Getting Started With Detox Diets Foods And Plans

By James Spann


Detox diets are supposed to flush harmful contaminants and toxins out of the system and cleanse the body. It improves the functioning of every organ and bodily system, in the process enhancing physical strength, fitness and mental capacity. Of course, this assumes that the diet is going to work, but that's easier said than done.

The process of detoxification is not complex, since the main task here is to take away any and all harmful foods and beverages that the body may have grown addicted to. As an example, consider a diet mainly consisting of salads for people who eat a lot of junk food. Another instance would be a weak patient who isn't getting sufficient nutrition being forced to eat full meals containing whole grains and unprocessed but protein-rich foods.

Others addicted to beer or carbonated soft drinks filled with sugar may be denied these beverages. The drinks they can take will be limited to a healthy selection such as fruit juices and vegetable smoothies with no artificial flavoring or additives. In extreme cases, the best way to detoxify heavy drinkers who are already overweight is to make sure they drink nothing but plain water or coconut water.

There's no set formula for such a diet, so it's entirely up to the dietitian to decide what's required and come up with a different plan for each patient. It's not an established science either, which means there are no guidelines or guarantees of results. It's entirely dependent on the dietitian's skills and the patient's own willpower.

For instance, one plan that is often used is a three day juice fast. The patient is not allowed to eat anything, and the only nutrition intake comes from fruit juices. Similarly, a seven day diet is comprised largely of unprocessed foods including fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and nuts. Some patients who do not have a weight problem may also get to eat fish.

Regardless of the plan chosen and the duration for which it must be adhered to, there are bound to be a few things that are common to any and all detox diets. Dairy items will be taken off the table, as will fried foods. Sugar intake is sure to be limited, if not eliminated. The same goes for processed foods containing all kinds of additives, preservatives and artificial flavoring.

By the same token, there are certain foods that are sure to be included because they speed up the detoxification process. These foods don't have anything harmful, and they pump antioxidants, essential fatty acids and other such helpful content into the body. Garlic in powder or paste form mixed in with other foods is the perfect example, since it gives the body more sulfur compounds that help the body get rid of toxins.

Most detox diets also contain lemons which give the body some much needed Vitamin C, which in turn prevents toxins from building up. Apples provide glucaric acid that helps clear up the liver by getting rid of dangerous toxins, carcinogens and steroids. All foods that nature provides similarly have their own specific benefits, so a professional dietitian should be able to pick out the ones that will be most helpful to each patient.




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