For thousands of years, religious practices have employed detoxification or purification methods of eating as a way to rid the body of built-up toxins. Today, detox diets are used as "spring cleaning" for the body's digestive system. There are several easy steps to a body detox.
Eliminating Toxins
A detox is essentially the removal of all processed and artificially flavored foods and drinks. The belief, though not scientifically proven, is that a detox diet eliminates all toxins, (which is the natural job of your kidneys and liver). While no one should follow a detox diet for more than seven days, on your first detox, try only three days, such as starting on a Friday to detoxify over a weekend.
Start planning your detox diet by eliminating the following from your diet:
• alcohol
• breads
• butter
• cheese
• caffeine
• fried foods
• red meat
• sugar
Now, choose beneficial foods in the next section to include in your diet during detox.
Detox-Friendly Foods and Drinks
While some detox diets recommend an all-water fast or an all-juice fast, the Mayo Clinic suggests following a detox diet that includes eating. Several healthy food options allow you to eat yet cleanse the body at the same time. These include:
• all-natural broths, like chicken broth
• brown rice
• herbal teas
• raw fruits and vegetables
• raw nuts and seeds
Relaxation Techniques
As another element of detoxification is to clear the mind as well as the body. Relaxation techniques you might try:
• aromatherapy baths
• massage
• saunas
• visualization exercises
• walking (but do not engage in strenuous exercise, since you will feel weaker from the diet)
• yoga and meditation
Supplements
All natural herbs and supplements made from dandelion root, ginger, milk thistle and licorice enhance the detox process. You'll find these in detox teas, which can be purchased at most grocery and health-food stores. These teas also help protect the liver from overuse during detoxification. Many people also refrain from taking unnecessary medications or using chemical-based products that you could inhale, such as hair spray or cleaning products.
Tags: detox diet, detox diets, your diet