According to proponents of detox diets, our bodies are continuously exposed to harmful chemicals, whether it be through the food we consume or the air we inhale. All of these contaminants are believed to play havoc with natural bodily functions and general health, which may, over time, lead to illness and disease. Therefore, in order to combat the accumulation of these substances --- or toxins --- in the body, it may be worth considering the benefits of a detox diet meal plan.
Function
Detoxification is aimed at cleansing the body of toxins, which have a harmful effect on health. These toxins are usually found in food sources, but they may also be acquired from medications and environmental pollution. By following a detox diet, you ultimately avoid ingesting toxins, as well as supply the body with nutrients that flush the body of accumulated toxins.
Identification
Detox diets come in a vast array of forms, the most popular being those that entail exclusive consumption of fruits, vegetables, or juices over a period of 1 to 7 days, or more. All detox diets are claimed to improve overall health and bodily function, as well as contribute to disease prevention and increased longevity.
Types
Fruit detox diet plans involve limiting your food intake to fruits that are mostly alkaline and high in water and glucose content; usually apples, cranberries, white grapes and pears. Fruit detox diets, according to Doctors Roger Rinn and Ralph Carson, authors of "Harnessing the Healing Powers of Fruit," balance the body's pH levels and cleanse the liver and kidneys. Fruit juice diets have a similar effect on the body to that of whole-fruit diets, but because you are consuming liquid the nutrients are more easily absorbed, and you reduce the loss of energy that would otherwise be required to digest raw fruit.
Vegetable detox diets, as the title suggests, encourage you to avoid meat and only consume a variety of vegetables. Meats contain hormones and antibiotics, and produce acid when metabolized, all of which places a significant amount of stress on the body and its organs. Vegetables, especially when organically grown, are usually free of these harmful chemicals and high in antioxidants, which rid the body of free radicals. In addition to cleansing the body, vegetables, as well as fruit, also contain nutrients that reduce the risk of cancer.
Warning
According to Bruce Fife, N.D., author of "The Detox Book," there are some side effects associated with detoxing. These include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, headaches, hunger, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms, if experienced, usually occur in the initial stages of the detoxification process and quickly subside once your body has adapted to the change in diet.
Considerations
Although detox diets may be beneficial for your health, they do not, according to the National Library of medicine, supply the body with all the nutrients it needs. Therefore, it is vital that you obtain guidance specific to your health status from a physician before you attempt a detox diet, as well as ensure that you practice it on a short-term basis.
References
- "The Detox Book: How to Detoxify Your Body to Improve Your Health, Stop Disease, and Reverse Aging, 2nd Edition;" Bruce Fife, N.D.; 2001
- "Harnessing the Healing Powers of Fruit;" Roger C. Rinn, PhD; Ralph E. Carson, PhD; 2009
- "Nutrition and Cancer;" Fruit, Vegetables and Cancer prevention: a review of the epidemiological evidence; G. Block, B. Patterson, A. Subar; 1992
- National Library of Medicine: Diet Information
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