If that's the case then fret not. There is a way to cleanse your system. Detox diet programs are becoming increasingly popular as people try to gain some control over an increasingly toxic world. It also helps that just about any detox diet can be undertaken at home. According to researchers on DisabledWorld.com, a simple detox diet consists of removing foods that trigger health problems, avoiding chemically and commercially packed processed foods such as freezer meals, canned food, and ready to eat meats, and sticking to natural, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and seeds. The plan should include consuming plenty of water to help flush toxins from the liver and kidneys. A sensible plan takes into account your nutritional needs above all else and should be well balanced.
So if that sounds appealing to you, here is where you start.
What not to do
Stop taking in anything toxic. Alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats, artificial sweeteners and chemical additives are all things that can clog your system and cause problems in your energy levels and overall health. Avoiding them entirely may not be possible for some out there, but giving your body a rest from things you know are harmful for a few days a month is a good start, whereas if you are serious about going on a system detox, this naturally becomes mandatory.
The facts
Most advocates of body cleansing advise that you do a seven-day detox no more than once a year, while a 24-hour cleanse can be done as often as once a week. Detoxing your body is best done as naturally as possible and it's always wise to avoid any plan that is harsh or extreme.
A juice fast has always been a popular way. Here you drink nothing but vegetable juices, fruit juices and organic vegetable broths. You can have these as much as you want. However, ideally you can't drink or eat anything else, except water. In case you do become too hungry though, don't suppress your appetite. This is equally important. Snack on raw, organic fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, beans and legumes, and small amounts of nuts and seeds.
For extra help
Flush your system with plenty of water. Drink up to one liter of water every day while you are on your juice fast. Water helps your liver and kidneys do their jobs, which is to help flush toxins from your system. Tea is another good option. Not only is tea full of antioxidants, especially if it's herbal, it will fill you up helping you resist temptations to break your diet. Similarly support your system as you cleanse it. Lemons contain high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps support the liver and kidneys, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps keep water from getting boring.
The winning factor
There's nothing more that helps the detoxifying process than sweating it out. You can pretty much sweat the
poisons out. Vigorous exercise is not a good idea if you are new to fasting, but a visit to a sauna or even a hot steaming bath can help flush out toxins. Again make sure you are drinking plenty of water to keep your electrolytes in balance. Further, skin brushing and oil massages can also help exfoliate toxins from your skin and refresh circulation.
Do detox diets work?
Detox diets have their plus and minus points. While they can help the body flush out toxins and give the person on the diet extra energy and improved health, they can also be responsible for severe weight loss, fatigue, headaches, nausea and nutritional deficiencies. The latter is mostly a consequence of extreme detox diets. A controlled cleansing diet, however, can have a lot of benefits, including making you think responsibly about the food you put into your body.
Post-detox maintenance
After you have undergone a detox and cleansing program, it's best not to go binging on the junk foods again. It is important to maintain the results that have been achieved with the detox by continuing to make natural foods a large part of your diet. According to Homemadebodycleanse.com, you can complement your dietary habits by practicing hydrotherapy, alternating hot and cold water showers three times a week. You should also increase your intake of vitamin C, which helps produce glutathione, an antioxidant that eliminates toxins from the body. Deep breathing and meditation exercises can also reduce stress, as does any kind of regular exercise.
The side effects of a detox diet
Just like with any diet plan, a detox diet has its downsides. The number one being repeated fasts or food restrictions can lead to vitamin deficiencies, muscle breakdown and blood-sugar problems. Fasting can deprive the body of vitamins, minerals and much needed nutrients and can weaken the body and the immune system. If you have plans to start a strict detox plan on a regular basis, it is better that you undertake it with the help of a registered dietitian or medical practitioner. However, if you are pregnant, a teenager or have health conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, or low or high blood pressure, it is imperative that you avoid a detox diet.
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