Overview
Many health experts believe that a short-term detoxification program can deliver profound health benefits. According to University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine, excess toxin accumulation can be associated with health issues such as fluid retention, excess weight, skin conditions, low libido, sinus congestion, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, muscle aches, joint pain and digestive disorders. Though many detox programs advocate using special shakes and powders, you can complete a detox diet at home without the use of special products.
Cost
Although you do not need to purchase special products to complete a home detox diet, you may find certain costs associated with a detox program. UWIM recommends consuming as much organic produce as possible. Depending on your usual shopping habits, this could result in an increase in your grocery bill. Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Health Itself," recommends certain supplements for a home-based dietary detox. You may also need to purchase certain kitchen appliances, such as a blender, juicer or food processor, if you do not already have them.
Preparation
In preparation for your home detox, Dr. Junger recommends following an elimination diet for a period of a few days to several weeks. The purpose of the elimination diet is to remove any foods that are difficult to digest or that may cause allergies. Dr. Junger states that even people without known food allergies may have undiagnosed reactions to certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, soy, tomatoes or strawberries. Other foods not allowed on the elimination diet are wheat, dairy products and processed foods. The duration of your elimination diet depends on the current state of your diet. If you already eat a healthy plant-based diet high in fruits and vegetables, two to three days of the elimination diet should suffice. If your diet is high in fast foods, processed foods and fried foods, you may wish to remain on the elimination diet for two to three weeks.
Detox Diet Plan
The actual detoxification period continues to follow the elimination diet guidelines, with some important modifications. Dr. Junger recommends consuming two liquid meals every day and one solid meal, preferably for lunch. The liquid meals can consist of homemade soups, smoothies and juices. According to Dr. Junger, consuming two liquid meals a day eases the burden on your digestive system, allowing your detoxification system to work more effectively. He also stresses the importance of leaving at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast the next day in order to allow your body to complete a full detoxification cycle.
Recommended Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may aid your cleansing efforts. UWIM recommends taking psyllium fiber or ground flax seed, magnesium citrate, milk thistle, dandelion root and a multivitamin. Dr. Junger recommends fiber to aid liver function and probiotics to encourage the proper balance of intestinal flora, herbal laxatives. He also recommends eating a clove of garlic every day and drinking 2 tbsp. of olive oil before bed to keep your digestive system lubricated. Talk to a medical professional before taking any supplements or herbal remedies, as they may have side effects or interact with certain medications.
Considerations
If you are considering a dietary detox, choose a program that is nutritionally based. Detox diets that involve prolonged periods of fasting or drinking only water may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Side effects of a dietary detox may include headaches, diarrhea, cramping, body aches or lightheadedness. According to UWIM, these effects are due to the release of toxins, and the best course of action is to continue with the detox. However, if you experience severe complications, you may need to stop or modify your detox diet.
No comments:
Post a Comment