Detoxification

What is detoxification:

Detoxification is a natural internal process the body is constantly working on, with or without your help. The liver, kidneys and lungs are always working to reduce the toxic load on the body. The idea of a detox is to lessen the load of toxins on your body while supporting the body in excreting waste to promote good health.

Detox is now a term used not only for the body, but for the home, the mind and be applied to any aspect that you find toxic in your life.

Symptoms:

If we are constantly exposed to a vast array of toxins, which our body’s aren’t properly processing, we will eventually start to feel the negative effect of their presence.
You might see such toxicity presenting itself in your body in form of:

• Lethargy
• Inability to focus
• Headaches
• Dull or tired looking skin
• Constipation
• Bloating and digestive cramping
• Stress or anxiety
• Reoccurring infections
• Weight gain
• Acne

The best way to detox:

In terms of diet, there are some simple detox dos and do nots. When incorporated into your daily food and liquid intake, these will not only expedite the detoxification process, but will also help your general health and well being.

What to do in a detox: These foods usually have a higher nutritional content, are easier to digest, and so naturally, the body thrives on them. They will also promote better digestion and liver detoxification to help the elimination process.

• Unlimited amount of fresh vegetables, 6 or more servings per day
• All fresh fruits, max. 2 pieces of fruit per day
• Legumes and sprouts: lentils, beans, alfalfa, tofu
• Whole grains: millet, brown rice, rolled oat, buckwheat, amaranth, white rice, quinoa
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds
• Flaxseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, pumpkin and almond
• 2L or more of liquid: filtered water, fresh vegetable or fruit juice, herbal tea
• Lean meats and deep sea fish 3 servings per week: chicken, turkey, wild game, salmon, herring, sardines
• Beneficial herbs and spices: turmeric, parsley, dandelion, Mary’s thistle, burdock, peppermint, thyme, cinnamon
• Choose organic fresh fruits, vegetables and meats where possible
• Regular exercise

What no to do in a detox: These foods can prevent the body from functioning well, and may lead to disease. This also includes some foods which aren’t necessarily unhealthy, but are harder to digest.

• Problematic foods that cause allergies or sensitivities
• All dairy: milk, butters, creams, all cheese, ice cream
• Wheat based products and products containing gluten: White bread, pasta, backed goods, biscuits, cake
• Condiments: table spreads, ketchup, chutney, jam, barbecue sauce, chocolate spread, and peanut butter
• Sugar and added sugars: candies, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, artificial sweeteners
• Vegetable oils, deep fried oils (trans fat), pre made salad dressings
• Drinks: Soda, concentrated fruit juice, alcohol, coffee black tea
• Highly processed meats: sausages, cured or smoked meats, salami
• MSG (monosodium glutamate): Chinese take out, processed meats and canned vegetables
• Standard junk food: crisps, pizza, hamburgers, fried food.
• Cigarettes