The National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws reports, "marijuana is the third most popular drug in America, behind alcohol and tobacco, and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans." Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the active chemical in marijuana and it is a fat-soluble substance that accumulates in the fatty tissue of your liver, lungs and other organs, according to the American Council for Drug Education. A short-term body cleanse is a popular method for removing marijuana residue. There is no conclusive medical evidence to support detox cleanses for eliminating THC. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a body cleanse.
Ten Day Body Cleanse
Drink plenty of water, eight to 10 glasses per day, to flush and hydrate your body. Because of its antioxidant and diuretic properties, the Detox for Life website recommends an elixir of cranberry juice, wheat grass and spring water as a detox juice. There is no scientific evidence to support the cranberry detox elixir for cleansing the body of THC.
Begin a daily aerobic exercise program such as running, bicycling or swimming. During physical activity, your metabolism increases; this burns fat cells for energy and lymphatic circulation cleanses your body tissues. Stay within your ability level for your exercise program so that you do not become physically exhausted.
Visit a health club or spa for sessions in a hot sauna. Sweating helps to eliminate toxins through your skin's pores. To avoid dehydration and replace electrolytes, drink plenty of water and juices. There is no medical evidence for removing THC with a sauna cleanse. Consult your healthcare provider before visiting a sauna.
Consume a diet high in fiber and antioxidants by emphasizing fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains while limiting red meat, dairy and junk food. Among high antioxidant foods listed by the Mayo Clinic website are spinach, blueberries, black beans, apples, broccoli and almonds. Eat five small meals throughout the day to increase your metabolic rate.
Drink a cleansing herbal tea such as dandelion root. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "dandelion is used by some as a liver or kidney tonic, as a diuretic." The Center also reports that "There is no compelling scientific evidence for using dandelion as a treatment for any medical condition." Consult your healthcare provider before taking dandelion root tea.
Tip
During the cleanse, take vitamin C to boost immunity and B complex to aid fat metabolism.
Warning
The National Institute on Drug Abuse includes cravings, irritability, anxiety and difficulty sleeping as marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid dandelion if you have gall bladder inflammation or infection.
References
Writer Bio
Jason Marcus began writing alternative medicine and winter sports articles for LIVESTRONG.COM in 2010. He practices holistic healing as a nationally certified massage therapist. He studied at the Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy. Marcus holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and he completed the pre-medicine program and received summa cum laude graduate honors from James Madison University.