Steps to a Complete Body Detox

Steps to a Complete Body Detox
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Body detoxification requires you to consume a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables conducive in regulating your digestive tract. Additionally, partaking in a regimented exercise program as well as consistently drinking water helps to flush away toxins that may accumulate in the body. Unlike popular detox programs that support unhealthy eating habits, crash dieting, or untested herbal concoctions, simply adjusting your lifestyle to include toxin-eliminating items promotes your overall health without the side effects. Always consult your doctor before you begin a new diet.

Eat Fruits Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect your cells from the effects of free radicals, asserts the National Institutes of Health. Free radicals are atoms with an unpaired number of electrons formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules, states the Rice University website. The cellular damage inflicted by these atoms are a common pathway for several conditions including cancer. Antioxidants act to remove and inhibit free radical damage by terminating the chain reaction before damage occurs. You must supply antioxidants to the body through the diet as the body cannot produce these micronutrients, asserts the Rice University website.

Eating fruits rich in antioxidants helps to cleanse the body of toxins that are detrimental to your health. Consider eating apples, apricots, oranges, cantaloupe and strawberries as effective sources of antioxidants that can easily become part of your daily diet. The Life Clinic recommends eating 2 to 4 serving of fresh fruit each day.

Eat Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables help to regulate the digestive tract, according to the Center for Young Women’s Health. They contain significant amounts of fiber and the vitamins A, K, D and E. Improper diets increases toxin retention by not flushing out waste stuck in the digestive tract. The insoluble fiber available in dark green leafy vegetables effectively eliminates toxins trapped within the body instrumental in preventing colon complications or other health conditions.

Broccoli, arugula, chard, mustard greens and spinach provide ample amounts of fiber, while also delivering essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs to remain healthy. It’s best to eat these vegetables raw as the cooking process can often deplete the nutritional value. The Life Clinic suggests eating 3 to 5 servings of vegetables per day.

Exercise and Drink Water

Exercising consistently helps to purge toxins by regulating your digestive system as well as flushing away toxins secreted through sweat, according to the Environmental Illness Resource website. Exercise not only helps in weight loss and maintenance, but it encourages healthy bowel movements as well disease prevention. Regularly consuming water in lieu of sugary or carbonated beverages flushes toxins out of vital organs while carrying essential compounds throughout the body, asserts the Mayo Clinic. It is essential in establishing regular bowel movements, overall bodily function and sweat. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking about 12 to 13 cups of water for men and approximately 8 to 9 cups for women. The Mayo Clinic also suggests moderate aerobic workouts totaling about 300 minutes (or five hours) a week.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Jul 10, 2010

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