Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in America. Our high-sugar, high-carbohydrate, low fiber diets are doing a real number on our internal systems, fueling the diabetic problem. If you’re a diabetic, you’ve already got health concerns, so you need to follow your doctor’s recommendations for diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.

But what if you want to do a colon cleanse or a detox? Are detoxes even viable for diabetics? As a diabetic, you have special dietary needs that can make a normal detox a challenge, but not impossible!

Options for Diabetics Seeking A Detox Method

The liver is the second largest elimination organ in the body, second only to the skin, and is vitally important for overall wellness. Everything in the body must be screened by the liver before it is permitted to enter the rest of the body. In other words, the liver is your primary defense against toxins and disease. Without the liver, the human body would die.

We all need to take care of our livers, that’s clear. But diabetics in particular need healthy livers in order to regulate the glucagon-insulin relationship. A regular, natural liver detoxification program can therefore be a lifesaver for a diabetic.

For a diabetic, a liver cleanse will consist primarily of good food choices supplemented with herbs. A total fast isn’t recommended because of the effect it can have on your blood sugar levels. Here are some food recommendations that are often made to diabetics looking to do a liver cleanse:

• Drink lots of water - about 2,000 mL for every 130 pounds of body weight.
• Significantly increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, especially those labeled as Certified Organic.
• Eliminate or reduce consumption of red meat, dairy products, and eggs.
• Cut out processed foods, especially those made with white flour, white rice, and sugar, including sugary beverages.
• Look for foods that are low on the glycemic index. High glycemic foods will contribute to very quick spikes in your blood sugar levels, which can increase your weight gain in the process.
• Say goodbye to deep fried foods.
• Spirulina can help to balance blood sugar levels. This can be taken in either tablet or powder form.

Foods that are particularly beneficial during a liver cleanse, whether or not you’re a diabetic, include vegetables in the cabbage family, matcha tea (this is a green tea that has a positive influence on sugar metabolism), lemons (fresh-squeezed, not bottled), grated ginger (again, fresh only), dried seaweed, milk thistle, turmeric, endives, dandelion greens, asparagus, arugula, and artichokes try and use organic food whenever posible.

And like anyone else on a cleanse, you should be sure to get regular, moderate exercise. Sauna treatments in conjunction with your cleanse may further enhance the results of the detox experience.