In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," Natalia Rose claims you are exposed to thousands of toxins on a daily basis. Chemicals, contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, smoke and pollutants enter your body through the environment and food you eat. An ultimate detox diet helps you lose toxins, restores digestive balance and regularity. An ultimate detox diet consists of high-quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, water and friendly bacteria called probiotics. Before starting a detox diet, consult with your doctor about any health issues that may be a concern.
Function of Fiber
The ultimate detox diet includes fiber. The Reader's Digest Association recommends getting at least 25 g to 35 g of fiber every day. Do not exceed this amount because higher amounts lead to constipation, abdominal cramping and flatulence. Fiber plays a key role in absorbing and eliminating toxins from your body. It improves digestion, promotes regularity and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Eat whole fruits, whole-grain products, raw vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds for fiber.
Significance of Water
The ultimate detox diet emphasizes drinking water, decaffeinated teas, fruit and vegetable juices and high-water content foods. Water from these sources works with fiber in excreting accumulated wastes and toxins. Rose suggests drinking at least eight glasses of filtered or purified water to avoid adding more toxins in your body. High-water content foods include berries, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, grapes, asparagus, spinach, kale, parsley and squash.
Complex Carbohydrates
During the ultimate detox diet avoid table sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Eliminate ice cream, cookies, cakes, sweets, candies, refined flour and high-fructose corn syrup. In "The Detox Diet," author Elson M. Haas says that during this elimination period you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as sugar cravings, intense headaches, mood swings and irritability. Replace simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrate include fruit and whole grains that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats.
Function of Protein
According to the Reader's Digest Association, protein comprises every cell in your body. It is important in the growth and maintenance of muscles, skin, bones, hair, eyes, tendons and other tissues. Protein provides energy for your body during your ultimate detox diet. Avoid protein high in saturated fats such as red meat and dairy products. A diet high in saturated fat is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Choose lean red meat and low-fat or nonfat dairy products as much as possible. Other low-fat proteins include chicken, turkey, fish, soy, legumes and beans.
Significance of Healthy Bacteria
In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," Rose says a healthy digestive system is essential for the breakdown and elimination of toxins. Healthy bacteria called probiotics are responsible for proper digestion. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum are examples of healthy bacteria to include in your ultimate detox diet. The bacterial strands protect your gut and colon from toxic viruses, bacteria and yeast. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria that improves your immune and digestive system while promoting regularity. Sources of healthy bacteria include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut and milk.
References
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss"; Natalia Rose;2007
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal"; The Reader's Digest Association Inc.; 1997
- "The Detox Diet: A How-To & When-To Guide for Cleansing the Body"; Elson M. Haas; 2004
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