The Complete Guide To Detox Diet
Detox, a short for detoxification, is a natural and ongoing process of the body for eliminating or neutralizing harmful toxins from the system. The toxins can be anything that has the potential to harm the body tissues, such as waste products resulting from the normal cellular activity like ammonia, homocysteine and lactic acid, as well as the man-made toxins we are constantly exposed to in the food, water and environment.
Our intestines, kidneys, blood, liver, lungs, lymphatic systems and the skin work together to ensure that these toxins are transformed into less harmful compounds so that they can be excreted from the body. This entire process is called a detoxification process. Though our body is detoxifying itself continually, there are certain ways by which we can enhance the process and eating a detox diet is one such way.
Why Is It Important To Eat A Detox Diet?
A diet that is deficient in nutrients can impair our natural ability to detoxify the harmful chemicals, which leads to the build-up of such substances in the body.
The cumulative load, which you can call the “body burden”, can lead to several illnesses by creating impaired immune function, hormonal imbalance, an inefficient metabolism and nutritional deficiency. The signs of these problems may include indigestion, poor concentration, headaches, bad breath, sluggishness, fatigue, muscle pain and poor skin.
Hence, it is important to eat foods that contain all the essential vitamins and minerals and also cleanse the body system by throwing out the toxins. A detox diet helps you achieve this!
Though detox diet is primarily considered a form of treatment for alcohol and drug de-addiction (we cover on these below..keep reading!) ; today, the meaning of the term is extended to include a program of diet, herbs, spices and other methods for removing dietary and environmental toxins from the body.
A Characteristics of Good Detox Diet
Not all detox program will give you a benefits. Some of it, just a blind program without any motives and targets. Here what detox diet offer to you and help you to filter out the best program you can follow.
- It minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested by switching to organic foods
- It emphasizes on the foods that provide the essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that our body needs for detoxification
- It contains foods that have high fiber content and water to draw out and eliminate the dangerous toxic substances by stimulating the frequency of urination and bowel movements.
Why Are Detox Diets So Popular?
A growing body of research has confirmed that the chemicals entering our body on a daily basis through air, food and water get deposited in the fat cells. These toxins can be in the form of pesticides, hormones or antibiotics as well as the chemicals/preservatives used in food packaging. They can also enter our body in the form of household cleaners, pollution, detergents, drugs, heavy metals and cigarette smoke.
Detox diets are looked upon as an alternative healthcare system that can turn helplessness into hope. Eating a detox diet can ensure that you get all the essential nutrients that your body needs for the proper functioning of the organs and also cleanse the body of harmful substances.
8 Goals and Benefits of Detox Diet
The process to detoxifying your body can provide you several health benefits. The rising popularity of the detox diets is a sign of the same. It is one of the best ways to get rid of the toxins in our body that would otherwise slow down the way it functions and make it less efficient and unhealthy. Let us have a look at the health benefits you can avail by switching to a detox diet:
#1 Boosts Your Energy
Most detox diet followers report feeling more energetic after the program. While you’re detoxifying yourself, you stop the influx of the things that forced you to go for a detox process in the first place.
A detox program mandates you to cut out the caffeine, sugar, saturated fats and trans-fat from your diet and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables that give you a natural energy boost.You can use your newfound energy to be more active and exercise more to maintain a healthy weight.
#2 Helps with Weight Loss
A sudden drastic reduction in calorie intake and the resulting rapid weight loss is what gets largely focused on, especially in the media. But such short-term results do not last for long if you don’t make it a point to replace the bad foods with good as a part of your lifestyle.
A detox diet helps you attain this. A detox diet not only helps you to lose weight in the short term; but also establishes long-term eating habits that make sure you maintain your body weight.
#3 Stronger Immune System
When your body is detoxified, your organs are better able to carry out the functions they are supposed to. A detox diet gives a boost to your immune system as it improves your ability to absorb nutrients, including Vitamin C.
Most of the herbs that you take while on a detox diet will improve the efficiency with which your lymphatic system works. The detox programs also include several light exercises that enhance the circulation of lymph fluid through the body and help it to drain the toxic waste thereby strengthening your immune system.
#4 Improved Skin
Skin is the largest organ of our body; hence, it makes sense that it would gain positive results from a detox program. The beneficial effect of a detox diet on your skin is evident within just few weeks.You can enhance the benefits of a detox diet by taking a sauna so that the body sweats out additional toxins. At the end of the program, you can expect a clearer and smoother skin. It’s been reported that detoxification can also help with acne.
Though, in some people, the condition may get worse initially; it gets much better after the toxins are released. In some people, the skin gets patchy or itches before clearing up; but this too is a part of the process and can be considered a sign that you’re on the right track.
#5 Better Breath
The detox programs also include a colon cleanse so that the toxins can be released via the gut. Backed up colon is often a contributor to bad breath.So, when you are able to clear it out, you get a digestive system that is functioning well resulting in a better breath.
Well, as with the skin, your breath may also worsen during the initial period of the detoxifying process.But, by the end of the plan, it will be better. This occurs naturally as the toxins are released from the body.
#6 Clearer Thinking
A good detox program pays attention to your state of mind. Meditation is often included in the detox plans as a way to get in touch with your mind during the time when your body is purging and cleansing out the toxins.
Detox followers often experience a reduced sense of fogginess after the program and are able to think more clearly. It makes sense, as your program will keep you away from the fat-filled and sugar-filled foods that surround you each day and cause you to feel lethargic thereby affecting the quality of your thinking.
#7 Healthier Hair
A detox diet will allow your hair to grow uninhibited. You’ll feel and see the difference in your hair within just few weeks into the program.
A regular detoxifying strategy ensures that your body is functioning at its full potential allowing your hair to grow healthier. In many instances, the hair gets shinier and feels softer and silkier.
Though detoxifying is not enough to stop the male pattern baldness completely, it has been found to improve the growth of hair in men suffering from the same.
#8 Anti-Aging Benefits
The continuous barrage of toxins our body has to deal with is a major contributing factor to our aging process. By reducing the amount of toxins circulating in the body, detox diets increase your longevity.
However, once your detox program is over, it’s important that you stick to the healthy living habits and not go back to the lifestyle that caused the toxicity.
Aren’t these reasons enough to tempt anyone to start with a detox program? With so many benefits, you would definitely emerge a healthy and a more energetic person with a well toned body, better immunity, stronger hair and a younger looking skin!
Alcohol Detoxification : Here Some Tips You Can Follow
Alcoholism is a chronic disease and just like any other chronic disease, it can cause serious, life-threatening consequences, if left untreated. Fortunately, detox diets work as an effective alternative therapy for alcoholism. Let us have a look at some of the best ways for alcohol detoxification to get rid of the addiction.
#1 Dietary Changes
Pick up lots of fruits and vegetables while you are on an alcohol detoxification. This will help replace the toxins that are leaving your body with the good things that will make you feel better and energetic.
Berries are an excellent snack as they contain natural sugar, which is often what the most ex-drinkers tend to crave. Oats are also a good option for controlling your blood sugar. Avoid junk foods and include foods rich in nutrients in your diet if you want to derive maximum benefits out of the detox.
#2 Have Enough Vitamin B
Alcohol consumption can lead to the deficiency of vitamin B. To allow your body to heal from within, it is important to replenish this vitamin in the body. Restoration of vitamin C and magnesium is also imperative in order to ensure smooth body functions during alcohol detoxification.
#3 Drink Enough Water
Drink moderate to large amounts of water. But, do not consume more than 2 quarts in less than an hour. You can mix in a small quantity of sports drink to add some flavor; but try to stick to plain water for your fluid intake as much as possible.
Drinking water will ease the withdrawal symptoms and allow your body to flush out the toxins more easily. Avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee as they may disturb your sleep patterns further.
#4 Use Angelica Extract
Angelica works by reducing the craving and withdrawal symptoms of alcohol. It prevents the urge to consume alcohol by creating a sense of sickness and nausea when you try to go back to drinking. The recommended dosage is 3-5 drops per day. Just add the extract to a glass of water and drink it.
#5 Use Kudzu and Milk Thistle
Milk thistle extract works well as a natural cure for removing toxins from the body. It blocks the absorption of alcohol in the liver and reduces the adverse effects caused by alcohol consumption.
Kudzu is known to cure several ailments including alcohol addiction. The powerful antioxidant properties of this herb can reduce the damage caused by alcohol and regenerate the liver tissues. Taking ten grams of kudzu powder every day can also curb the craving for alcohol.
#6 Use Basil for Spiritual Healing
Basil is a potent medicinal herb that induces spiritual healing. It is a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. It frees the body from the dangerous free radicals and detoxifies the body completely.
Pluck a few soft basil twigs and soak them in a glass of water for a few hours. Regular intake of this water can curb your desire for alcohol.
Alcohol detoxification is an essential part of the management of alcoholism. If you’re a heavy drinker, you may need medically supervised detoxification. Otherwise, a typical alcohol detoxification program lasts for a few days to more than a week. It is an important step in the withdrawal treatment and can offer long lasting benefits for people trying to get rid of the addiction.
Nicotine Detoxification : Read This To Help You Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is a difficult endeavor. But it can be made easier if you detoxify your body. Detoxification helps to flush out the toxins along with the nicotine accumulated in the body.
Detoxification can ease the withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine use and purify your blood thereby improving the overall condition of your health and well being. Here’s how you can go ahead with your nicotine detoxification.
The First Step Of Nicotine Detoxification
Activity : Quit Smoking
Precaution : Do not use nicotine patches during this activity
Time Taken : 7- 14 days
The Process : From the moment you quit smoking in about two to three hours, the nicotine levels in your body start to drop considerably. After two to three days, the blood serum becomes nicotine free though there could be about 10% of the nicotine metabolites in your urine. After about 2 weeks, your system will be finally nicotine free. Hence, there is really no need to use the nicotine patches if you are able to sail through this period with a strong will.
Other things you can do alongside this activity :
| #1 Water Consumption | – Drink at least 8 Ounces of water everyday. – Help flush away your accumulate nicotine in your body through urine and sweat |
| #2 Exercise | – Try to exercise once every 2-3 days. – Help flush out the nicotine in your body through sweating. Keep increasing your exercise intensity when you feel comfortable and does not hurt your lungs (breathing) |
| #3 Goldenseal and Echinacea | – When you body flush away the nicotine, you may develop cold-like sypmtoms. – Consmume a mixture of goldenseal and Echinacea to promote natural flushing of toxins from the blood and alleviate your cold |
Whether you have been smoking since not so long ago or you are a chronic smoker, you will undoubtedly be benefited by this detoxification process. Just have faith in the process and go ahead to cleanse your system to emerge healthy and nicotine-free.
Sugar Detoxification For Diabetic Patients
If you are a diabetic, you must have already tried several ways to keep your blood sugar in control. Well… the sad part is not many diabetics know that detoxification can help them achieve a good control over their sugar levels in short term as well as long term. Sugar detox can also help them avoid the complications of diabetes. And it takes just 10 days. Let us learn the big ideas that will help you sugar detox your body.
#1 Be A Turkey; A Cold One
The only way to handle a physiological addiction is to stop it completely. Addicts can not have just one piece of pastry or just one line of cocaine. So, go cold turkey. Stop all forms of sugar; even the artificial sweeteners and flour products as they increase your sugar cravings and slow down your metabolism leading to fat storage.
Get rid of anything that has trans or hydrogenated fats for 10 days. Avoid any foods that come in a package, box or a can. Instead stick to wholesome, fresh food.
#2 Power Up Your Day With Proteins
Protein at every meal, including breakfast, is the key to controlling cravings, balancing blood sugar and regulating insulin production. Start your day with a protein shake or whole farm eggs. Use nuts, seeds, fish, eggs or chicken for proteins at every meal.
#3 Don’t Drink Your Calories
All forms of liquid sugar calories are worse than the solid foods with sugar. And that includes sodas, sports drinks, sweetened teas or coffees and juices other than vegetable juices. Do you know that one 20-ounce soda contains 15 teaspoons of sugar? So, just stay away from all these sugary drinks!
#4 Eat The Right Carbs
Yes, you read it right. Carbs – unlimited carbs; but the right ones. Do you know that vegetables contain carbohydrates? You can eat them as much as you want. Unlimited refills! But there’s one catch. By vegetables, I mean only the non-starchy veggies like greens, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, kale, zucchini, collards, mushrooms, onions, etc. What’s out are potatoes, beets and winter squash — just for 10 days.
#5 Fight Sugar With Fat
Some forms of fats can balance your blood sugar and are essential for fueling your cells. Along with proteins, have ‘good’ fats for meals and snacks. The rich sources for ‘good’ fats are nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, avocados and omega 3 fatty acids from fish.
#6 Swap Distress For De-Stress
Your hormones go crazy when you are stressed. Your cortisol levels go up making you feel hungry resulting in belly fat storage. Taking deep breaths activate a nerve called the vagus nerve that stimulates your metabolism to burn fat quickly. So, when you feel stressed out, just take a deep breath and relax.
Hopefully, you have learnt the path to detox yourself from sugar. These tips will break the addictive cycle of sugar and carb cravings that send your sugar levels spiraling high and rob you of good health.
Detox And Weight Loss : The Famous Detox Among Others
Using detoxification as a tool for weight loss makes a lot of sense, especially when you are surrounded by a world where the weight loss tricks revolve around proprietary diet shakes and fat loss pills that cause more harm than they do any good.
Detoxification helps you lose weight naturally without causing any side effects in short term as well as long term. Here we will have a look at a 30-day detox plan that will help you lose a few pounds in a safe and healthy way.
- For the next thirty days, 1. Eat the fruits and vegetables that are high in proteins, while drinking lots of juices and water. Include beans, tofu, quinoa, Greek yogurt, a fish and unprocessed white meat for proteins and fibers to stabilize your appetite. Strengthen your body and amplify your detox with natural iron and magnesium supplements. Don’t include bacon, red meat or any other fried foods.
- 2. Cut down all unnecessary carbs and fats. Avoid rice, bread, tortillas, crackers or chips. No cheese, no butter, no cream, no mayo and no aiolis! Eliminate as much as dairy as possible and choose healthy alternatives like coconut milk and almond milk. Substitute ranch and island dressings with sesame seed dressings and balsamic vinaigrettes. Season you salads with honey and fruit for the touch of extra flavor.
- 3. Strictly avoid smoking and alcohol. Not even a glass of wine or a single stick of cigarette is allowed when you are on this weight loss detox diet.
- 4. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and drink plenty of natural fruit juices (without adding artificial sweeteners). Avoid drinking tea, coffee or any carbonated drinks.
- 5. Exercise your way into fitness. Determine to work out for at least 5 days a week. Make sure that you re-prioritize your spare time to these workouts. This totals up to 20 days in your 30-day plan. If you miss even a single day due to stress or illness, put extra work in your next day’s workout.
Enjoy your workouts and involve your mind completely in it so that it no longer feels like working out. By allowing yourself into a consistent routine, workout will become much easier and your body will actually start craving for the daily dose of physical activity.
Try this for just 30 days and your body will be healthier and lighter. Following this detox weight loss plan will give you the desired body and also allow you to experience changes in the other aspects of your life as you develop better strength, energy, stamina and circulation. Make up your mind to try it out and change yourself for the good.
7-Day Detox Plan You Can Follow
We know that detoxifying can do more than just boosting your energy levels and improving your digestion; it can actually make your eyes twinkle and your skin look radiant. Though it seems like any other fad diet with no alcohol, no sugar, no milk and of course, no fun; a detox is far from the quick fix weight loss programs.
If you want to give your body a break or fast track your health or simply want to go for a detox diet for a short period, follow this safe seven-day program.
Day One
On the first day, have nothing but fluids. Don’t worry – you will not faint due to fasting. You will, in fact, feel more energetic. Drink plenty of water. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to stimulate and cleanse the bowels. Additionally, you can also have one or two of the following liquids to keep the hunger pangs at bay.
- Freshly made fruit and vegetable juices to cleanse and regenerate your entire body
- Unsweetened herbal teas such as ginger, fennel, dandelion or yarrow
- Broth made from fresh organic vegetables is also a good option. Simmer it for 10-15 minutes in water without adding salt. Discard the vegetables and drink the strained liquid throughout the day.
Day Two
Repeat the same regime of Day-1. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a portion of any of the fruits mentioned below when you are hungry.
- Apples contain pectin that helps in removing toxins from the body and tartaric acid that improves digestion
- Mangoes and pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which produces the acids that destroy the harmful bacteria in the gut. It also encourages the growth of ‘good’ bacteria that are essential for tissue repair and healthy digestion.
- Watermelon is known for its diuretic properties. It speeds up the passage of fluids and helps in the removal of toxins from the body.
Day Three
Follow yesterday’s regime; but eat a vegetable salad for lunch and dinner. You can include Fennel in the salad as it prevents flatulence and improves digestion. Watercress contains beta-carotene and sulphur, both of which work as efficient liver tonics.
Dandelion leaves are beneficial for their action in improving the functions of the liver and kidney.
Day Four
Snack on fruits and continue drinking plenty of water. Your any one meal on this day should be a combination of boiled brown rice and cooked vegetables and the other meal should be a vegetable salad.
Day Five
Include beans and lentils in your food. Make sure you use the well-rinsed tinned versions, or else soak them and cook thoroughly, according to the instructions on the package. Beans and lentils are good sources of proteins. They should not be eaten with rice as mixing starchy carbohydrates with proteins can slow down the digestion. To avoid this; leave four hours gap between the consumption of these two food types.
Day Six
Yoghurt made from sheep’s or goats’ milk can be more readily digested by the gut. Have it for breakfast with muesli made with nuts and oats or sliced fresh fruit. If you’re bored with brown rice, you can try whole grains as an alternative.
Day Seven
Add fish to any one of your meals today. Your skin will benefit largely from the essential fatty acids found in oily fish like tuna, sardines and salmon. At this stage, you will start feeling more relaxed and not in a hurry to eat the things you have cut out from your diet.
I am sure this seven-day detox program will help you achieve optimum health benefits and you will feel rejuvenated and refreshed at the end of it.
Where To Find The Best Detox Recipe You Can Try?
If you are looking to rejuvenate yourself from within and take your overall health to a new height, try these top 5 temping detox recipes given below. These recipes will not only help to remove toxins from your body; but will also be pleasing for your taste buds.
Lemon contains ascorbic acid that stimulates the cleansing process. Just mix 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice in one-tenth teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 8 ounces of water. Drink 6-8 glasses of this lemonade drink a day and eat nothing else to cleanse your body completely.
Dandelions are rich in vitamin A, iron, potassium and calcium. A dandelion detox tea also acts as a diuretic and helps in eliminating toxins through the liver and kidneys. Brew 12 spoons of fresh dandelion leaves and 6 tablespoons of dried dandelion root in 4 cups of boiling water. Alternatively, you can add 2 teaspoons of dandelion leaves to boiling water and allow it to brew for about 5 to 10 minutes.
This vegetable drink is purely made up of green vegetables that provide a highly effective, natural body cleanse for the digestive system. For this detox recipe, you will need 3 carrots, 1 turnip, ½ bunch of spinach, 2 celery stalks, 3 kale leaves, 2 beets, ½ cabbage, ½ onion, ½ bunch of parsley and 2 garlic cloves. Just mix all the ingredients in water and puree in a blender.
Since fruits are high in fiber, they are considered highly effective for the natural detoxification of the body. This recipe incorporates fruits, along with lecithin and flax oil. In your blender, add 4 oz. of pure water, ½ cup banana strawberries, 8 oz. of orange juice, 1 small garlic clove, ½-inch slice of ginger, 1 tablespoon flax oil, 1 tablespoon lecithin granules, 1 tablespoon of protein powder and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Drinking cranberry juice can prevent ulcers and urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice contains manganese, vitamin C and antioxidants. Dilute one part cranberry juice in four parts of pure water. Add 1 tablespoon of psyllium fiber and apple pectin to stimulate intestinal elimination. Drink about two glasses of this full-strength cranberry juice on a daily basis for best results.
If you think this is not enough, feel free to visit these two links for more detox recipes :
This detox diet guide will help you cleanse your body completely. You will feel fresh, energetic and more confident by following the detox tips given here. This guide will also help those with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in normal limits and also avoid the complications of this chronic illness.
It is also meant to help those who are desperately trying to lose weight. I am sure you must have already tried several different pills and shakes that make tall claims to shed pounds and have been disappointed with the results.
The detox plan given will help you lose the bulge and extra pounds in just 30 days without causing any adverse effects. and also will take the smokers and alcoholics to a path of recovery and wellness by allowing them to get rid of their addictions in a most effective and harmless way.
In all, it’s a complete detox guide that will open the doors of health and well-being for you!
So, what are you waiting for? Just go ahead and gift your body the miraculous benefits of detox!
Best of Luck!
