Introduction To Successful Detox Diets Plans And Foods

By James Spann


The purpose of Detox diets is to get rid of the buildup of contaminants and toxins from the body. The ultimate aim is to improve physical health and mental capacity by enhancing the functioning of bodily systems. It is possible only when the diet works as planned, which is never easy and may not always be possible.

This detoxification process is quite simple, since the aim is to deny the body harmful foods and beverages it has become accustomed to. For example, those who are addicted to junk food for breakfast or lunch may be required to replace it with salads. Those who wouldn't be harmed by adding on a few pounds may get a diet that calls for protein-rich full meals with whole grains that need little or no processing.

Others addicted to beer or carbonated soft drinks filled with sugar may be denied these beverages. The drinks they can take will be limited to a healthy selection such as fruit juices and vegetable smoothies with no artificial flavoring or additives. In extreme cases, the best way to detoxify heavy drinkers who are already overweight is to make sure they drink nothing but plain water or coconut water.

A diet like this doesn't follow a specific formula. The dietitian must decide what to do after looking at the individual facts of each case. Since it's not an established science, success is not guaranteed and neither is there a book of guidelines to be followed. The results usually depend on the dietitian's competence and the patient's willpower.

A juice fast that lasts three days is one of the common detoxification plans often suggested by dietitians. During this fast, the patient must abstain from solid foods and is only given fruit juices. Another example is a one-week diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil and whole grains that are largely unprocessed. Some patients in serious need of nutrition may also be given fish as a part of the diet.

Regardless of the plan chosen and the duration for which it must be adhered to, there are bound to be a few things that are common to any and all detox diets. Dairy items will be taken off the table, as will fried foods. Sugar intake is sure to be limited, if not eliminated. The same goes for processed foods containing all kinds of additives, preservatives and artificial flavoring.

The reverse is also true, with some foods considered as essential ingredients for effective detoxification. These are items that contain inordinately high amounts of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and other such things that actually speed up the detox process. Garlic in powdered or paste form is one such item, since it goes well with other foods in the diet. The sulfur compounds released into the body through garlic intake helps the get rid of toxins much faster.

Almost all detox diets also include lemons which are packed with Vitamin C that helps the body prevent a buildup of toxins. Apples likewise contain glucaric acid which helps keep the liver clear of toxins, steroids and carcinogens. All food that's directly provided by nature similarly has some specific nutritional value, and it's up to the dietitian to pick a selection that helps the patient detoxify quickly.




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