A detoxification diet, also known as a detox diet or a body cleansing diet, can be described as an eating plan, which makes it possible for a person to flush out all the potentially toxic and harmful substances that are present in the body, especially the digestive system. There are several people, around the globe, who are asked to go through detoxification treatment, by cleansing the body, internally. There are various reasons that people could be asked to go through the process of detoxing the body, some of which could include drug or alcohol abuse treatment, or even just improving overall health, by cleansing the body of toxins. There are different types of detox diets that people can follow and each of them is different in its own way. There are some detoxification diet plans that are very strict and limit the dieters from eating anything, except specific foods, like fruits and vegetables. In addition to a limited variety of foods, people are required to have a colon cleanse detox drink regularly, to flush out all the substances that may be present in the intestines. However, there are many other versions of this diet, which are not as strict; yet they are effective in detoxing the body naturally. Some of the natural body cleanse foods included in such a diet are:
- Fruits like grapefruit, pineapple, orange, apple, raisins, pear, berries and banana
- Fresh juice, without any sugar or preservatives
- Vegetables like carrot, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, tomato, cucumber
- Beans and lentils
- Brown rice
- Oats
- Tofu
- Certain varieties of fish
- Natural yogurt
- Fresh herbs and herbal tea
- Unsalted nuts and seeds
The foods mentioned above help in cleansing the body naturally. Any detoxification diet is incomplete, if the person does not drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, as there is nothing better than water, when it comes to cleansing the body naturally. Just like there are certain foods that should be included in a detoxification diet, it is only natural that there are some foods that should be completely excluded from it too. Hence, meat (except sea food), dairy products, eggs, oil, processed food, chocolate or other sweets, alcohol, coffee, tea, aerated beverages, condiments and salt should be eliminated from a detoxification diet completely. It is common for people to first try the 7-day natural body cleanse diet for detoxification purposes and if they are satisfied with the results, they can try the 14-day natural body cleanse diet after a while. There are several benefits that have been associated with the natural body cleanse detox diet. The most common reason that people follow a detoxification diet is to lose weight; however, it is also quite common for women to switch over to a detoxification diet for clear skin. Given below is a sample menu of a detoxification diet plan.
Breakfast
- Porridge with fruit and yogurt, topped with honey
- Fruit salad with oats and yogurt
- Fruit smoothie
Lunch
- Prawn salad, with avocadoes
- Vegetable soup or lentil soup, with oatcakes
- Jacket potato and grilled cod
- Fresh Mediterranean salad with rice-cakes
Dinner
- Vegetable stir fry (using extra virgin olive oil)
- Prawns and tuna, with rice noodles
- Baked salmon and jacket potatoes
Snacks
- Fresh fruits
- Plain popcorn (without salt, sugar or butter)
- Unsalted seeds and nuts
- Natural yogurt
- Fruit smoothies
Although a detoxification diet has several benefits, there have been many instances where people have suffered from colon cleanse detox side effects too. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor, before following such a diet. This is all the more important in case of those who are elderly, or are suffering from any preexisting medical condition.
answered by G M