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Anti Inflammatory Detox Diet

May 27, 2011 | By Tracey Roizman, D.C.
Anti Inflammatory Detox Diet
Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Detoxification diet options abound, with some offering sound advice based on safe scientific principles, while others may advise dangerous practices or take a potentially healthy approach to an unhealthy extreme. Most detox diets rely on large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants and other phytonutrients featuring anti-inflammatory properties, and the removal of foods that promote inflammation. Your liver, kidneys and other organs of elimination are effective at removing most ingested toxins, according to registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky of MayoClinic.com, and a healthy diet over the long-term is your best assurance of keeping inflammation at bay. Check with your doctor before and during a detox diet to avoid potential health hazards.

Oranges and Lemons

Include oranges and lemons in your anti-inflammatory detoxification diet, advises Ann Louise Gittleman, author of "The Fast Track Detox Diet: Boost Metabolism, Get Rid of Fattening Toxins." These fruits have high levels of vitamin C, which can bind heavy metals and neutralize the toxic effects of sulfa drugs. Oranges and lemons also stimulate the liver to produce glutathione, a key enzyme used by the liver in its detoxification pathways. Cranberries can assist your liver during a detox diet by providing particularly high levels of antioxidants and several helpful organic acids, including ellagic acid that has anti-cancer and atherosclerosis-inhibiting properties.

Allergies

An anti-inflammatory detox diet may improve allergy symptoms such as sinus and nasal inflammation and migraine headaches, says Jeffery Morrison, M.D., author of the book "Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind: Eliminate Environmental Toxins to Lose Weight, Increase Energy and Reverse Illness." Morrison adds that identifying the cause or causes of toxicity that you may be exposed to is an important first step in customizing your detox diet. Aside from pollutants in air and water, infections, such as those from tick bites, can also lead to inflammation that may respond well to a detoxification diet.

Five-Day Detox

A five-day program of steamed vegetables and salads, brown rice, fresh juices and fresh, seasonal fruit forms the basis of the detox diet recommended by licensed acupuncturist Dan Kenner, Ph.D., in his book "The Whole-Body Workbook for Cancer: A Complete Integrative Program for Increasing Immunity and Rebuilding Health." Kenner recommends carrot-celery-apple juice to stave off cravings for sweets that may arise during a detox fast. Pectin, a soluble fiber in apples, showed anti-inflammatory properties in a laboratory animal study conducted at the department of pharmacology of the University Complutense, Madrid, Spain. In the study, a 10 percent apple pectin diet for seven weeks significantly decreased levels of oxidized lipids. The study was published in the February 2011 issue of the journal "Pharmacology Research."

Weight Loss

An anti-inflammatory diet may help you lose weight, according to Natasha Turner, N.D., author of the book "The Hormone Diet: A 3-Step Program to Help You Lose Weight, Gain Strength and Live Younger Longer." Turner recommends a 14-day program for reducing inflammation that includes gluten-free grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, poultry and seafood. Turner also suggests including goat's milk dairy products, healthy oils, such as canola, flaxseed, hemp and avocado, nut, rice and soy milks and soy products. Counting calories is not as important as eating at least three meals per day that contain detox-quality protein from the sources listed.

References

Article reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: May 27, 2011

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