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Dr Haas reacquaints readers with the art of detoxification in this guide. A philosopher-physician, Dr Haas advocates an approach to health which supports the body's own natural healing process. A detox diet is designed for anyone seeking renewed health after years of damaging lifestyle and eating habits. Healing the gastro-intestinal tract and its relationship to overall health is discussed, along with specific programmes for detoxification from sugar, caffeine, alchohol and nicotine, using the Alkaline Detox Diet.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

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193 people want to read

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elson-m-haas

2 books

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5 stars
52 (24%)
4 stars
71 (32%)
3 stars
64 (29%)
2 stars
25 (11%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Iona  Stewart.
833 reviews277 followers
August 3, 2011
This book is different from what I expected when ordering it from the library, in that it does not just deal with general detoxification. There are chapters on sugar, drug, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine detoxification, and a final chapter on fasting.

Included are lists of the nutrients required for the various detox programmes.

If I didn't find much new information, this is because I'd read a lot about the subject beforehand,

This is a sensible and adequate book comprising all the basic and necessary information on the subject.
Profile Image for Chip Cook.
54 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2018
When I was just starting to learn about foods to leave in and foods to leave out, I bought this book.

If you need information about specific detoxing, this is a great place to start. The information is still good, and Haas doesn't waste your time with trucks full of extra information.

Good information about fasting as well. They really did know quite a bit about it, even in the distant 1990s.
Profile Image for Karen.
159 reviews27 followers
February 16, 2022
This book has some good information, and I fully support the idea of regular detoxification; however, this book is not particularly well written or presented in the best manner. For much more interesting and informative read, check out Clean by Alejandro Junger.
2,103 reviews61 followers
October 11, 2017
This read like another how to have a clean home book. It does not go into enough depth to be useful
Profile Image for Triya Redberg.
Author 7 books2 followers
February 12, 2022
This is the early detox book that I have read since 7 years ago when I moved to Hawaii and I don't know much about detox. I still have this book on my bookshelf. This book is broad in many subjects of detox and includes all addictions, such as nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and drug. Since each chapter of this book mentioned different detox, the book didn't have much detail in it. I want to thank you for this book to inspire me to write my own book about sugar detox. Since he didn't focus on the problem and the cause of sugar addiction and cravings, also most sugar detox books won't write about why we have sugar cravings and addiction. They just want people to stop having sugar but they just take away something from the person which is not good. Therefore, my book is a little bit different than most sugar detox. Before taking anything away, you should add it first! This book is good only points out and tells you what to do, however, people will fall from the wagon because it seems like "willpower" how to do it but it didn't help the reader to know the root cause and dig deep. Each chapter inspires me to write a whole new book because you need to go more in detail if you want to help people.
Profile Image for Paul.
303 reviews25 followers
May 4, 2024
The "program" was essentially a two page chart. The rest of the 260 pages was fluff.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
October 3, 2017
I wanted to get some of the crap out of my body. I had problems with my bowels and this helped me for the trial period of 2 weeks. I will have to do it again!

I see now it has introduced smoothies which I love. I have included this in my detox, but not adding any sugar. However, his smoothies allow honey or maple syrup which some past diets were much stricter and would only allow stevia (I have packets around). I like the fact he included "hypo-allergic" diet of which I might consider after the detox. My issue is gradually introducing foods after doing a detox or fast. I hope to gradually bring foods back in diet to see what is causing some of my GI and other health related issues.

I am not fully committed to only doing vegetable broth, veggies, fruits, and grains and may introduce meat at dinner. Sometimes I need it also at lunch or breakfast. I have included smoothies too as well as nuts/seeds as recommended further in the reading.

Initially, I read this book back in April 2007. 10+years later, re-doing it. I so need it!
Profile Image for Christina.
903 reviews
March 16, 2010
Definitely more helpful than the other book I read! This book is easy to read and good for a beginner like me. The author covers a broad spectrum of information ranging from 'which juices are best for treating which problems', to 'possible side effects of juice fasts', to lifestyle changes and more.

One complaint is that the entire thing seemed a little bit disorganized. I had a hard time understanding whether there were better times to do the detox diet as opposed to the juice fasts, and the differences/benefits of each. In the 'sugar' chapter, he talks about important supplements for sugar detox, but then in the general fasting guidelines, he recommends you don't take supplements.

There were chapters on detoxing from specific substances, which I found interesting. I read the 'sugar' chapter thoroughly, then just skimmed the ones that don't really apply to my (nicotine, alcohol, etc.)

Quick review: Good basic guide that covers a variety of detox topics, but a bit disorganized and hard to follow. I'm not sure if it actually works ... we'll see.
Profile Image for corinne.
43 reviews20 followers
September 16, 2008
I have used a lot of info. from this in my current two week detox cleanse, which will lead to a two day fast and then a colonic irrigation.

There is a lot of helpful info. and I am not necessarily following all its guidelines, but through its info. i have been able to construct my own cleanse and upcoming fast.

YAY for colonic health!
Profile Image for Crystal.
2 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2012
I found this book to have a lot good information on nutrition and healing the body from the in side out bottom to the top. It answered a lot of the questions I was having about cleanses. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to start incorporating seasonal cleanses into their lives.
Profile Image for Loree.
151 reviews16 followers
December 29, 2008
Well worth reading. I picked it up because it had a section on Nicotine Detoxification, when a friend of mine wanted to stop smoking. I'm using it for me now, that I'm quitting smoking. It's been very helpful.
33 reviews
November 23, 2008
I've been utilizing this book for years -- a great method of gentle detoxofication from caffeine, sugar, nictotine and other substances.
Dr. Haas is thorough, respected in his field, and a fabulous resource for alternative healing.
Profile Image for Dawna.
118 reviews14 followers
September 23, 2009
I'm too rebellious to ever be this hard core about food. But it did have some really good points, and I do find myself thinking about what I eat a little differently so- I'd call it a success. I will eventually try one of the detox plans, and I saw some recipes I will definitely use.
Profile Image for AdultNonFiction Teton County Library.
366 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2010
TCL Call#: 613.2 Haas

Madeleine - 3 stars
I picked this up after my doctor recommended that I try removing dairy and eggs. I found it to be full of tailored recommendations for removing various addictive items out of your regimine (caffine, nicotine, suugar, etc) a bit thick of a read tho.
Profile Image for Vinyessa.
27 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2013
I like Haas. He adds a bit of personality to otherwise dull textbooks. This book goes into a nice depth about the detoxification process and how to design a detox for yourself or another person, safely and effectively.
Profile Image for Richard.
15 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2013
Good read in general.

Personally, I'm on the fence about fasting. I just haven't seen enough doctors in the medical community on whole to backup the touted benefits of detoxification through liquid fasting.
Profile Image for Becca.
19 reviews
January 5, 2008
Good general advice. The only reason I didn't give it 4 or more stars is because I am not that hardcore.
Profile Image for Claire.
4 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2008
I started following some of the simple detox plans and I can already feel a difference in my energy level, mood, and body. And I'm not even through the 2nd chapter yet!
Profile Image for Belinda.
27 reviews
June 4, 2008
Quick read while I was standing in the library browsing. I'm not sure if it works or not but it certainly was interesting. Might be kind of hard to only drink juice for several days.
1 review2 followers
January 14, 2010
Did the the diet for a day and felt ill. I'm one for more food. Although, there are some amazing smoothie recipes.
Profile Image for Caley.
118 reviews16 followers
December 13, 2012


Sparse on the details of a detox's effect on the body. I'm not particularly sold by anything in here. How is this in a 3rd edition reprint already?
Profile Image for Brandi.
34 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2013
Lots of good info that I can use but I don't think I have it in me to do a 10 day juice fast.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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