DETOX CLEANSING DIET: THE KEY TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
>> Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Detoxification is the removal of unwanted or excess toxins that are in our bodies. Naturally, our bodies eliminate these toxins through urination or bowel movements. Sometimes however, this natural process will need a boost.
Sources of toxins come from the normal breakdown of certain nutrients in our bodies, such as the breakdown of protein, or even chemicals that we may have ingested. These outer toxins are usually from alcohol, caffeine, pesticides, drugs, or cigarette smoke. These particular toxins are harder for our bodies to eliminate on their own, so a detox diet may become necessary.
A detox cleansing diet can come in many different styles, but the most common diet is one that removes environmental or dietary toxins from our bodies. A detox diet is a short-term diet that accomplishes just that. By minimizing the amount of chemicals we take in and emphasize foods that contain vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, such as fresh fruit, raw vegetables, grains, nuts, beans and water, we can remove these harmful toxins from our systems.
People may go on a detox cleansing diet for many different reasons. Scientists have proven that a lot of the chemicals we take in through food, water and air can become deposited into our fat cells. A diet that has an unhealthy reduction in nutrients and vitamins can greatly impair our body’s natural ability to detoxify these chemicals. This can lead to system functions such as diabetes, colon problems or cancer, breathing difficulties, and weight gain. Excess amounts of these chemicals have also lead to hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and a slow metabolism. Signs of these problems can include indigestion, bad breath, tiredness, dull skin and chronic pain.
The benefits of a detox cleansing diet can include softer, smoother looking skin, regular bowel movements, increased energy, and better concentration. Another benfit of a detox diet can be weight loss.
If you are pregnant, nursing or a young adult, you should not try a detoxification diet. This is because during diet, you would not be able to get all the nutrients needed for your baby, lactation or growth. Also, people with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease and others, should only go on a detox diet under the supervision of their doctors and nutritionists. A detox diet is also not intended for drug or alcohol detoxification.
The most common side effect of a detox diet is a headache within the first few days of detox. This is often associated with the caffeine withdrawal. Because of this, many practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine every day. Other side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, tiredness, irritability, weight loss and hunger. If your symptoms worsen or you begin to see new symptoms during the detoxification process, promptly visit your healthcare provider.
Before you start your detox diet, be sure to get a go-ahead from your physician. The next step is to choose which detox diet is best for you. There are many types to choose from a strict detox diet, hydrotherapy, exercise, or breathing techniques. There are also some controversial detox diets, such as fasting, colon hydrotherapy and liver flushing.
The rule of thumb is that you should eat healthier, exercise more, and choose the detoxification diet that best suits your own needs.
