of the process then it is best to try something simpler than a total body cleanse.