WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A DETOX DIET

To detoxify means to remove poisonous or harmful substances from something. Since we are concerned about a healthy lifestyle/living, we are referring to detoxifying the body. The same way a knife that gets blunts needs to be sharpened to get back its use is the same way we humans have to be cleansed to regain our agility. Detoxification of the body is a necessity to prevent “wear out” so we can then say detoxification of the body is more like a restart button for the body.  

SYMPTOMS THAT YOU NEED TO DETOX

• Brain fog, memory loss, Insomnia, Lack of concentration, depression, moodiness, unexplained headaches, and nasal congestion.
• Bad breath, body odor, cravings.
• Increased belly, fat/bloating, constipation, low libido.
• Immune weakness, fatigue, generalized muscle aches.
• Skin rashes, eczema, itchy patches, environmental and chemical sensitivity.

As humans, our body is designed to naturally eliminate toxins with the use of the liver, the kidney, the skin, the lungs, and the digestive system. And only when these organs are healthy can they effectively eliminate these toxic substances. Even when healthy, the body’s natural detoxifying system can also be enhanced through several means which are

• Staying hydrated
• Consuming antioxidant-rich foods
• Consuming less salty food
• Staying active
• Detox diets

Quite a number of health experts frown at detox diet or fast as a means for removing toxins from the body, this is because there is no scientifically based evidence that supports the use of detox diet for removing toxins from the body. But I personally have experienced wonderful results from it. So I see no harm in it.

Detox diet or fast is a means of resting the body organs through fasting. Our organs work every day. Even when we sleep these organs keep working. A detox fast serves as a means to reduce the load on these organs at the same time supplying the body with healthy nutrients. The amount of food we consume during a detox fast cannot be compared to what we consume on a regular day and by this, the load on these organs is reduced thereby, helping the organs to rest (resting doesn’t mean they stop it just means they are not in full capacity as they should).

According to Pat Crocker in the book “Juicing and smoothies for dummies” she said, toxins in the body are stored in fat cells because it is the safest place to keep them stable. So when the body detects a buildup of toxins, it begins to retain water as a means to dilute the toxins within its tissue. So, the more toxins you have the more the body retains water thereby leading to weight gain. With everything, our bodies are exposed to in this century starting with the food, water, environments, and some others the body’s natural detox processes might not just be enough. So a detox diet doesn’t directly just clears the body of toxins but rather serves as a means to support the body’s natural detox processes and with this, the body and the organs are rejuvenated and become more effective.

 BENEFITS OF DETOX DIET

1. It helps to increase energy levels
2. It refuels the body with healthy nutrients
3. It reduces inflammation
4. It promotes elimination through the intestine, skin and the kidney
5. It helps to rest the organs through fasting
6. It improves mood

TYPES OF DETOX DIETS

1. Sugar detox
2. Smoothie cleanse
   
3. Fruit and vegetable detox
4. Juice cleanse
5. Hypoallergenic detox

DOES DETOX DIET HAVE ITS BAD SIDE?

Yes, it does! If not done right

The effect of a detox diet cannot produce long term results. It can only be sustained if there is a change in lifestyle practices. So if your goal is to look for a permanent result then a detox diet isn’t for you but if you need a fresh start or a boost towards a change in your healthy lifestyle, then, by all means, you can give it a try. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother or you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, liver, kidney, or gallbladder problems then a detox diet might not be right for you.

I personally have experienced positive effects from a detox diet. So if you feel you need a detox diet please do well to consult a Dietitian to know if it’s a good plan for you and LET'S SAY YES TO STAYING HEALTHY.