What is a Detox Diet ?
A detox diet is also known as a cleansing diet . Its purpose is to remove toxins and poisons from the body for better health and more vitality. The body can become overloaded with toxins from pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides, a poor diet , food additives, alcohol and caffeine. As this happens the body tends to gain weight and form cellulite.
Signs the body is suffering from toxins include:
o Headaches
o Dull skin
o Bloating
o Fatigue
o A low immune system
o Aches and pains.
The detox diet helps the body recover by helping the body remove the toxins.
There are many different methods to help the body detox. They include getting a massage and using a sauna. They also include making dietary changes. In general detox diets promote organic food, whole unprocessed food, vegetables, fruit, lots of water, as well as certain herbs to help the detox process. Toxins such as alcohol, caffeine, salt, sugar, processed foods, tobacco and drugs are eliminated from the diet .
Detox diets are controversial, because most have severe restrictions and can result in loss of essential nutrients for the body. Because of this, it is highly recommended that if you are interested in doing a detox diet , consult and use the supervision of a medical professional.
A Sample Detox Diet
Most people typically stay on a detox diet for one to three weeks. First timers often start with one week. When going on this type of diet , it is extremely important to plan ahead. Purchase all the groceries you will need for the entire week, and do as much prep work as you can. When you start the diet , be very specific when choosing which day to begin. For example, if you work Monday through Friday, start your detox diet on Friday, so that you have the first few days to relax at home, because they are normally the most difficult days.
The majority of detox diets involve a fast for three days to jump start the detox process. During the three days drink plenty of purified water. You can also drink freshly made fruit and vegetable juices during this time period. For these three days it is important to rest and refrain from any high levels of activity. Some people might find it best to rest in bed and keep warm if it is cold out.
After the three days, it is recommended to move to a mono-trophic diet . This means eating only one type of fruit for each meal. For example, during breakfast eat apples and at lunchtime eat oranges. Then at dinner switch to pears. During this part of the diet you can vary the fruits you eat daily. Eat them until your hunger is satisfied. It is also recommended to drink 12 oz. of freshly pressed carrot juice at 4 pm daily.
It is important to conserve energy during this part of the diet . You can do your normal activities, such as your job and household duties, but do not exert yourself physically. Many people at this point will start to feel light headed, nauseous, tired, and somewhat irritable. Advocates of detox diets , say to persevere. Eventually those symptoms will cease. Sleep and rest are very important at this stage, and social events are not recommended.
After having a mono-trophic diet for 10 days, you can switch to a raw diet . This includes all fruits and vegetables. At this point you can mix the fruits you eat and combine them with vegetables to make meals. Big salads are recommended, but be careful when choosing a dressing. It is best to make your own, but if you buy a dressing make sure it is raw. You can also add nuts into your diet . You will continue a raw diet for a month. At the end of the month you should feel cleaner, more fit, and have more energy.
After the Detox Diet
After you complete a detox diet , it is important to exercise care when re-acclimating to cooked foods. You should introduce foods one at a time and note the reactions your body makes. This will help you identify the foods that may be aggravating health conditions such as sinus congestion, fatigue, bloating, constipation, skin conditions and arthritis. With this awareness you can work with a health care professional to design the optimal diet for yourself.