Detoxification Diet

Detoxification diet is a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses, grains, cereals and nuts, aimed at detoxifying or cleansing the body of all the toxic substances.

If your liver is not functioning to its full capacity, it indicates a build-up of toxins in the body which could be because of stress, pollution, consumption of processed food which has many chemicals and lack of physical exercise. Presence of these toxins, which may be found in the liver, brain, heart, lungs, intestines and thyroid, in the body may cause several health problems.

Detoxification diet gives the much-needed rest to the body as it no longer needs to deal with foods that are difficult to digest and metabolize and increases your blood sugar level. The body diverts its energies to cleanse the body of all the toxins.

Detoxification diet comprises foods and drinks that are healthy and act as building blocks to the body. It also includes anti-oxidants which protects you from harmful toxins and eliminates all the toxins from the body, making you feel healthier. These days, 7 day detoxification kits are also available in the market which contains remedies with natural ingredients to cleanse the body of all the toxins.

Many chemicals or toxins like natural food toxins, alcohol, cigarette smoke, and household chemicals can be detoxified with the help of liver, which helps in maintaining a balance of cholesterol, process proteins, activate hormones and store vitamins.

Though liver can detoxify most of the toxins present in the body on its own, it might not function to its optimum level if it is overworked. Some of the symptoms of poor function of liver are tiredness, under-eye circles, poor digestion and dull skin.

You should not follow a detoxification diet if you have an eating disorder, diabetes or are under medication. Pregnant women and lactating mothers too should not follow the diet.

Tips for following 7 day detoxification diet:

• Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water as it naturally cleanses out the toxins from the body and gives you a healthy, shiny and supple skin.
• Vegetables which are bitter in taste like broccoli, bitter gourd or fennel should be consumed as they stimulate detoxification enzymes and bile, which helps in digesting fat. Bitter vegetables clean the liver too of all its harmful toxins and chemicals.
• Mix lemon in lukewarm water and drink it the first thing in the morning instead of your cuppa or coffee. It will not only help in eliminating toxins but also help in removing your excess fat.
• Avoid consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol. Instead drink herbal tea, fruit juices, light tea and dandelion coffee as they would be helpful in your detoxification plan.
• Avoid consuming cow's milk products and wheat products. However, you can have small quantity of Parmesan cheese, yoghurt and cottage cheese.
• Do not eat heavy salads like Caesar salad instead opt for fresh vegetables and use olive oil, walnut oil or flax oil to make its dressing.
• It is advisable to use olive oil rather than butter and margarine for cooking purposes. You should also make sure that you do not eat fried stuff or junk food. Instead you can cook food by steaming, baking or stir-frying with very less oil.
• Clear the clutter in your house as it too will help you to relax and recharge your energy levels.
• Listen to soft and soothing music be it spiritual or just instrumental music to uplift your mood.
• You must make sure that you go for half-hour brisk walk daily. However, you should avoid heavy or strenuous exercises when you are on a detoxification diet.
• Light candles around your bathtub and play some soothing music in the background and take a relaxed bath. You will see how rejuvenated and fresh you feel after taking a luxurious bath.
• Read a good book in the peaceful corner of your home, a library or even a cafe.

Detoxification diet should not be followed just for a week but some of its principles should be followed throughout your life to lead a healthy and fit life.