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What is the Brown Rice Diet?

Ron Marr
Ron Marr

The brown rice diet is one of the infinite number of diet plans that purport to cleanse and detoxify the body. As the name implies, the main ingredient is brown rice, rather than the white rice to which most US consumers are accustomed. It should be noted that there is no scientific evidence that this diet actually does detoxify or cleanse the body. Those who do want to follow this or any rather extreme diet, should first consult with a qualified medical professional.

The basic theory behind the diet is that white rice loses much of its nutritional value when it is milled and polished. There is some measure of truth to this, as white rice is brown rice that has had its outer husk removed, which also removes most of the fiber. Homeopathic professionals often make the claim that it is the fiber of brown rice that helps move toxins out of the body and leads to an enhanced state of well-being.

Brown rice.
Brown rice.

There are basically two schools of thought on just how the brown rice diet should be conducted. The first, and probably least healthful of the two, involves eating small meals of brown rice, cooked in water, five or six times a day. No other food is permitted, though the dieter is supposed to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water per day. The occasional glass of fresh vegetable juice is also acceptable.

Water is a key element in both versions of the brown rice diet.
Water is a key element in both versions of the brown rice diet.

Dieters are supposed to stick with this eating plan for up to two weeks, at which time the body is supposedly cleansed of toxins and harmful chemicals. It is true that the body may feel cleansed, for consuming such a great amount of water and rice will function as both a diuretic and a laxative. As to whether such a version of the diet removes toxins, or aids a person's health in any way, is open for debate.

No food other than brown rice is permitted in the stricter of the two versions of this diet, but the occasional glass of vegetable juice is acceptable.
No food other than brown rice is permitted in the stricter of the two versions of this diet, but the occasional glass of vegetable juice is acceptable.

A second, more sensible version of the diet specifies that the dieter eat foods other than rice over a seven-day period. Fruits and vegetables are allowed, although most homeopaths will usually insist that anything consumed be organic and raw. All canned and frozen foods are forbidden. Again, the dieter may drink as much water as he likes, and fruit juice is also suggested.

The less strict version of the brown rice diet allows fresh fruit and vegetables to be eaten over a seven-day period.
The less strict version of the brown rice diet allows fresh fruit and vegetables to be eaten over a seven-day period.

This variation is not that much different from any other low-fat diet. The dieter can have fruit and brown rice, vegetables and brown rice, fruit juice and brown rice, herbal tea and brown rice, or even brown rice and brown rice. He can eat as much of these foods as he likes and can vary his intake as he desires. The only absolute is that he stay on the diet for a full week.

Both brown and white rice lose much of their fiber when their husks are removed, but brown rice, which is not milled and polished, still retains a small amount of fiber.
Both brown and white rice lose much of their fiber when their husks are removed, but brown rice, which is not milled and polished, still retains a small amount of fiber.

While this, more liberal of the two brown rice diets will certain not hurt a person — assuming, of course, that he is not allergic to brown rice — there is again no evidence that it will revitalize the body. As with the first version of the diet, the individual who engages in the procedure will usually lose weight. The diuretic and laxative effect can be rather extreme, and unless the dieter plans on staying close to a restroom for seven days, he might want to consider a more traditional eating plan.

Discussion Comments

anon284671

I have been eating a lot of organic brown pearl rice, and just some melon, for a few days. I have not had any problems with constipation what so ever.

anon138567

I have 'done' the brown rice diet (over 10 days) with absolutely no problems. Felt great after the first few days and brilliant at the end. No problems with my bowels. I know several people who likewise have done the '10 day brown rice diet' and none have had any difficulties. Several do the diet on a once yearly or bi-yearly basis. Just make sure you use a good quality organic brown rice. --Ricky

SnowyWinter

As the article states, the actual brown rice diet is used for detoxification. Many of the foods that the average American eats are high in meat, fat, sugar, refined foods, caffeine, chemical, and dyes. This can result in a very acidic pH level.

It is very important to keep a pH balance near 7.0 to keep our bodies healthy and able to heal from disease. The brown rice diet can reduce the symptoms of many things such as allergies, arthritis, obesity, skin problems, digestive issues, headaches, and liver problems.

Many health professionals say that an annual detoxification of our bodies is very important. The diet can be tolerated for one, maybe two weeks.

DinoLeash

When I first heard about the rice diet, I thought that it sounded pretty bland to eat rice all the time. I did a little research on it and found out that it is actually unhealthy to just eat rice. Rice is a binding food and if you only ate rice, you would probably be very constipated with no other fiber added to your diet.

This version of the rice menu involves two phases. Phase one is fruits and grains. Phase two is fish, beans, veggies, and other low carb items.

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    • Brown rice.
      By: airborne77
      Brown rice.
    • Water is a key element in both versions of the brown rice diet.
      By: luchshen
      Water is a key element in both versions of the brown rice diet.
    • No food other than brown rice is permitted in the stricter of the two versions of this diet, but the occasional glass of vegetable juice is acceptable.
      By: HandmadePictures
      No food other than brown rice is permitted in the stricter of the two versions of this diet, but the occasional glass of vegetable juice is acceptable.
    • The less strict version of the brown rice diet allows fresh fruit and vegetables to be eaten over a seven-day period.
      By: Markus Mainka
      The less strict version of the brown rice diet allows fresh fruit and vegetables to be eaten over a seven-day period.
    • Both brown and white rice lose much of their fiber when their husks are removed, but brown rice, which is not milled and polished, still retains a small amount of fiber.
      By: Stepan Popov
      Both brown and white rice lose much of their fiber when their husks are removed, but brown rice, which is not milled and polished, still retains a small amount of fiber.