You encounter toxins in everyday life, from pollution, beauty products, processed food and pesticides. A detox diet aims to help you eliminate these toxins from your body, so you feel healthier and more energetic. A safe detox plan uses natural foods and products to reduce your exposure to these toxins and flush them from your system.
Significance
Detox plans come in a variety of forms, including fasts, juice cleanses and whole-food plans. Some detox plans advocate the use of herbal supplements. Certain detox methods can be dangerous. Depriving yourself of whole foods may leave you nutritionally deficient and with symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and nausea. The FDA does not regulate supplements, so you take them at your own risk, and some may have contraindications with your medications. Certain detox plans also include large amounts of fiber or laxatives to cleanse your colon, and these could result in dehydration and fatigue.
Safe Methods
Detoxifying with whole, natural foods is a safe approach, notes CBS contributor and registered dietitian Keri Glassman. Include generous amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and lentils, raw nuts and seeds and plain whole grains, such as brown rice and oats. You can choose whether to eliminate all meats, or you may consume small servings of organic poultry and fish. Plain dairy products, specifically low-fat milk and yogurt, may be part of a safe detox; but you may eliminate them for a short time to reduce calories and sugar intake. Water is the drink of choice on a safe detox, but you might also enjoy herbal teas.
Additional Steps
A safe detox can also involve replacing chemical-based cleaning products with all-natural options. Choose natural beauty products, including soap, makeup and shampoo to further limit your exposure to chemicals. Safe detoxing also involves eliminating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
Considerations
No scientific evidence supports the need for detox diets. Your liver, kidneys and lymphatic system are effective natural detoxifiers that work hard every day to remove toxins. Before beginning any detox plan, check with your doctor.
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