Detoxing your body is not necessary, since your liver and kidneys do a fine job of that naturally. But eating a diet high in fat, chemicals and artificial ingredients can lead to feeling sluggish and generally unwell. A healthy detox diet that provides between 1200 and 1800 calories per day and includes a variety of fruits and vegetables and enough water can give your body a rest from all of the unnatural things you've been feeding it. It's best to limit a detox diet to three days and to remember that it will not actually detox your body.
Apples
Apples are high in vitamin C, as well as epicatechin, procyandin B2 and quercitin. According to an article on the health information website Lifemojo.com, epicatechins are flavenoids that may help reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart failure and stroke. Procyanidin B2 is thought to play a big part in the regeneration of hair and skin, and quercitin has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, apples are high in fiber and contain natural sugars that can help keep your blood sugar level up on a restricted-calorie detox diet.
Lemon Juice
Vitamin C supports your immune system and helps with liver function, according to researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute. It is also high in antioxidants, which help your body neutralize free radicals that may be linked to some cancers and other diseases, like arthritis. You don't have to go on a lemon juice and maple syrup diet to enjoy the effects of a little extra vitamin C. Adding lemon wedges to ice water makes it less boring to drink, and a few squeezes of lemon juice on steamed vegetables enhances their flavors without the need to add salt.
Vegetables
Most detox diet menus rely heavily on fresh, organic vegetables and salads. According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating a diet that is high in fresh vegetables can help prevent heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and other chronic diseases. Many vegetables are high in fiber, which fills you up and helps with healthy elimination. A three day detox diet will not have time to provide long-term benefits, but it is a simple and effective way to kick start a healthier overall lifestyle.
Water
According to the experts at Mayo Clinic, water is the largest chemical component of your body, accounting for about 60 percent of your total body weight. Water not only carries nutrients to your cells, it helps flush toxins from your body. Being dehydrated makes it harder for your liver and kidneys to do their jobs, and it can also rob you of energy. Drink between 36 and 64 oz. of water every day. This is especially important when you are detoxing, because the limited diet may also cause fatigue. Keep a tall glass of water with you at all times and sip at it throughout the day --- by the time you actually feel thirsty you are probably already a bit dehydrated.
Warning
Staying on a rigid, low calorie diet that does not provide a full range of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids for more than two to three days can result in headaches, dizziness, nausea and eventually lead to malnutrition. A weekend detox done once or twice a month can give your body a rest from fatty, over-processed foods, but the most efficient way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced, nutritious diet, exercise regularly and stay hydrated.
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