Detox Diets
Detox or detoxification is the process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins from your body. Detox can be done in several ways – regular exercise, body scrubs and spa massages. However, the simplest and the most common way is a detox diet.
Detox diets minimize the chemicals ingested into your body by choosing organic food. It emphasizes food such as vitamins and antioxidants needed for detoxification. It also involves consuming food that will help in the removal of toxins - high fiber food and water. It usually means eating fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and lots of fluids. At the same time, you should cut down on caffeine, alcohol, yeast and sugars.
So why you need a detox diet? Fast foods - the French fries, cheeseburgers, twisters and soft drinks – contain many fat-soluble chemicals. Too much of these chemicals in your body can cause illness and conditions such as liver malfunction, kidney problems, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and inefficient metabolism.
Detox diets bring wellness and a better well-being – you will have improved energy, improved metabolism and digestion, a regular bowel movement and clearer skin.
You should know that side effects can happen within the first few days of beginning the detox diet. You can experience headache and a general feeling of weakness. This is because your body is adjusting to the change in food eating. You can also suffer from diarrhea as your body eliminates the toxins. For this reason, be sure not to be dehydrated. Drink plenty of water.
Pregnant women or those who are nursing should not go on such detoxification diets because they need nutrients for nursing.
The best way is to begin your detoxification diet plan slowly or on Fridays when you won’t be requiring much energy or doing much physical activity.
Keep in mind that detox diets should not be done for a long time. They should be done at least 1-2 times each year and during the warm months.
Detox diet programs must be properly planned with the doctor and a nutritionist.