Poor diet and lifestyle contribute to the pervasive health problems in western society, according to the University of California at Berkeley. Eating good food, exercising regularly, learning to cope with stress and having a positive attituds improves your overall health. Cleansing your body of toxins consumed through processed, packaged and refined foods restores balance. Following a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and other food groups aid in the cleansing process. A cleansing diet is not proven to cure or treat certain diseases. Consult with your doctor before changing your diet.
Function of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Supporting your gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon, is important during a cleansing diet. The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, teeth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. In "The Detox Diet," Dr. Elson Haas says the organs function together by digesting foods, assimilating nutrients and preparing the remainder for elimination. Refined foods and sugar, fatty foods, overeating, food chemicals, alcohol, caffeine and lack of fiber and of whole food stress the gastrointestinal tract.
Significance of Antioxidants
In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," Natalia Rose says you are exposed to thousands of toxins on a daily basis. Toxins called free radicals are produced internally through everyday functions while others are acquired through your environment. Your body handles toxins by neutralizing and eliminating them. In a cleansing diet emphasizes antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and selenium. The antioxidants help in neutralizing free-radical molecules. Vitamin C sources include citrus fruits, berries and dark green leafy vegetables. Nuts, seeds, legumes and avocados are rich sources of vitamin E. Zinc and selenium are often found in meats, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, eggs and legumes.
Function of Water
According to the University of California at Berkeley, water is crucial in all functions of your body. In a cleansing diet, it is helpful in diluting and eliminating toxin accumulations. Water helps you clean your skin, kidneys and other organs. It also functions by delivering vitamins, minerals and other nutrients throughout your body. Eight to 10 glasses of clean, filtered water are suggested by author of "The Detox Diet." An alternative is to eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content. Try asparagus, squash, watermelon, cantaloupes, berries, oranges, grapefruits and spinach.
Significance of Bacteria
It is important to maintain proper levels of friendly bacteria within the colon. According to Haas, there are billions of microorganisms inhabiting a healthy gastrointestinal tract. The presence of friendly bacteria prevents the overgrowth of abnormal bacteria, yeast and parasites from causing inflammation in your digestive system. Harmful bacteria affect the assimilation of food and nutrients. Friendly bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus as well as Lactobacillus bifidis. Consume foods that contain friendly bacteria such as yogurt, cheese, tempeh, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and other fermented products.
Considerations
In a cleansing diet, eliminate foods that cause stress on your organs when being digested. In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," Natalia Rose claims that acidic foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol are particularly harmful to your body. Abstain from eating meats, sugar, baked goods, eggs, chicken and beef. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages and nicotine as well. During your cleansing diet you may experience certain symptoms while eliminated these toxins. Symptoms include intense headaches, sugar cravings, skin eruptions, mood swings, insomnia and abdominal discomfort.
References
- "The Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition"; University of California at Berkeley; 1992
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet"; Natalia Rose; 2007
- "The Detox Diet: A How-To & When-To Guide for Cleansing the Body"; Elson M. Haas;2004
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