Detoxing can help eliminate unwanted toxins absorbed from the air, water, and food, as well as toxic substances the body creates. Regular cleansing can help your body optimize its’ processes.
What Is Detoxing?
Detoxing is believed to cleanse the body of unwanted toxins absorbed from the air, soil, water, and food, as well as toxic substances the body creates. Even though there is no way to protect yourself against all toxins in the environment, regular cleansing can help your body optimize its’ processes.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Detoxing?
1. Improved Appearance
Eliminating excess toxins can reduce inflammation and lessen signs of aging. Pollutants in the environment and body can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Consuming nutrient-rich foods can help slow aging and heal wounds.
2. Improved Mood & Inner Calm
Detoxing with foods that balance blood sugar will regulate stress on a chemical level by helping you naturally manage cortisol levels in the body. You might also feel a sense of clarity and rejuvenation during and after the detox.
3. Restful Sleep
During sleep, the body begins detoxifying itself and healing the body physically. It is hypothesized that when people wake around the same time every night it is because the body doesn’t have the proper nutrients to support a full nights’ detox. Eating the right foods and drinking enough water can help insomnia.
4. Increased Energy
Detoxing might cause fatigue in the beginning, but many people report feeling improved energy levels during and after the detox. Excluding processed foods from your diet will help you feel lighter and refreshed.
5. Weight Loss
Eliminating empty calorie and low-nutrient foods from your diet may often result in weight loss. A detox, when paired with a good workout plan, can shed off weight.
6. Improved Long-Term Diet
A detox that focuses on removing addictive foods and chemicals from the diet can support food addiction recovery. Only adding a few “bad” foods back to your diet after the detox duration has ended can lead to a healthier lifestyle and improved long-term diet.
7. Better Overall Health
After finishing your detox, you might experience some or all of the listed benefits. Sticking with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle after your detox can help you maintain those benefits.
How To Do It
In order to successfully detox, lifestyle and diet changes will have to be made to cleanse the body efficiently. Certain foods should be limited (or avoided completely) to promote a healthy body. However, these restrictions are only suggested through the detox period (one or two weeks) – you can then reintroduce them afterward. Throughout your detox, you should never feel starved. There are still many options to choose from to keep you satiated and feeling good.
Avoid These Foods:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy Products
- Pork
- Wheat Products
- Salt
- Sugar
- Processed Food
- Fatty & Fried Foods
- Take-Away Meals
Include These Foods:
- Spring Water (or Filtered)
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Dried Beans, Peas, & Lentils
- Whole Grains
- Mycoprotein (Quorn)
- Tofu
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Poultry
- Fish
- Non-Dairy Milk
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Oils & Vinegar
- Herbal Teas
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is most commonly known to treat sunburned skin, but its’ thick, gooey juice provides a number of health benefits. It is believed to help detoxify and cleanse, boost the immune system, promote greater energy and balance your body’s pH. It can also be beneficial in helping relieving constipation, fever, digestive disorders, allergies, and arthritis. Even though aloe vera does offer many health benefits, you should consume it in moderation as it can induce a harsh laxative effect and create an electrolyte imbalance.
Chlorella & Spirulina
Chlorella and spirulina are freshwater algae supplements that contain a high concentration of chlorophyll. A 1-ounce serving of chlorella contains a great amount of vitamin A, B2, B3, Iron, and Zinc. They will help promote the digestive system, weight loss, cleanse the blood of heavy metals, support the immune system and even fight cancer. Both of these algae might cause some side effects, such as, sensitivity to sunlight, upset stomach, acne, fatigue, headaches and swelling of the face. Nevertheless, the majority of these side effects are typical in detoxification.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is an herb to naturally treat liver problems and remove the effects of over-consumption of rich ‘junk’ foods. Silymarin, the main active ingredient in milk thistle, is both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant helping to protect and regenerate liver cells. This herb can be useful in treating liver problems, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis; research has found that milk thistle improved insulin resistance.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that treat digestive issues, mental health illness, and neurological disorders. Probiotic stores in the body are frequently depleted by use of antibiotics, illness or by eating too many refined sugars. By taking a probiotic supplement or eating live probiotic yogurt, you can counter bacterial imbalances, create more serotonin and increase immune system strength. Most of the side effects are beneficial to your health, but if you take probiotics too frequently you may have to deal with diarrhea.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the herb plant, plantain. It is most commonly known as a gentle laxative, but it is also effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels in those who are obese or overweight and reducing the risk of a heart attack by strengthening heart muscles. Taking too much psyllium husk can result in bloating, stomach pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting, so be sure to take the proper dosage recommended.
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