Diet is usually one of the things to suffer when stress levels increase and lives become busy. This can often lead to the body feeling fatigued and sluggish. Through everyday living, the body is constantly exposed to increasing levels of pollutants and toxin in the air as well as in the foods we consume. The body has a natural ability to cleanse and eliminate these toxins, but if the system is overloaded or isn’t working properly things can get out of control.
How Toxins are Eliminated
Toxins are usually eliminated from the body through the bowel or kidneys, or are neutralized directly by the body. Excess toxins which cannot be naturally eliminated commonly are stored in fat. The body uses the liver, kidneys and intestines for the eliminating process, although the lungs and skin also help the process. Detoxifying the digestive system, liver and bowel helps to release trapped and stored toxins. A body detox diet may also assist in weight loss.
Commercial detox and body cleansing programs and diets are available and generally involve the consumption of pills or liquids, combined with a specific diet. We are able to detox easily without the help of any artificial products. Detoxing is directly related to the food we consume and therefore by taking part in a detox diet we are able to help the body revitalize itself. A body detox diet need only take seven to 14 days and carried out approximately three to four times a year, although a constant healthy diet is recommend for long term health.
What to do when on A Detox Diet
When taking part in a body detox diet we should try to eliminate or reduce smoking, alcohol and caffeine. Processed foods have less nutritional value and therefore eating foods which are as close to their natural state as possible will be more beneficial. Re-hydrating the body is also very beneficial and the quickest and purest way to do that is to consume at least 1.8 liters of water daily. The digestive system can also have a break if all animal products are reduced or eliminated for the short time during a body detox. Eat three meals a day consisting of foods close to their natural state and to keep energy levels stable throughout the day, small snacks of fruit or vegetables between meals is advisable.
Top Detox Diet Foods
Some foods to include while detoxing:
- fruits: green apples, mango, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, grapes and kiwi fruit
- vegetables: fennel, leeks, carrots, beetroot and leafy green vegetables
- other foods: brown rice, raw unsalted nuts, fish, beans and lentils, buckwheat and tofu
Things to Avoid When Detoxing
Listed are a few things which are best avoided while detoxing:
- saturated fatty and fried foods
- cow’s milk and dairy product
- processed foods
- white refined foods and flours
- sugar and confectionaries
- carbonated and soft drinks
A Few Tips to Assist Digestion
Digestion may also be improved at any time by:
- Chewing food slowly and thoroughly before swallowing.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Reducing over-eating.
- Not eating late at night (within two hours of retiring).
A body detox diet has many benefits for some organs of the body and may help to maintain good overall health. Detoxifying the body is also a great way to kick start a weight loss program, although may not be suitable for everyone.
This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be substituted as advice from a qualified professional.
References:
- Gallagher,Chrissie, Bikini Fit, Hamlyn, 2003.
- Dr Tickell, John, The Great Australian Diet, Wilkinson Publishing Pty Ltd, 2004.
Toni Walters - I am a Day Trader and like to trade the forex markets around the world. I enjoy reading, sewing and writing short articles for local ...
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