Excess weight can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke and kidney disease, writes Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Detoxification may be used in conjunction with your weight loss program to cleanse the liver, kidneys, intestines, gallbladder, spleen and skin to promote optimal health, according to Lisha Simester, author of "The Natural Health Bible." There are a variety of natural remedies that promote weight loss while cleansing the body of harmful substances. Consult with your physician before beginning a program for weight loss and detoxification.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is rich in vitamins, nutrients and amino acids and both cleanses the body and promotes weight loss, according to Pat Reeves, a nutritional therapist and the author of foodalive.org. Wheatgrass juice works as an appetite suppressant, speeds metabolism and promotes increased energy for exercise and activity. Wheatgrass also has strong detoxification abilities and cleanses the liver and the colon, writes Reeves. It cleanses the blood and the lungs and negates some of the harmful effects caused by exposure to toxins, pollution, cigarette smoke and heavy metals.
Grow your own wheatgrass to juice with fruits and vegetables or purchase wheatgrass tablets or powder online or at most health food stores.
Consult your doctor before using wheatgrass juice to avoid possible interaction with current medications or over-the-counter drugs.
Foods High in Fiber
Add foods that are high in fiber to your diet. High fiber foods expand in the stomach, making you feel full longer and suppressing the appetite. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating foods that are high in fiber also aid in keeping the colon and digestive tract cleansed. Integrate low-fat, high-fiber foods such as carrots, broccoli, oatmeal, almonds, whole-wheat breads and pastas, bananas and apples to reach a healthy weight and keep the body clear of toxins. Drink eight to 12 glasses of water daily to avoid constipation.
Fasting
Fast to detox the body and remove excess weight resulting from water retention. Dr. Balch recommends a monthly, three day fast and a 10-day fast two times a year to manage your weight and cleanse toxins from the liver, kidneys, colon and blood. Fast on all-natural juices that do not contain any sweetners, diluted with one part water to three parts juice. Tomato and orange juice are not recommended during fasting. Cleansing herbal teas, such as dandelion, milk thistle and chamomile may be used during the fast. In addition to herbal tea and natural juices, consume eight to 12 glasses of water per day.
Fasting can be dangerous and harmful to your health if you have certain health problems. Consult with your doctor before fasting for weight loss and detoxification.
References
- "Prescription fo Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Natural Health Bible"; Lisha Simester; 2006
- Food Alive: Information on Wheatgrass
- The Mayo Clinic: High-Fiber Foods
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