Soup Detox Diet

The idea of detoxifying the body through a strict detox diet is increasingly popular yet controversial. There are many detox diets that promise significant results -- including marked weight loss -- in a short period of time. However, health experts caution against short-term diets that make these types of claims, and scientific evidence supporting the benefits of detox diets is limited. If you are considering a detox diet, choose one that is nutritionally based. A detox diet based on the consumption of healthy foods, including soups, may deliver some benefits if executed in a healthy manner.

Why Detox?

Your body is constantly detoxing by eliminating waste through sweat, urine and feces. Even the air you exhale contains carbon dioxide, a toxin that would poison our bodies if not eliminated. However, our bodies' natural detoxification system is often overwhelmed by the toxic load it encounters, says Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself." According to Junger, the quality and quantity of the food we eat puts too much of a burden on our digestive system. When our bodies are constantly involved in the process of digestion, our detoxification systems cannot work as efficiently as they should.

Soup Detox Diet Plan

Detox diets often recommend soups because soups are easy to digest. In Junger's book, he recommends consuming two liquid meals a day, including a smoothie or homemade juice or breakfast, and a soup for dinner. Consuming soups and other liquids eases the digestive burden placed on the body, allowing it to allocate more energy toward the process of detoxification. During a detoxification period, Junger recommends eliminating all processed foods and potential irritants from your diet, including red meat, wheat, dairy and soy. Strive for a diet based on whole foods, which means eating foods in their natural state. Avoid anything that comes in a box or a bag or anything that contains artificial ingredients or preservatives.

Detox Soup Suggestions

Your detox soups can be made with a variety of fresh vegetables and other healthy ingredients. One of the most difficult things about a detox diet is encountering boredom with the food, so be creative and come up with different ways to use the allowed foods. Junger recommends eating as many raw foods as possible, but you can also steam or saute your vegetables if desired. Prepare your chosen vegetables and puree them with water or organic chicken broth. You can use garlic and other spices to make your soups more flavorful. Avoid canned soups, as they are often high in sodium, MSG and other additives. Do not consume cream-based soups during a detoxification period.

Considerations

During a period of dietary detox, you may experience some negative side effects, especially at the beginning. According to the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine, this is your body's natural reaction to the release of toxins that were previously stored in your cells. Common side effects include headache, digestive problems, body aches, fatigue, cramps, bloating, mood swings and weakness. The University of Wisconsin recommends continuing with the detox if possible as these symptoms should be temporary.

Working With Your Doctor

Consult a medical professional before embarking on any sort of strict diet regimen. You may wish to consult a physician trained in functional or integrative medicine. This means that his training includes modalities intended to treat the patient's entire system of health, often incorporating techniques from other cultures or parts of the world. Functional and integrative medicine are holistic practices that attempt to uncover the underlying causes of disease rather than focusing on symptoms. You and your doctor can work together to determine the best diet and course of action for your individual needs.