What are we talking about

The key idea of detox nutrition is to remove harmful substances from the body. According to supporters of the approach, toxins and toxins accumulate in the liver, kidneys and intestines, which have a negative effect on human well-being and provoke various diseases. Fortunately, harmful substances can be removed from the body: the cleansing process can take several days or weeks, and vegetable foods — vegetable or fruit juices and smoothies — become the basis of the diet for this time.

Research shows that the body is able to cleanse itself even without dieting. But what toxins foods should remove and whether such nutrition programs actually work has not yet been proven. However, some aspects of such cleansing may have advantages. For example, that it involves eating nutritious whole foods.

The researchers note that, according to preliminary data, some products, such as coriander, nori and olestra, have cleansing properties. However, most studies have been done on animals. A number of clinical trials have shown that commercial detox programs increase liver efficiency and remove persistent organic pollutants from the body. But there are nuances: the results of these studies cannot be exhaustive due to erroneous methods and small sample sizes.

How it works

The basic principles of detox diets may be different: some of them include dry fasting or drinking only water, while others allow certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables. These are usually short-term programs — this menu should not be followed for a long time.

The classic diet begins with a period of not eating, followed by a strict diet of fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, and water. Sometimes the menu also includes herbs, teas, dietary supplements, and bowel cleansing procedures.

The key principles can be formulated as follows:

Refusal from the usual uncontrolled diet can reduce the load on the digestive system.

The less food enters the body, the easier it is for the liver to cope with toxic substances.

With a strict diet, the excretory system, the gastrointestinal tract and the skin also get rid of toxins.

The body continues to obtain essential nutrients from vegetables and fruits.

By avoiding products containing allergens, the manifestation of allergic reactions and diseases is reduced.

Harmful compounds, heavy metals, chemicals — it is assumed that detox therapy will help to avoid their negative effects and cleanse the body.

Risk factors

When deciding to temporarily switch to detox nutrition, consider its cost. Diets can include not only expensive products, but also some dietary supplements, including unique developments by the authors of the methods.

Detox nutrition is a serious shock to the body: hunger can cause fatigue and malaise. The reason for this is an insufficient amount of calories and nutritional deficiencies. Potential side effects include low blood sugar levels, muscle pain, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

Chronic diseases are a serious risk factor for detox diets. For example, in diabetes, severe dietary restrictions can lead to drastic drops in sugar levels. People with gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the digestive tract are also at risk, since fruit juices are highly acidic and irritate the mucous membranes.

High cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, or heart and vascular diseases are all reasons to consider diets that focus simply on clean eating. This approach favors vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein — essentially healthy, nutritious, unprocessed foods. Such nutrition can be made a way of life and follow these principles for a long time.

When it’s useful

Sometimes a detox diet comes unexpectedly. For example, when you need to quickly lose weight before a wedding or other event so that the dress fits well. Or you’ve finally decided to put on braces, which means vegetable and fruit smoothies and other soft foods are waiting for you.

Whatever your goal, if there are no health contraindications, this is a great opportunity to observe your body and gain unique experience. For beginners and those who are just curious to try detox, we recommend starting with a 24-hour diet.

What can be prepared for daily cleansing of the body:

Cucumber, lemon and ginger detox shake with mint. Grind everything, mix and shake. Cucumber also goes well with kiwi, apple and celery.

Avocado smoothie with kiwi and celery It is hearty and tasty. The drink is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as phosphorus and calcium.

Green smoothie. Unexpectedly, the combination of banana and spinach can give you new flavors. Add milk, water, or kefir depending on personal preferences and reactions to lactose.

Raw detox smoothie. It’s simple: grind and mix green apple, dates, kiwi, celery stalk, chia seeds and black sesame seeds. By the way, this vitamin cocktail can be used as a supplement to the usual healthy lifestyle menu in winter.

Cleansing detox smoothie. Spinach, carrot, orange, flax seeds, and water. What could be easier? Enjoy

Source: https://food.ru/

For questions regarding ownership, please contact the author of the original text.