A cleanser detox diet is not a specific diet plan but there are several versions available. This includes the Master Cleanse Diet, Raw Food Diet, Diuretic Diet, Fat Flush Diet and Martha's Vineyard Detox Diet. According to "The Food Bible," the purpose of a cleanser detox diet is to help remove toxins and other harmful substances from your body. Most detoxification diets include eating organic, whole and unprocessed foods. This includes whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, fruits and vegetables. In addition, you drink purified water every day. A cleanser detox diet is not meant to cure or prevent disease, so consult with a doctor before starting.
Considerations
Consider buying organic fruits and vegetables while on a cleanser detox diet. Organic produce is not grown with toxic chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. According to the website Earth Hugger, these toxins are linked to an increases risk of Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease. Harmful pollutants can also find their way into water supplies and contaminate your drinking water. Organic food can have a higher price tag than conventionally grown food. Start by purchasing produce that is most likely to be contaminated such as squash, green beans, grapes, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, apples, pear, raspberries and cantaloupe.
Function of Antioxidants
A cleansing detox diet encourages the consumption of a wide range of antioxidant-rich foods. A diet high in antioxidants may help neutralize and stop the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals can be produced in your body as a result of metabolism or emotional stress. Environmental toxins such as pollutants, chemicals and cigarette smoke expose you to free radicals. Antioxidants may prevent and repair damage to your cells caused by these harmful products. Antioxidant-rich foods to include in your diet include blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, plums, apples, beans and pecans.
Function of Enzymes
Enzymes are protein molecules that play a significant role in the digestive and metabolic processes within your body. Enzymes are present in fresh, raw food that has been unprocessed. In "Raw Energy," author Stephanie Tourles writes that enzymes are destroyed when cooked or heated more than 118 degrees. Your digestive organs are forced to produce enzymes on their own and therefore cannot properly digest and utilize nutrients. Eat enzyme-rich foods for digestive health such as papayas, pineapples, mangoes, bananas, dates, figs, avocados, extra-virgin olive oil and raw unfiltered honey.
Significance of Water
You need to consume plenty of water during a cleansing detox diet. On the website Raw Food Health, water is used during detoxification to expel wastes and dangerous toxins from your body. It also functions by carrying nutrients and oxygen throughout your cells. Water regulates body temperature, cushions joints and plays a role in metabolism. In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," author Natalia Rose suggests drinking between eight to 12 glasses of purified water throughout the day. You can also fill your quota by eating water-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Foods to Avoid
According to Ez-Detox-Diet.com, "detoxification begins when you stop putting harmful substances into your body." Certain foods contain ingredients that can inhibit the effectiveness of a cleansing detox diet. Examples include dairy and meat products, salt, sugar, white flour, soy products, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods. Choose healthier alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nut milks, non-gluten grains, nuts and seeds.
References
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet"; Natalia Rose; 2007
- "Raw Energy"; Stephanie Tourles; 2009
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