A List Of Detox Diet Foods

Undergoing regular periods of intense detoxification may help purge the body of harmful toxins and alleviate numerous health problems, reports the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine. If you are considering a short-term dietary detox, follow guidelines for a nutritionally based cleansing program. Detox diets based on the concept of fasting or eating one type of food exclusively can be dangerous and may lead to nutritional deficiencies, according to the University of Southern California. Healthy detox diets typically advocate consuming large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, and eliminating foods such as sugar, wheat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods.

Smoothies

Smoothies are an easy way to add fruit, vegetables, protein and healthy fats into your diet, says Dr. Frank Lipman, founder and director of the Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center in New York City and author of "Revive: Stop Feeling Spent and Start Living Again." Be creative with your smoothies: Dr. Lipman recommends using avocado instead of banana to decrease sugar content and add healthy fat. You can also try adding leafy greens such as spinach, kale and chard.

Soups

Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself," recommends consuming two liquid meals a day during a detox period. Liquids such as smoothies, soups and juices are easier to digest and allow the body to conserve energy needed for adequate detoxification, he writes. To keep your intake of sodium and other additives low, make your own soups with fresh vegetables. The University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine recommends using organic vegetables whenever possible.

Solid Foods

Though some detoxification diets recommend eliminating meat and other animal products, Junger allows the consumption of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, and cold water fish. Other solid foods allowed on the "Clean" plan include quinoa, salads, hummus, brown rice, some beans, buckwheat noodles and stir-fried vegetables. Junger recommends eating your solid meal for lunch and a soup for dinner so that your body has more time to enter into a detoxification period while you sleep.

Beverages

During a detoxification period, the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine recommends drinking at least eight to 10 glasses of purified water a day. You may also drink certain teas, such as peppermint, licorice, chamomile, ginger and green teas. Junger recommends drinking juice made with fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid store-bought juices as they may be high in sodium, sugar and other additives.