A natural body detoxification diet is one where accumulated toxins are eliminated by ingesting specific foods, herbs and beverages to assist in cleansing the organs. Generally, a detox diet consists of organic food that contains no pesticides or fungicides; whole unprocessed foods, such as grains, seeds and nuts; raw or steamed naturally grown fruits and vegetables; and a minimum of 2 liters of water each day. A natural body detox diet comes in many forms, always with the idea that the result will be clean and healthy organs that function at optimum levels.
What a Detox Diet Does
A detox diet sweeps the body clean of poisons that are potentially harmful to the body tissue. Through the use of specific foods and liquids, these toxins are excreted through increased bowel movements, urination and sweating. A good detox diet generally targets the liver, kidney, digestive tract, lungs and skin. In most cases, toxic food buildup is released in the feces and urine, solid gases are released through the blood and lungs, and heavy metals are released through the urine and perspiration. Ammonia created by the body breaking down solid proteins in meat, pesticides and fungicides, food additives, toxic pollutants in air, cigarette smoke, drugs and heavy metals, such as lead, are all driven out of the system during a detoxification diet.
Obstacles to Completing a Natural Body Detox Diet
When toxins remain in the body for a long time and are stored in the fat tissues, organs, and on the walls of the bowels, it is natural that we will feel their effects as they are released into our blood stream. In the beginning of a detox diet, as these toxins are dislodged, it is likely that we will feel tired and sick. This critical point is where many people decide that the diet is not good for them, switching back to their old way of eating instead of pressing on. The moment we return to our old habits, the body stops the cleansing process and we feel like we felt before we started. The crucial transition stage that bridges the beginning of detoxification to a final result is where it is essential to hang on so that we can feel better in the long run.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Detox
As inorganic chemicals, unprocessed foods, toxins and other potentially harmful debris exits the organs, it is likely that we will experience a range of symptoms that indicate that our body needs a cleanse and a rest. Bad breath, indigestion, fatigue, poor skin quality, depression, poor concentration, sluggishness and pain are indicators that we have overloaded our bodies with unnecessary impurities. Because our daily lives expose us to a constant barrage of toxins, chemicals, processed foods and stress, it is almost impossible to avoid physical indications that we are ingesting materials that are harmful to our health.
Good Natural Body Detox Diets
As mentioned, there are a multitude of detox diets available. A good detox diet should help jumpstart the body's natural desire to eliminate by stimulating the organs to do their rightful jobs. Herbs, such as psyllium seed, licorice root, yucca root, milk thistle seed and gentian root, help to stimulate the detox process. Fresh fruits and raw or lightly steamed vegetables help to flush the body of poisons while providing flavenoids, phytochemicals and other essential vitamins and minerals. Fasting on juices and water is a more extreme way to detox the body, but produces results when supervised by a health practitioner.
Foods to Avoid While on a Detoxification Diet
Once you make the commitment to detoxify your body, it is important to avoid the following in order to assist the cleansing as much as possible: caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, supplements containing additives, processed and refined foods, and meat, which often causes the body to work overtime as it processes the protein.
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