Many people ask why we need to do detoxification diet or a cleanse. Int the past, our bodies were able to manage the toxic load in our systems. Our liver was able to neutralize harmful chemicals and our bowels were able to eliminate them. We are now increasingly bombarded with toxic chemicals. These chemicals can come from workplace exposure, household cleaning agents, ait pollution, pesticides in our foods, dental amalgams, cosmetics and many other unsuspected place. As our bodies become overburdened, the overwhelmed liver cant neutralize all the chemicals and our bowels, often constipated , cant eliminate them. This, combined with the standard North American diet which is lacking in fiber and nutrients, is a sure fire way of incresing our risk of developing all kinds of illnesses from arthritis, allergies and eczema to diabetes and cancer.
A detoxification diet gives your body the opportunity it needs to to heal itself. By eliminating harmful foods from the diet and consuming high fiber, nutrient dense, easy to digest foods from the body gets a break and can focus on cleaning out the build-up toxins and healing rather than digesting the processed and refined foods that we often eat. Benefits of detoxification include increased energy, weight loss, slower aging, increased immunity, increased fertility and better skin, just to name a few.
There are many ways to detoxification diet. For beginners, it does not have to be difficult or complicated. The length of the detox diet is up to you. Beginners may want to start with 5 to 7 days. A simple plan for a safe and effective detoxification should include the following:
Eliminate Coffee. Coffee is acidic and can act as a diuretic. It can also interfere with insulin levels and cause high blood pressure
Eliminate Alcoohol. .Alcohol is metabolized by the liver. In order for your liver to focus on neutralizing toxins in the body, it is best not to introduced anything that will cause an additional burden on your liver.
Eliminate Processed or Fried Foods. These foods are lacking in nutrients, often high in fat and sodium and provide little fiber.
Eat More Fruit and Vegetables. Try to eat a wide variety of coloured produce, organic if possible. this will ensure adequate intake of antioxidants which are powerful neutralizers of free radicals and fiber. the added fiber will improve your bowels and stay regular and eliminate the released of toxins.
Increase Water Intake. Try to drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example, a woman weighing 130 pounds should aim to drink 65 ounces of water or roughly 8 glasses. Water is important for many metabolic functions in the body including elimination and keeps your skin hydrated.
Take Some Supplements. Multivitamins and essential fats will ensure that your body is getting the neccessary vitamins and minerals and fats to function optimally. Consider taking pure Aloe Juice, Greens, and Nutri Clean.
By RahimaHirji, ND
Dr. Rahima Hirji is a Naturopathic Doctor at Target Therapeutics. She has an eclectic practice where she enjoys working with pediatric patients and has a special interest in women's health, infertility nad autoimmune disease.
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