Is Detox For You?

We all have our own weaknesses and strengths in our bodies. 

Detox diets can be personalized to help and support weak organs and systems. However, it is important to consult a nutritionist or naturopath with health, diet and lifestyle concerns prior to starting a detox. Additionally, If you are taking prescription medicines, consult your doctor before beginning a detox program.

There are a variety of detox diets and methods available which can be summed up into two categories: 

1. short term/ short sharp shock detox

2. gentler long-term detox

Short-term detox 

•usually last a few days 

•combination of juice-fasting 

•colon cleansing with herbal supplements.

This will clear your digestive system and you will see some weight but has no proven health benefits.

Long-term detox 

•combines a healthy diet with herbs, vitamins and minerals.

•good results can be achieved around a week but a longer periods yields more permanent results. 

•usually based on tried and tested methods proven to provide healthier life for many.

What to exclude from a detox diet:

•alcohol

•caffeine

•processed food

•meats

•dairy

•sugar

•salt 

•wheat products 

Pre/Probiotics or ‘friendly’ bacteria supports the digestive system. 

Herbal supplements such as milk thistle helps the liver with its cleansing process.

Worst Detox Foods

Meat, dairy, wheat, alcohol and caffeine are the worst foods for detox.

Here's why: 

• Meat slows digestion, clogs up the bowels and promotes bacterial growth in your gut.
• Milk, cheese and other dairy products are acidic to the body and leads to poor cell function and slows detoxification.
• Wheat is harmful to intestinal lining and leads to poor nutrient intake.
• Wheat gluten irritates the gut and for some people, causes bloating, indigestion and constipation.
• Alcohol is toxic to the liver and lowers the levels of detoxifying minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
• Caffeine leads to increased levels of toxins in the body.
• Avoid processed, packaged and frozen foods which are generally high in salt, sugar, bad fats and artificial ingredients. 
• High intake of salt slows down cell functioning as well as the detox process and is also bad for blood pressure.
• Sugar in the diet increases mood swings, brain fog and energy peaks.
• Sugar also fights against the good bacteria in the gut leading slowing down the detoxification process. 
• Bad fats adds strain on the liver and to increases your waistline.
• Many artificial ingredients are made from petrochemicals that are toxic to the liver and hard to break down and detoxify.

Best Detox Foods

Vegetables, fruit, whole-grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

• All these foods are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that work to push toxins out and improve the overall health of the body. 
• Vegetables and fruits contain enzymes and many nutrients that are strong detoxifying agents that help improve digestion. 
• Vegetables, fruits, whole-grains and beans are high in fiber and help with the elimination of toxins out of the body through the bowels. 
• Nuts and seeds are high in fat-soluble vitamins that activate the brain cells and improve overall cell functioning.
• FISH Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines contain good fats that reduce inflammation and boost immune functioning. 
• Avoid larger fish like swordfish, sea bass and tuna due to the possibility of heavy contamination. 

Balance is Key

Extreme changes in your diet is more likely to be unpleasant and ineffective. 

If you normally eat a diet that is high in meat, dairy, wheat and processed foods, then immediately removing them from your diet could cause stress to your body. 

Start with a moderate changes.

• Cut out the processed and junk foods completely and cut down slowly on the worst detox foods.
• As your body adapts to the new diet, gradually reduce the bad detox foods and introduce more healthy foods. 
• If your diet is generally healthy, mainly freshly prepared meals, you may be able to follow a more restrictive detox diet. 
• As a rule of thumb, home-cooked meals are most often best. 

To try more vegan and vegetarian recipes for some ideas!

Reference: https://www.greeneatz.com/1/post/2013/06/natural-detox-diet-explained.html