The use of brown rice protein powder as a detoxification aid gained popularity through the advocacy of Dr. Morrison's Detox Diet. This diet utilizes a special protein powder derived from brown rice, due to rice's amino acid content, and because powders with a casein or soy base are unacceptable in this diet. Dr. Morrison also points out that brown rice is high in two important amino acids specific for liver detoxification: glycine and glutathione. This has been confirmed by studies that indicate a relation between glycine and liver protection and glutathione's role in preventing and reducing oxidative stress. The brown rice protein shakes which utilize Dr. Morrison's patented formula as the base are part and parcel to Morrison's recommended diet.
About Brown Rice Protein Powder-Related Diets
It should be noted that brown rice protein powder detox diets are uncommon. In fact, outside the realm of Dr. Morrison's regimen, they go largely unrecognized by the nutritional world and are virtually non-existent. Most individuals who choose brown rice protein powders over dairy or soy formulas are doing so out of concern for allergies. One of brown rice's greatest perks is that it is low on the allergenic scale. In contrast, milk and soy rank high on the Mayo Clinic's list of most allergenic foods. Morrison's diet is the only currently known diet that advocates the use of brown rice protein powder as a major element for detoxification purposes.
Dr. Morrison likes to point out on his official Detox Diet website, that the antioxidants contained within his brown rice powder may protect the body from harmful free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and damage. The protein powder combined with a strict diet rich in green vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods is key to both detoxifying and rebuilding the body over time.
Dietary Protocol
This diet has a recommended length period of 30 days. Experienced dieters may notice a similarity between Morrison's protocol and that of Dr. Perricone, as these diets are both rich in lean sources of protein, antioxidant rich berries, and green vegetables. However, where Perricone leans strongly on the necessity of essential fatty acids, Morrison highlights popular detox foods such as apple cider vinegar, yerba mate tea, and his own preference of brown rice protein powder for a burst of amino acids.
Key Foods
Morrison's diet is very restrictive, allowing for only the following foods and food types:
- Water
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Turkey, salmon, chicken, eggs
- Spices
- Green, mate or herbal teas
- Snapper, sardines, blue crab or shrimp
- Apples
- Melons
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Grapefruit
- Berries
- Pears
- Lemon juice
- Most vegetables
The quantities of these foods are limited, of course, except where the vegetables are concerned. Most non-starchy vegetables can be consumed in unlimited quantities. However, the cooking methods of any of the above foods are also restricted to more healthy practices such as steaming or grilling. There is also a codicil when it comes to nightshade and root vegetables, many of which are not allowed on the diet. Fans of potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes and peppers will need to find solace elsewhere.
Expectations and Considerations
Dr. Morrison's Detox Diet provides dieters with a somewhat well rounded regimen. However, the lack of grains present in the diet may have users suffering for insoluble fiber. In such cases, certain fruits such as apples will need to carry their weight. From a nutritional standpoint, Morrison's plan should offer ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and proteins, at least for the duration of 30 days.
It should be noted that, although there is enough science to support the nutritional and antioxidant properties of many of the aforementioned foods, there is little science to prove an actual "detoxification" of the body. Dieters will benefit from the clean food protocol and the lack of processed foods and carbohydrates that may be present in their normal diet. However, Morrison's diet has no conclusive research to support its claims of improved metabolism and fine-tuned health. In fact, the Mayo Clinic has almost as much to say about the myth of "detox" diets and their claims of removing toxins from the body.
As with any diet or dietary change, you should consult your physician beforehand. Some people suffer from blood sugar issues or medical conditions that may prevent them from attempting certain health feats.
