Spring is usually the time when Canadians emerge from their homes and start their annual cleaning. We clear the garden, plant new flowers, repair any damage to our homes and start to reorganize the indoors. It is also a perfect time to detoxify our bodies.
Many people ask me why we need to do a detoxification diet or a cleanse. In the past, our bodies were able to manage the toxic load in our systems. Our liver was able to neutralize harmful chemicals and our bowels were able to eliminate them. We are now increasingly bombarded with toxic chemicals. These chemicals can come from workplace exposure, household cleaning agents, air pollution, pesticides in our food, dental amalgams, cosmetics and many other unsuspected places. As our bodies become overburdened, the overwhelmed liver can’t neutralize all the chemicals and our bowels, often constipated, can’t eliminate them. This, combined with the Standard North American Diet which is lacking in fiber and nutrients, is a sure fire way of increasing our risk of developing all kinds of illnesses from arthritis, allergies and eczema to diabetes and cancer.
A detoxification diet gives your body the opportunity it needs to heal itself. By eliminating harmful foods from the diet and consuming high fiber, nutrient dense, easy to digest foods the body gets a break and can focus on cleaning out the built-up toxins and healing rather than digesting the processed and refined foods that we often eat. Benefits of detoxification include increased energy, weight loss, slower aging, increased immunity, increased fertility and better skin, just to name a few.
There are many ways to do a detoxification diet. For beginners, it doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. The length of the detox diet is up to you. Beginners may want to start with 5-7 days. A simple plan for a safe and effective detoxification should include the following:
1. Eliminate Coffee
Coffee is acidic and can act as a diuretic. It can also interfere with insulin levels and cause high blood pressure. Instead, drink herbal teas like green tea that are high in antioxidants and can help with caffeine withdrawal.
2. Eliminate Alcohol
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver. In order for your liver to focus on neutralizing toxins in the body, it is best not to introduce anything that will cause an additional burden on your liver.
3. Eliminate Processed or Fried Foods
These foods are lacking in nutrition, often high in fat and sodium and provide little fiber.
4. Eliminate Red Meat and Dairy
Focus instead on lean meats like chicken, fish and egg whites. These are lower in saturated fats and less inflammatory.
5. Increase Fruits and Vegetables in the Diet
Try to eat a wide variety of coloured produce, organic if possible. This will ensure adequate intake of antioxidants which are powerful neutralizers of free radicals and fiber. The added fiber will help your bowels stay regular and eliminate the released toxins.
6. Focus on Whole Foods
This includes whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, herbal teas, nuts, not including peanuts and fresh herbs and spices. Avoid processed foods like baked goods, convenience foods or fried foods as well as sugar and artificial sweeteners.
7. Increase your Water Intake
Try to drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example, a woman weighing 130 pounds should aim to drink 65 ounces of water, or roughly 8 glasses. Water is very important for many metabolic functions in the body including elimination and it keeps your skin hydrated.
8. Consider Some Supplements
Multivitamins and essential fats will ensure that your body is getting the necessary vitamins, minerals and fats to function optimally. A good probiotic will ensure gut health and improve bowel function.
9. Consider a Herbal Supplement that Maximizes the Effects of the Detoxification Diet
For example, milk thistle is an herb that will support the liver and encourage detoxification. For best results and safety, talk to a qualified healthcare professional before introducing any herbal product.
10. If Possible, Use a Sauna a Few Times a Week
This will encourage the elimination of toxins through perspiration. For best results, use an infrared sauna that allows for deeper detoxification.
When doing a detoxification diet, you may feel unwell at the beginning as your body begins the task of eliminating all of the built-up toxins. If you stick with the plan though, you will find that the renewed sense of health and well being are worth the effort.