By James Spann


The purpose of Detox diets is to get rid of the buildup of contaminants and toxins from the body. The ultimate aim is to improve physical health and mental capacity by enhancing the functioning of bodily systems. It is possible only when the diet works as planned, which is never easy and may not always be possible.

This detoxification process is quite simple, since the aim is to deny the body harmful foods and beverages it has become accustomed to. For example, those who are addicted to junk food for breakfast or lunch may be required to replace it with salads. Those who wouldn't be harmed by adding on a few pounds may get a diet that calls for protein-rich full meals with whole grains that need little or no processing.

Others addicted to beer or carbonated soft drinks filled with sugar may be denied these beverages. The drinks they can take will be limited to a healthy selection such as fruit juices and vegetable smoothies with no artificial flavoring or additives. In extreme cases, the best way to detoxify heavy drinkers who are already overweight is to make sure they drink nothing but plain water or coconut water.

Such a diet plan cannot be created using a set formula. Dietitians must decide what to do on a case-by-case basis. There's no established science behind it as yet, so results are not guaranteed and there are no guidelines that need to be followed. It's just a matter of finding a competent dietitian and then exercising some willpower.

For instance, one plan that is often used is a three day juice fast. The patient is not allowed to eat anything, and the only nutrition intake comes from fruit juices. Similarly, a seven day diet is comprised largely of unprocessed foods including fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and nuts. Some patients who do not have a weight problem may also get to eat fish.

No matter what the duration or type, all detox diets have a few things in common. For instance, fried foods and dairy products are always excluded. Sugar is also eliminated, and so are most foods that contain a lot of sugar. Another common exclusion is for processed foods containing harmful additives, artificial flavoring and preservatives.

Some foods may actually be helpful in hastening the detoxification process. There are foods that contain heavy amounts of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, etc. One of these helpful items is garlic, which releases heavy amounts of sulfur compounds into the body. These compounds are extremely useful in clearing up toxins.

Almost all detox diets also include lemons which are packed with Vitamin C that helps the body prevent a buildup of toxins. Apples likewise contain glucaric acid which helps keep the liver clear of toxins, steroids and carcinogens. All food that's directly provided by nature similarly has some specific nutritional value, and it's up to the dietitian to pick a selection that helps the patient detoxify quickly.




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