A 7-day detoxification diet aims to alter your diet and cleanse your system of accumulated toxins. In "Detox," author Helen Foster defines toxins as poisonous substances you ingest or are exposed to through the environment. Examples include alcohol, coffee, pesticides, saturated fats, sugar and environmental pollutants. Toxins have been linked to a host of problems ranging from premature aging to heart disease, Foster claims in her book. Your first line of defense against toxins is to control what you eat and drink. During a 7-day detox diet, eliminate the so-called poisonous substances from your diet and choose foods that provide nutrients that will help get rid of the toxins in your body. This diet plan can be extended beyond the seven days.
Function of Fiber
During the seven days of detoxification, increase your intake of fiber daily. Fiber is typically found in plant foods such as citrus fruits, beets, dark green leafy vegetables and berries. It functions by binding to toxic heavy metals such as lead and mercury in the colon and escorting them out of your system. Fiber absorbs fluids while traveling through the gastrointestinal tract to form soft, bulky stools, which makes them easier for excretion. According to "The Fiber35 Diet," fiber also helps the body excrete food additives, which are linked to hyperactivity, migraine and asthma.
Function of Fluids
According to the Reader's Digest Association, you need water to help flush toxins out of your system. You should drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration. Water is not the only substance that can be used during these seven days for hydration. In "The Liver Cleansing Diet," Dr. Sandra Cabot suggests drinking low-fat or nonfat milk, herbal teas and fresh juices. You can also eat high-water-content foods such as celery, watermelon, pears and grapes. In "The Fiber35 Diet," author Brenda Watson says fiber combined with an adequate amount of fluids helps prevent constipation.
Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables
Cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and spinach are all cruciferous vegetables that act as powerful detoxers. According to "The Liver Cleansing Diet," Dr. Sandra Cabot says that cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which stimulate the liver to produce vital enzymes. Enzymes are protein molecules that play a role in metabolic processes throughout your body. In "Detox," author Helen Foster cites a study at Cornell University that found cruciferous vegetables inhibited a toxic mold linked to liver cancer and neutralized cigarette smoke. Consider drinking plenty of water with cruciferous vegetables to avoid gas and flatulence.
Significance of Carbohydrates
According to the Reader's Digest Association, the typical Western diet contains an excess of refined carbohydrates that contain toxic preservatives and additives. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, baked goods and sugary foods are often nutrient-deficient and high in fat and calories. Refined carbohydrates can cause sudden rushes in your blood sugar level, which can trigger hunger. During the 7-day detoxification program, you should aim to eat starchy carbohydrate foods that cause a slow increase in blood sugar. The best of these include lentils, kidney beans, brown rice, sweet potatoes and oatmeal.
Side Effects
During the seven days of detoxification, you may experience unpleasant symptoms as your body eliminates toxins. In "Detox Diet," author Elson M. Haas says example of side effects include exhaustion, irritability, bad breath, skin problems, headaches, increased urination, stomach problems and cravings. According to Haas, some of these symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems disappear after the first two or three days. He further outlines some of the benefits after participating in a detoxification program. This includes more energy, weight loss, healthier skin and hair.
References
- "Detox;" Helen Foster; 2009
- "The Fiber35 Diet;" Brenda Watson, Leonard Smith; 2008
- "The Detox Diet: A How-To & When-To Guide for Cleansing the Body;" Elson M. Haas;2004
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal;" The Reader's Digest Association;1997
- "The Liver Cleansing Diet;" Dr. Sandra Cabot; 2008
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