A Fast-Track Guide For Making An Effective Detox Diet

A Fast-Track Guide For Making An Effective Detox Diet

Detox diets are of the utmost importance in modern life. Most people can't avoid everyday pollutants, but they can take steps to protect their health using a healing diet. Once environmental illness is diagnosed, the logical first step is to remove the offending toxins from a person's environment and begin body detoxification. Body detoxification is the key to this process. There are many ways to detoxify your body using a detox diet.

Initially, it is best to start with a gentle cleanse. Detox diets can target the different organ systems involved in detoxification: the skin, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and lymphatic system. In general, it is usually recommended that you begin with the intestines. The reason for this is if you focus on the liver first, the stored toxic substances that are released from the body tissues may become reabsorbed if the bowels are not moving adequately enough to expel them and can monitor your progress throughout the program. A natural health care practitioner can design a program that suits your needs by targeting specific organ systems. For example, a person with a skin condition may benefit from a program that addresses the liver, intestines, and skin.

Detox diets are generally low in fat, high in fiber, and vegetarian with raw food emphasis. Processed foods, alcohol and caffeine are avoided. Detox diets primarily consist of foods that contain live enzymes, life force and nutrients. Diets that lack these elements form acids, causing toxins and mucous, especially congesting the intestinal tract. Over time, if you keep eating an acid diet, this congestion builds up, layer after layer, until you form a hardened layer of plaque. This substance is known as mucoid fecal plaque and is believed to contribute towards more than 90% of the obstacles to optimal health.

A good detox diet will get your body alkaline. The acid/alkaline balance of your body needs to be managed. Most people today have an over acid body, primarily from a diet of acid-forming foods and stress. It's difficult to be acid and totally healthy. Becoming acidic is one of the first steps toward illness. It's almost impossible to find someone with a disease who is not over acid.

One form of detox diets is one made up exclusively of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, either raw or cooked, and whole grains, both cooked and sprouted; however, no breads or baked goods, animal foods and dairy products or alcohol are used. This diet keeps fiber and water intake up and helps colon detoxification. Most people can handle this well and make the shift from their regular diet with a few days transition.

The next level of detoxification involves a diet consisting solely of fruits and raw vegetables, all cleansing foods. The green vegetables, especially the chlorophyllic and high-nutrient leafy greens, are very cleansing and supportive for purification of the gastrointestinal tract and the whole body.

Detox diet foods

Recommended Foods to be included in a Detox Diet

A good detox diet should contain only organic foods and drinks.

Vegetables

 

Onions, cabbage, peppers, cucumber, tomato, carrots, leeks, artichoke, salad leaves,

Fruit

 

Apples, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, mango, grapes, grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, cantaloupe melons, kiwifruit.

Nuts and Seeds

 

Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and high in Vitamin E. Unsalted nuts, like walnuts, cashew, brazil nuts and almonds, and seeds like sunflower, flaxseeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds.

Herbs and Spices

 

Chives, mustard, chili, garlic, ginger.

Water

 

If possible drink bottle or filtered water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water or diluted fruit juice.

Foods to be avoided on a Detox Diet

Processed and Refined Foods

Avoid all processed and refined foods. Everything must be made with fresh organic ingredients.

Animal Foods

 

With the exception of 'live' bio-yogurt, avoid all meats, eggs, dairy.

Alcohol and Caffeine

 

Alcohol is a toxin and must be eliminated on a detox diet. Caffeine, including colas must also be avoided. Instead drink herb teas, water, diluted fruit juice.

Smoking

 

Nicotine, and being in a smoke-filled environment should be avoided.

Drugs

 

All drugs, including over the counter drugs, should be avoided. If you are taking medication for a particular condition - DO NOT GO ON A DETOX DIET WITHOUT CONSUTLING YOUR DOCTOR.