The average person is exposed to many toxins and environmental pollutants in a day. These substances are present in the food you eat, water you drink and everyday household items. Toxins negatively affect your cells, tissues, organs and immune system. Detoxification is the process of cleansing your body of harmful toxins. Talk to your doctor before undertaking any cleansing diet.
Significance of an Alkaline Diet
In "Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life," author Cherie Calbom writes that acidic foods are toxic and lead to stress on your organs and tissues and that most of your body's systems function best with alkaline foods. Alkaline foods give you plenty of energy while nourishing and strengthening your body. A natural body cleansing diet avoids red meats, animal products, fried foods, sugar, coffee, tea, soda and alcohol. It emphasizes alkaline foods such as vegetables, good oils, nuts and seeds, legumes and purified water.
Function of Water
A natural cleansing diet includes continually drinking purified water to keep you properly hydrated. In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," author Natalia Rose says water is vital during cleansing to help flush waste and toxins through the system. If you do not get an adequate intake of water, you can become constipated and fatigued. Rose suggests at least eight to 10 8-oz. glasses of water a day for good health. Water aids in delivering essential nutrients, oxygen, hormones and antibodies into our cells. She chooses purified water because it has been filtered of added chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, parasites and other toxins.
Benefits of Fiber
A natural cleansing diet includes eating fiber-rich foods that moves undigested through your body. Soluble and insoluble fiber helps to increase bulk, soften stools and shorten the amount of time it takes for food to pass through for elimination. Soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and control diabetes. The best sources for soluble fiber include sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, squash, pumpkin, legumes and oats. Insoluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation when absorbed by water. According to Cherie Calbom, it is important in cleansing because it removes toxic substances that accumulate in the colon. Insoluble fiber is found in dark green leafy vegetables, green beans, oats, seeds and nuts.
Significance of Probiotics
In "Probiotic Rescue," author Allison Tannis says that microorganisms that live in your digestive tract make up what is called microflora. Microflora are made up of bacteria, fungi and yeast. The good bacteria found in the intestine and gut are called probiotics, live microorganisms that positively affect your health. During your cleanse, probiotics aid in digesting and absorbing nutrients. Probiotics also produce B vitamins, which play a key role in energy metabolism. Good bacteria strengthen your immune system by preventing bad bacteria, viruses and yeasts from settling in your digestive and immune system.
Benefits of Fresh Juices
Juices are easy to digest and provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetable juices will give your digestive system a rest so it can eliminate food and waste that has accumulated over time. The juices you drink provide you with concentrated sources of nutrients that support and strengthen your immune system.
References
- "Juicing, Fasting, and Detoxing for Life"; Cherie Calbom, MS; 2008
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet"; Natalia Rose; 2007
- "Probiotic Rescue"; Allison Tannis; 2008
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