Detox (or detoxification) is a natural process to eliminate or neutralize the toxins from the body. Toxins are some chemicals such as ammonia, lactic acid and homocysteine formed in the body as a result of normal activities of the body. Sometimes these toxins may be human-made as we are exposed to the environment, food and water. Primarily detox is thought of as a treatment for drug or alcohol dependence, the word is also used to refer to a diet program of removing dietary and environmental toxins from the body.
Every day we eat many types of food items, not all but some of them can consist of toxic or harmful chemicals. Also the water we drink may be impure or contaminated. Let us not consider our food and water as it may be healthy and pure. But again, the air we breathe and the environment we live in is full of pollution and harmful radiations. Additionally emotions like continuous negative thinking, worry, anxiety, fear, anger and sadness can cause havoc on our well-being. Together all these can act as toxins and harm our body. Our body has many organs like liver, colon, lymph, lungs, kidneys, and skin that work to detoxify the system through perspiration, urination, bowel elimination. But the amount of toxins we are taking today has increased to a level at which the body becomes unable to detoxify on its own. So, here comes the concept of detox.
A small detox plan is given here. This plan includes a list of ‘what to eat’ and ‘what to avoid’ while a detox.
Green leafy vegetables:
Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and spinach are high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. They break down easily and help satiate our craving for crunchy and salty snacks. Raw vegetables or their juices are lower in calorie and have a higher energy density than in the cooked form. These vegetables also help control our hunger.
Fresh Fruits:
Fresh fruits contain lots of fibers, vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients that help the body function properly. They help in digestion and prevent diseases. They are also low in calories. Also you can have fresh fruit juices.
Whole grains:
Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa are high in insoluble fibers, complex carbohydrates, nutrients and antioxidants. They will provide the body lots of energy without straining the digestive system. But we should consume whole grains in small amount that too without salt and sauces.
Ginger, garlic and onions:
Ginger, also known as a heart tonic, lowers the cholesterol level in the blood and makes the platelets less sticky, and hence less liable for obtrusive clots. It can be used in ginger tea or can be sprinkled on salad.
Garlic is one of the best detox foods. It has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It stimulates the liver to produce enzymes that help the body to detoxify. Garlic also helps fighting cancer, heart diseases and strengthens the immune system. It purifies the blood, the brain and the heart.
Onion has antibacterial properties. It prevents heart attack and stroke. It enables the circulatory system to work well. It is recommended to eat at least one raw onion for a sound health.
Green Tea:
Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG is an anti-oxidant that prevents the growth of cancer by killing the affected cells without harming the healthy cells. It also lowers the cholesterol level and hinders the abnormal formation of the blood clots that is the main cause of strokes and heart attacks. Green tea also prevents infections, rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune functions and cardiovascular diseases.
Lemon and oranges:
Lemons and oranges are a great source of Vitamin C (also known as citric acid), which is one of the best detoxifiers ever. They wash out the toxins and help the digestive tract with the enzymatic processes. It is suggested to drink a glass of water with lemon every morning. This alkalizes the body and helps digestion.
Extra virgin olive oil:
Extra virgin olive oil is considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives. It lubricates the intestinal walls, allows the toxins to be absorbed by the oil and removed from the body. It contains essential acids that help the liver and intestine to function properly. It helps to absorb vitamins A, D and K. It also slows down ageing.
Nuts and seeds:
Seeds (like pumpkin, sesame, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds) and nuts (like chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio, siberian cedar nuts) are a great source of vitamin E, protein and fatty acids. They improve blood circulation. But we should avoid butter and salt with them.
Beans and lentil:
Beans and lentils like black eye, pinto, cannellini, butter, red kidney, haricot, red lentils, brown lentils and green lentils (dried or soaked in water) are easy to digest. They are high in iron and soluble fiber which slows digestion process and also make you feel full longer. They lower the risk of breast cancer. They also control hypertension and high blood pressure.
Beets:
Beets contain lots of beta-carotene; iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, vitamins B3, B6 and C. They increase the production of antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes help in detoxifying and eliminating the bile and other toxins. It also provides strength to the liver and the gallbladder which are responsible for breaking down the food and removing toxins. Additionally, the fiber content in them improves digestion.
Caffeine:
Caffeine can harm the digestive tract and the colon. Coffee, either regular or decaffeinated, black tea, and other caffeinated drinks must be avoided. It can result in stress, depression and addiction. Green tea can replace your regular coffee.
Gluten:
All grains containing gluten, including barley, rye, spelt and kamut must be avoided. They stick to the bowels and contribute to Candida, and hence can lead to cancer. We can have other rich sources of fiber like fruits and vegetables.
Sugar:
In any form, sugar can increase sugar level in the blood. So it can cause release of insulin from the body and injure the kidneys and the liver. This does not mean that you can use artificial sweeteners. They are harmful too.
Nut butters or peanuts:
Usually these are full of sugar, salt, or other colorants, chemicals and emulsifiers. These also may be contaminated. So these must be avoided instead other nuts can be consumed.
Red Meat:
Red meat is difficult to break down and digest by the system. It sits inside the colon where it rots and results in allergies, colon cancer and leaky gut syndrome. It is also full of fat and cholesterol.
Dairy products:
A dairy product from cows, buffaloes or other animals is full of hormones and allergens that produce sticky mucus in the throat, bowels and stomach. They can also lead to colon cancer, breast cancer and asthma. Avoid them in your diet.
Egg:
Egg acidifies the body and the egg white forms mucus. Since you want foods that are calming and alkaline, it is best to leave eggs out. They are also high in cholesterol and can result in heart problems.
Drinks:
Drinks like alcohol, caffeinated beverages, soft drinks even juices with concentrate or sugar added must be avoided. They are high in sugar and can increase the sugar level in the blood. Fresh juices or green tea without sugar is recommended.
Yeast:
It is better to avoid any food item containing yeast.
Packaged foods:
Anything with an expiry date, artificial flavors, preservatives and colorants must be strictly avoided.
While detox we should strictly follow a diet plan otherwise we can get some side effects. So before a detox, it is recommended to consult a doctor. There may be some side effects of a detox that are usually pretty mild and even sometimes there are no side effects at all! Because you are cleaning the body by giving the liver a break, it can purify your blood by what you are eating and drinking. So you may feel the toxic elements leaving the body. This could be a headache, or you may get some pimples but finally your skin will be glowing and your energy level will increase so much that you will feel lighter!
Video of Foods That Detox Your Body from youtube:
Every day we eat many types of food items, not all but some of them can consist of toxic or harmful chemicals. Also the water we drink may be impure or contaminated. Let us not consider our food and water as it may be healthy and pure. But again, the air we breathe and the environment we live in is full of pollution and harmful radiations. Additionally emotions like continuous negative thinking, worry, anxiety, fear, anger and sadness can cause havoc on our well-being. Together all these can act as toxins and harm our body. Our body has many organs like liver, colon, lymph, lungs, kidneys, and skin that work to detoxify the system through perspiration, urination, bowel elimination. But the amount of toxins we are taking today has increased to a level at which the body becomes unable to detoxify on its own. So, here comes the concept of detox.
A small detox plan is given here. This plan includes a list of ‘what to eat’ and ‘what to avoid’ while a detox.
What to eat?
Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and spinach are high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. They break down easily and help satiate our craving for crunchy and salty snacks. Raw vegetables or their juices are lower in calorie and have a higher energy density than in the cooked form. These vegetables also help control our hunger.
Fresh Fruits:
Fresh fruits contain lots of fibers, vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients that help the body function properly. They help in digestion and prevent diseases. They are also low in calories. Also you can have fresh fruit juices.
Whole grains:
Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa are high in insoluble fibers, complex carbohydrates, nutrients and antioxidants. They will provide the body lots of energy without straining the digestive system. But we should consume whole grains in small amount that too without salt and sauces.
Ginger, garlic and onions:
Ginger, also known as a heart tonic, lowers the cholesterol level in the blood and makes the platelets less sticky, and hence less liable for obtrusive clots. It can be used in ginger tea or can be sprinkled on salad.
Garlic is one of the best detox foods. It has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It stimulates the liver to produce enzymes that help the body to detoxify. Garlic also helps fighting cancer, heart diseases and strengthens the immune system. It purifies the blood, the brain and the heart.
Onion has antibacterial properties. It prevents heart attack and stroke. It enables the circulatory system to work well. It is recommended to eat at least one raw onion for a sound health.
Green Tea:
Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG is an anti-oxidant that prevents the growth of cancer by killing the affected cells without harming the healthy cells. It also lowers the cholesterol level and hinders the abnormal formation of the blood clots that is the main cause of strokes and heart attacks. Green tea also prevents infections, rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune functions and cardiovascular diseases.
Lemon and oranges:
Lemons and oranges are a great source of Vitamin C (also known as citric acid), which is one of the best detoxifiers ever. They wash out the toxins and help the digestive tract with the enzymatic processes. It is suggested to drink a glass of water with lemon every morning. This alkalizes the body and helps digestion.
Extra virgin olive oil:
Extra virgin olive oil is considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives. It lubricates the intestinal walls, allows the toxins to be absorbed by the oil and removed from the body. It contains essential acids that help the liver and intestine to function properly. It helps to absorb vitamins A, D and K. It also slows down ageing.
Nuts and seeds:
Seeds (like pumpkin, sesame, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds) and nuts (like chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio, siberian cedar nuts) are a great source of vitamin E, protein and fatty acids. They improve blood circulation. But we should avoid butter and salt with them.
Beans and lentil:
Beans and lentils like black eye, pinto, cannellini, butter, red kidney, haricot, red lentils, brown lentils and green lentils (dried or soaked in water) are easy to digest. They are high in iron and soluble fiber which slows digestion process and also make you feel full longer. They lower the risk of breast cancer. They also control hypertension and high blood pressure.
Beets:
Beets contain lots of beta-carotene; iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, vitamins B3, B6 and C. They increase the production of antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes help in detoxifying and eliminating the bile and other toxins. It also provides strength to the liver and the gallbladder which are responsible for breaking down the food and removing toxins. Additionally, the fiber content in them improves digestion.
What to avoid?
Caffeine can harm the digestive tract and the colon. Coffee, either regular or decaffeinated, black tea, and other caffeinated drinks must be avoided. It can result in stress, depression and addiction. Green tea can replace your regular coffee.
Gluten:
All grains containing gluten, including barley, rye, spelt and kamut must be avoided. They stick to the bowels and contribute to Candida, and hence can lead to cancer. We can have other rich sources of fiber like fruits and vegetables.
Sugar:
In any form, sugar can increase sugar level in the blood. So it can cause release of insulin from the body and injure the kidneys and the liver. This does not mean that you can use artificial sweeteners. They are harmful too.
Nut butters or peanuts:
Usually these are full of sugar, salt, or other colorants, chemicals and emulsifiers. These also may be contaminated. So these must be avoided instead other nuts can be consumed.
Red Meat:
Red meat is difficult to break down and digest by the system. It sits inside the colon where it rots and results in allergies, colon cancer and leaky gut syndrome. It is also full of fat and cholesterol.
Dairy products:
A dairy product from cows, buffaloes or other animals is full of hormones and allergens that produce sticky mucus in the throat, bowels and stomach. They can also lead to colon cancer, breast cancer and asthma. Avoid them in your diet.
Egg:
Egg acidifies the body and the egg white forms mucus. Since you want foods that are calming and alkaline, it is best to leave eggs out. They are also high in cholesterol and can result in heart problems.
Drinks:
Drinks like alcohol, caffeinated beverages, soft drinks even juices with concentrate or sugar added must be avoided. They are high in sugar and can increase the sugar level in the blood. Fresh juices or green tea without sugar is recommended.
Yeast:
It is better to avoid any food item containing yeast.
Packaged foods:
Anything with an expiry date, artificial flavors, preservatives and colorants must be strictly avoided.
While detox we should strictly follow a diet plan otherwise we can get some side effects. So before a detox, it is recommended to consult a doctor. There may be some side effects of a detox that are usually pretty mild and even sometimes there are no side effects at all! Because you are cleaning the body by giving the liver a break, it can purify your blood by what you are eating and drinking. So you may feel the toxic elements leaving the body. This could be a headache, or you may get some pimples but finally your skin will be glowing and your energy level will increase so much that you will feel lighter!
Video of Foods That Detox Your Body from youtube:
Peanuts are to be avoided during detox! This article states they're okay in the nuts and seeds section, and then down below states they should be avoided in the nut butters and peanuts section!
ReplyDelete