Some people believe that detoxification is only needed to help anyone who is dependent on drugs, or alcohol. They think it’s employed to overcome the addiction. Detoxification is still used like that, of course but these days it’s also widely used to improve a person’s health generally. One of the ways this is done is with a so-called detox diet.
If you’re interested in cleaning the body from potentially harmful chemicals and toxins, you may be tempted to look for a step-by-step plan for the detox diet.
Many such plans are available , but you will find some variations.
Why?
The simple answer is that detox diets come in a number of different formats. If you do an internet search with the phrase “detox diet” you will find many different plans. Which one is best for you? Unfortunately, there isn’t a easy answer to that.
When choosing a detox diet plan it is important to remember what your goal is for the detoxification. That goal is to expel and rid your body of potentially harmful toxins. Sadly, for most of us, even those who do not drink alcohol or use drugs, that toxins and chemicals build up in your body. To illustrate the point, recent studies show that there is often a lot more than just fluoride in our drinking water.
The main goal of a detox is to cleanse your body and make it pure again. That means it’s important to chose your foods carefully. Take a good look at the potentially harmful foods and drinks you are putting into your body. Do you drink coffee and pop? In that case you’re taking in caffeine, which is okay, but only in moderation. Remember, though, that caffeine is not something your body requires. For that reason, anyone looking to take a detox diet are usually recommended to eliminate coffee or pop from their diet, even if just for the length of the diet.
Some people are actually hooked on the taste that caffeine gives. To make it easier to give up caffeine, you could try drinking an all-natural juice. In fact, if you have a juice maker; you can quickly and easily make your own 100% all-natural juices. Pure water is best for quenching your thirst and helping to detox your body, but if you find yourself craving something with flavour, juice may be a good substitute.
To eliminate toxins from the body, they must be expelled from the body. The major channel of elimination is the obvious one. That is why foods that are high in fibre are recommended. A diet that is high in fibre helps to regulate your digestive system. Of course, this means that you will probably make regular, although hopefully! not excessive, trips to the bathroom. In addition to eating more fibre, drinking clean water can help you flush your body of the toxins. Don’t overdose on water – surprising as it sounds you can actually drink too much, believe it or not.
When you’re next out food shopping, have a quick look at the ingredients label. Count how many of those ingredients you can barely pronounce. They will be the additives and chemicals. Many of the foods we consumed have a lot of additives and chemicals. Although legally approved and generally safe such additives are things our bodies do not need to survive.
That is why detox diets call for the elimination of them. One way to avoid added chemicals and additives is to eat organic food. Many detox plans call for organic foods.
Organic foods are grown without overuse of pesticides and fertilisers. In some cases organic food is grown without any such additives. But what if you are on a budget? It is no secret that organic foods cost more. If you’re like a lot of people you may find that you actually eat less when you eat organic food. It seems that more of the actual nutrition is ‘getting through’ to your body.
Don’t overlook fruits and vegetables. You may find these organic prices to be cheaper, particularly in season. Fruits and vegetables have their own health benefits, of course.
The length of a detox diet varies from one to the other. Some diets last as few as three days, while some can go for two weeks or more. Usually, seven to ten days is reasonable maximum time, but you should pay attention to listen to your body.
A detox may be much for your body to handle. Be alert for the warning signs and start incorporating your “traditional” foods into your diet.
If you do well on the intitial detox you may decide to keep up with components of it more permanently, like cutting out caffeine, or eating more organic foods.
Always consult with your doctor or health care professional before embarking on a detox regimen, or changing your diet. Detox diets are not for everyone.