What is a detox?
Our bodies have a natural in-built detox system (made up of the digestive tract, the urinary system and the liver) that helps to process all the chemicals modern life throws at it. These chemicals are called ‘toxins’, basically poisons that have harmful effects on your body. The bad news is that it’s not just alcohol and tobacco that is loaded with toxins either; pesticides, food additives, caffeine and pollution all play their part, too. Think about all the toxins we are constantly pumping into our bodies and it’s pretty obvious that the detox system could do with a helping hand.
Symptoms that your natural cleansing system may be functioning badly include: tiredness, dark circles under the eyes, dull skin and bad digestion.
Detoxification or Deprivation?
Eliminating lots of different foods all at once is a pretty drastic change, so it has to be done carefully in order to be safe. Your body still needs food groups such as protein, fat and calcium to function properly, so it is imperative that you find a medically approved detox plan to follow, and don’t deprive your body of all the nutrients it still needs: Look for detox regimes that include fresh food and ample servings of all the important food groups.
How Exactly will Detoxing help Anyway?
- It boosts energy levels and reduces cravings by cutting out the foods that are hard to digest and metabolise and that normally cause your blood sugar levels to rise and fall dramatically, resulting in hunger pangs and tiredness.
- It will leave you with healthier and happier skin and hair.
- It improves symptoms of heartburn, constipation and gas and treats digestive disorders.
- It boosts the immune system.
Detox Downsides
- Many people experience headaches at the beginning of a detox as their body is coming to terms with the dramatic reduction of its daily poisons.
- Your energy may dip before it rises
Remember to discuss any unusual side effects with your doctor.
Detox Do’s and Don’ts
- Remember to maintain a varied diet while detoxing; don’t eat the same things every day or you will almost certainly get bored
- Go shopping in advance – with the right foods at hand you shouldn’t go hungry.
- Tell all your friends and family what you are doing in advance. If they know how serious you are they are less likely to try and force feed you a pint/bar of chocolate/Sunday roast when you next see them.
- Clear the detox period in your diary of any pubs, clubs, restaurants and parties. See it as an opportunity to do all those things you never get round to, such as visiting museums and galleries – then you can feel doubly smug at the end when you’re not only healthier, but more cultured, too.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Make sure you stick to your detox plan for the appointed time, and try not to stray, or cheat, even though that super rich double choc ice cream in your freezer might be so tempting after a tricky day.
- Remember to have fun with it. Detoxing can be a great experience and just think how much your body will thank you!
Food Suggestions
- Legumes are a great source of fibre so try to include legumes in as many dishes as you can. Why not try nachos or burritos with kidney beans instead of mince?
- Choose whole grain breads, cereals and crackers, and brown rice rather than their white alternatives, as these are higher in fibre.
- Add raisins, bananas, or strawberries to your breakfast cereal or why not eat them as a snack.
- Fibre is present in most fruits and veggies so try to have these as part of every meal, or whenever you can.
- Most fibre can be found in the skins of fruits and vegetables so try to eat them with the skins on whenever possible.