Detox diets help cleanse the body of accumulated toxins, waste products from the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and chemicals we use. The general basis of these diets involves eating natural foods and avoiding processed foods that are high in fat, sugar and calories. You should undertake a detox only with the consent and supervision of a health professional as they may cause adverse health risks if too restrictive or low in essential nutrients. A healthy body-cleansing diet should consist of a variety of nutritious foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
The foundation of a healthy detox diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. These are low in calories, have little to no added fat, no added sugars and are rich in essential nutrients. They are also a source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help prevent and protect against certain cancers and disease. The high water and fiber content of produce aids in detoxification by pushing waste products through the body for effective elimination. Include at least five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
Short Term
Most detox diets are only for a short time -- three days to two weeks. They are typically stricter in the beginning by having you eliminate certain foods from your diet to allow your body time to rest and repair. The aim of a detox is to prepare you for healthier life-long eating habits that will improve your health. Strict plans designed to last for a longer time should always be under medical consult as you risk malnutrition from too few calories or a lack of essential nutrients. Adverse health effects include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating and poor digestion.
Fluids
A healthy detox should consist of plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated. You should consume at least eight to 10 cups of water daily, or more depending on your needs. These help flush the body of toxins and push waste materials through the digestive tract for elimination. Water also helps fill you up, which decreases the risks of over-eating other foods or mistaking thirst for hunger. Other liquids such as herbal teas and clear-based broths also contribute to daily water consumption.
What to Avoid
Processed foods are refined and stripped of many of their nutrients. Most of these foods have added fats, salt and sugars for texture and taste as well as preservatives to increase their shelf life. You should eliminate foods such as candy, chocolate bars, cookies and canned soups and sauces during a detox diet. Furthermore, you should greatly reduce high-fat dairy and animal products during a cleanse. Fat and protein are harder for the body to digest, which contributes to increased work for the liver and kidneys. It is essential to allow these organs time to rest and repair during a cleanse so they can effectively eliminate toxins and waste.
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