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Detoxification is a natural body cleanse done to rid the body of toxins. A natural diet detox does not require fasting, though Ayurvedic practitioners state that the benefits of short term fasting include mental clarity and lightness of body. The body can naturally detoxify itself with increased consumption of water, minerals, and fiber, and a temporary elimination of fats from the diet. While some detox diets are designed for a full month, many can be adapted for a week or several days. In the end, a detoxed body should feel lighter, energized, and positive.
When to Try a Natural Body Detox
People often detox after consuming more sugar and fats than usual over a holiday, when feeling moody or low energy, or when recovering from illness. According to Ayurvedic practices, detoxification helps restore or maintain balance with the mind, body, and spirit.
Basic Components of Diet Detoxification
A diet detox entails a well-rounded focus on consumption, exercise, and the elimination of impure food and beverages. The following covers the basic components to include in a cleansing diet:
- Foods: The concept of a cleansing diet is to eat only pure and natural foods that aid the function of the liver, kidneys and lymph. Foods that help detoxify the body include: fruits, greens, seeds and nuts, garlic, and citrus. While natural health practitioners recommend eating foods in their purest form during a diet detox, feeling hungry can make it difficult to complete a detox. A number of Indian recipes, such as dahl, contain detoxifying ingredients and can easily be adapted by supplementing ingredients like oil in place of butter. Avoid hunger throughout the day by keeping snacks readily at hand.
- Drinks: Hydration is essential for the body and thirst is a sign of dehydration. During a detox, drink plenty of water. The medical community debates the definition of ‘plenty of water’, but one guideline to follow is a glass of water every two hours to prevent thirst. According to Nadine Taylor, author of Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, the health benefits of green tea have been celebrated for over 4,000 years. Drink green tea with lemon during a detox to aid digestion and fuel the body with antioxidants.
- Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular exercise aids in detoxification because the body pushes toxins through the skin when it sweats. As detox diets don’t contain many calories, the body won’t have as much fuel to burn as it normally does. Twenty-five to 30 minutes of cardiovascular a day will boost energy and help eliminate toxins, but stop if feelings of dizziness occur.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of a Detox Diet
The tips below will help extend and repeat the successful results of a body cleanse:
- Post-Detoxification: Upon completing the intended duration of a body cleanse, don’t overwhelm the body. Gradually return to the usual diet. As a guideline for a healthy diet, nutritionists recommend a combination of six different colors on the plate for every meal.
- A Regular Detox Routine: Both natural health and Ayurvedic practitioners recommend a short-term, regular body detoxification over infrequent or long-term fasting that depletes the body and causes imbalance. If a detox diet brings positive results, consider choosing a day of the week or month to regularly follow the same diet.
Detox diets are controversial in the medical community due to lack of empirical data to support the claims of health benefits. It's important to pay special attention to the body during a detox and before making any drastic dietary changes, consult a physician or qualified health professional.
Aurora LaJambre - Aurora LaJambre is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn, N.Y. Currently training for her first marathon, she covers health & fitness, ...
