Detox Diets And Some Foods That Should Be Avoided

According to experts, most of the toxins received by the body come from the foods we eat. Detoxification is necessary to assist the body’s natural cleansing system, which helps remove these substances via urine, sweat, or feces. The body continually performs internal clean up for our system, but we can hasten the process and optimize it through detox methods.

You may wonder, how did your body accumulate all these harmful substances? Without us knowing it, our body is constantly exposed to elements that allow toxins to build up inside. Air pollution, unsafe drinking water, junk food, preservatives, cigarette smoke, are just some of the everyday things that contribute to toxins in the body.

You may ask, how do I know if the foods I ate can be considered as part of a detox diet? According to the Medical Review Board the foods that can be eaten for a detox diet can be fruit, vegetables, rice, other grains, beans, nuts, seeds and oil.

Fruits such as frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables can be a detox food because it provides more vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body will need. It is also good for maintaining a healthful and immune body system. Also some fruits can be made into juices that can help eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movement.

All forms of rice including rice crackers, rice pasta, and rice cakes can be a food for detox diet because they are rich in fiber which eliminates toxins with in our body. Other Grains like amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa are alternatives to rice.

Unsalted seeds or nuts can be sprinkled over salads or eaten as a snack. Good options include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Nut butters are permitted. Peanuts and peanut butter are usually not recommended, as many persons are allergic to them. Some toxic substances may also be found on moldy peanuts.

Beans such as lentils, string beans, mung beans, and lima beans are great for detox diets, as they contain a lot of protein for repairing body tissues. Soybeans are also a good alternative, especially for lactose intolerant patients, and they can provide the protein that milk and dairy products can deliver.

How do I know if the foods that I am eating are no-no’s for the detox diet?

Also, according to the Medical Review Board the foods that should be avoided on detox diet are sugar, some dairy products, and coffee.

Sugars are not recommended as artificial sweeteners. Products containing sugar, and hidden forms of sugar such as sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, and brown sugar are included. There are allowed natural sweeteners like Stevia and erythritol. Dairy products similar to milk, butter, sour cream, and others are not appropriate.

Although most detox diets recommend avoiding coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, one cup a day is usually acceptable and may reduce the occurrence of caffeine withdrawal headaches. Other foods to be avoided are alcohol, yeast, additives and preservatives, chocolates, and high-fat foods.

Now we know the foods that are part and not part of a detox diet. People that are benefited from this diet report improved digestion and energy, regular bowel movements, clearer skin, and better concentration.

Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a health professional or a medical doctor first. Pregnant women or even children shouldn’t go on a detox diet. Some people that suffer from anemia, diabetes, cancer, and others, shouldn’t try this diet unless they have supervision from their primary care provider. It is not proposed nor is it an alternative for alcohol or drug detoxification.