Is it possible to cleanse the body with the help of a diet?
Detox diets (detox) and cleansing diets are popular, but there is little medical evidence that they can eliminate toxins from our body. This is probably because a GCP* medical study to prove this would be very expensive and it is not clear who would cover the cost of such a study.
Although detoxification diets differ from each other, they are quite typically constructed. They begin with a period of fasting followed by a period of strict adherence to some kind of diet. Most often it is a diet consisting of raw vegetables and fruits as well as water and natural juices to drink. Additionally, some detox diets advocate the use of herbs and other supplements, along with colon cleansing (enema), to empty the bowels.
Some people report feeling more focused and energetic during and after detox diets. However, there's little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Indeed, the kidneys and liver are generally quite effective at filtering and eliminating most ingested toxins. So why do so many people claim to feel better after detoxification? It may be due in part to the fact that a detox diet eliminates highly processed foods that have solid fats and added sugar. Simply avoiding these high-calorie low-nutrition foods for a few days may be part of why people feel better. If you're considering a detox diet, get the OK from your doctor first. It's also important to consider possible side effects. Detox diets that severely limit protein or that require fasting, for example, can result in fatigue. Long-term fasting can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The liver and kidneys are responsible for the detoxification processes in our body. There are a number of foods that have been shown to support liver function. Just lowering the amount of fat (triglycerides) accumulated in the liver dramatically quickly supports its better functioning. In contrast, adequate hydration and the use of herbs and foods that increase urine secretion can promote the excretion of unwanted substances through the kidneys.
Colon cleansing is often recommended as part of a detox program. However, if carried out improperly, it can bring a number of ailments (abdominal pain and cramps, belching, nausea and vomiting). Excessive dehydration can be a concern. Finally, it should be remembered that the miracle diets are not a good long-term solution. A healthy diet based on vegetables and fruits, whole grain cereals and fat-free protein products allows you to achieve long-term results. If you decide to start a detox diet, you can use this as a good start to make the permanent switch to healthier eating.
Foods recommended during the detox
In colorful women's magazines and on the Internet, you can find many suggestions for cleansing and detoxifying diets. However, as presented above, diet alone is not able to cleanse or detoxify the body, and can only be a supplement, albeit an important one, to detox. No specific "detox" diet exists, but usually a simple detox consists of whole, unprocessed foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables and water. Sometimes, a detox may include plain whole grains, lean meats and raw nuts, too. Others may encourage certain supplements, herbs and teas. The point of a detox is to reduce your toxin load and lay off hard-to-digest foods to boost your overall wellness.
Lecithin, Garlic, Soy phospholipids, Choline
What foods are better not to eat during detox treatment?
If your New Year's resolutions include adopting healthier habits, a detox program may be part of your plan. For the greatest success, there are certain foods that should be avoided during any detox program. Below are the foods to avoid and some healthier alternatives.
You should try to avoid…
- Foods that contain artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives
- Any food that contains artificial sweeteners
- Any food that contains high-fructose corn syrup
- Highly processed foods such as faux meat and cheese
- All meat and dairy (for a short time if need be).
- All fish, especially swordfish, tuna, and grouper because of high mercury content
- Any foods containing added sugar
- Hydrogenated and fractionated oils (mainly palm and palm kernel oil found in a variety of sweets and baked goods)
- Foods that contain wheat or gluten (especially if you think you might be gluten intolerant)
- Foods that contain dairy products
- Nonorganic produce in specific items
There is not much left. What should I eat then? It is advised to consume as much liquid as you can.
Water
First and foremost step in the recovery process is drinking plenty of water. Water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps in flushing out toxins from the body. It is highly recommended to consume a lot of water during the day and also you can add some lemon, mint, cucumber to make a little concoction of infused water. Sipping water throughout the day will also maintain your electrolyte balance and cure weakness.
Fruit and vegetable juices
Drinking juices with the goodness of nutrients is highly recommended during jaundice. Our digestive system requires some rest during such types of diseases, therefore, avoiding complex foods can be beneficial. Fruits like oranges, berries, papayas, apples contain healthy digestive enzymes and some vital vitamins like C, K and B. Including raw banana, broccoli, carrot on a regular basis may aid in increasing the detoxification power of the liver.
Soups and broths
Both soups and broths are flavorful yet easy on the tummy kind of dishes, which you can definitely include in your daily diet. They are very low on calories but still will provide your body with good nutrients.
Proteins
Proteins play a vital role in building muscles and repairing tissues. During any disease protein-rich diet is highly recommended, as it not only helps in repairing body cells but also aids in producing new ones. They provide energy to the body and thus, help in healing the damaged organs. They are a good source of amino acids which are essential for the regeneration of the liver, leading a speedy recovery from jaundice. Include plenty of dals, pulses, legumes, a small portion of lean meat and tofu/paneer.
Fibers
Try to include a lot of fat-soluble fiber in your diet, as they get easily digest and doesn’t consume a lot of energy. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber helps in flushing out the harmful toxins and also improve the overall functioning of the liver. A fiber-rich diet that contains almonds, berries, whole-grains like brown rice and oats can increase your immunity, regulate your bowel movement and improve the progression of bile juice in the liver.
Pinto beans can be a good choice. These beans contain a lot of fiber (17%), which helps you feel full longer, and is also a rich source of protein. It also provides many vitamins and minerals: vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin C, molybdenum, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium.
Coconut water
Coconut water contains plenty of nutrients that are beneficial for liver. It is a good source of antioxidants which help in fighting the free radicals that can damage your system. It not only boosts your immunity but also prevents recurrence of jaundice. It provides hydration and helps in maintaining a proper fluid balance.
