Detoxification refers to the process of elimination or neutralization of toxins that enter the body through food, water, and air. Fruits and vegetables with pesticide residue, preservatives and additives in canned and processed foods, environmental toxins such as carbon monoxide, drugs, and heavy metals are some of the unwanted toxins. Certain toxins are produced inside the body during normal body processes. For instance, ammonia is produced during the breakdown of proteins. These toxins deposit within the body, which affects metabolism and other vital bodily functions, thereby leading to health problems. However, these problems can be prevented by detoxification process.
There are a number of effective methods of body detoxification, such as colon cleanse, intestinal parasite cleansing, herbal detoxification, Candida cleanse, and detox diet. Following a diet plan that helps in the removal of unwanted toxins is one of the most simple and effective ways of detoxification.
Detoxification Diet Explained
It is a diet plan that helps detoxify the body by cleansing the colon and enhancing circulation to clear toxic substances from the body. In this diet plan, the food items that require detoxification or allergenic foods are eliminated. The diet is rich in nutrients, that help protect and support the liver, which is the main organ involved in the detoxification process.
The diet mainly includes the use of organic food, which limits the quantity of chemicals ingested. It emphasizes the consumption of food rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. High fiber diet and the intake of plenty of water is recommended in such diet plans. The diet works by removing unwanted toxins via urine and bowel movements.
Types
Raw food diet, diuretic diet, fat flush diet, fruit diet, hallelujah diet, lemonade diet, liquid diets, and liver cleansing diet are some of the types of diet plans that help in the removal of toxins. Generally, these diet plans include organic foods and drinks (no use of fungicides or pesticides), fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole unprocessed foods like nuts, grains, and seeds. The use of certain herbs might also prove beneficial.
Although brown rice is preferred, other forms of rice such as rice cakes, rice pasta, and rice crackers are also included in these diet plans. Beverages such as herbal tea, green tea, lemon water, and unsweetened juices should be preferred over aerated drinks and calorie-laden drinks. At least 2 liters of water should be consumed daily. Food items that are rich in sugar, and different dairy products should be avoided. Refined and processed foods, caffeine, alcoholic drinks, drugs, and tobacco should also be avoided.
Following are some of the diet plans available:
Raw Food Diet: It includes fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, grains, and sprouted seeds. Juices, dried fruits, flaked or rolled grains, spices, and herbs are also included in this diet. Raw food is rich in all the essential enzymes, which might get lost during the cooking process.
Diuretic Diet: It involves the use of natural diuretics to alleviate fluid retention. It includes parsley, celery seed, juniper berries, dandelion, melon, artichoke, watercress, as well as certain caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and coke.
Fruit Flush: This regime recommends the intake of plenty of fruits, raw vegetables, and protein drinks. Fruits contain high amounts of water, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants, which helps dissolve toxic substances, improve liver function, and increase energy level.
Fat Flush Diet Plan: This diet recommends the consumption of healthy food along with lots of exercises. It offers benefits of body detoxification, as well as weight loss. This type of diet boosts metabolism, promotes fat loss, and reduces water retention.
Lemonade Diet: Also known as master cleanse diet, it is one of the most popular body cleansing diets. It is a liquid diet that includes the intake of water with sea salt, maple syrup, organic lemon juice, and cayenne syrup. The diet is helpful in weight reduction, as there is no intake of solid food.
Liver Cleansing Diet: This diet includes consumption of raw vegetables, which improves liver function. It also helps reduce certain health problems such as abdominal bloating, fatigue, excessive body heat, overburdened immune system, gallbladder diseases, etc.
Liquid Diet: Also known as juice fasting, this type of diet is helpful for detox, as well as weight loss. It includes only vegetable and fruit juices that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
Benefits
These diet plans neutralize and remove harmful toxic chemicals from the body and offer a number of health benefits. These lower the risks of many health problems. Some health benefits of these diets are smooth and clear skin, improved digestion, regular bowel movements, improved energy, and increased concentration.
However, before starting a detoxification diet, one should consult a dietitian. The diet is not recommended for children and pregnant women. Also, people with eating disorders such as anemia, thyroid diseases, kidney diseases, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and other chronic conditions should not follow these diet plans. If they do, these should be followed under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Detox diet helps improve health by promoting the elimination of toxins through kidneys, intestine, and skin, thereby improving blood circulation, and refueling the body with healthy nutrients. It also strengthens the immune system, which in turn increases resistance against various diseases and infections.
