Originally published April 10 2012
The 5 best springtime detox diets
by Aurora Geib
(NaturalNews) The road to wellness is a journey. And like all undertakings, it is subject to the demands of time and place. Not very long ago, spring announced its arrival. Nature has since then been in a frenzy of change. Flowers started blooming again, trees turned a new leaf, babies were born, and the animals that have been asleep all winter have woken up and are enjoying the abundant food and temperate weather the season has to offer. The heaviness of winter gone, it's a perfect time to rejuvenate the body by flushing toxins acquired through the food and habits of the previous season.
Why detox is a good idea
Detoxification is a constant bodily process. However, toxic substances build up in the body and threaten to create an imbalance in the system unless we wash them out. All kinds of contaminants and pollution that one may have been exposed to, as well as those ingested from processed food, block the body's system and hinder it from efficiently ridding itself of these toxins. This taxes the organs of the body in charge of excreting waste products and increases the risk of diseases like cancer.
Common effects of such poisoning can cause tiredness, skin ailments, muscle pains indigestions or even just plain bad breath. These symptoms are indicative that the vital organs in the body are not functioning at optimum level, and it may be appropriate for you to undertake a Detox diet to restore balance in your system, improve health and even increase energy levels in the body.
Getting started
Good health is a gift. That is why taking care of your body is essential if you want to enjoy life. Choosing to initiate healthy change by observing healthy practices can assist your immune system. From time to time, it is essential to clean the body to increase vitality and improve health. A detox diet can do just that.
When undergoing detox, it is advisable to partake only of organic food such as whole grains and nuts. Generous helpings of fruits and vegetables are in order as well as drinking lots of water to hydrate the body. Supplements can also be taken to assist in the detoxifying process.
However, there are certain foods that must be avoided since they do not assist or in any way contribute to the goal of detox. Avoid drugs or smoking tobacco, eating processed or refined food and cut back on the coffee or alcohol. Try to avoid or reduce stress since detox diets are holistic in their approach and any changes in lifestyle can quite alter the goals of a detox diet: to cleanse and rejuvenate.
Detox diets to choose from
The essence of a detox diet is primarily to help the body's ability to rid itself of toxin build up. Avoiding and totally eliminating food and factors that contain potentially harmful products is a common thread that runs in all detox diets. Food intake is controlled from small meals to full juice fasts. Consulting your doctor before going on a detox diet is always a wise decision.
Below are 5 Spring detox diets to choose from:
1. Lemon Detox diet - This diet was invented by Stanley Burroughs 60 years ago. Also known as the Master Cleanse, it consists of taking lemon juice, pure organic maple syrup, pure water and cayenne pepper for a period not less than 10 days. If you wish to practice this regimen, however, be prepared for frequent visits to the toilet.
2. The Fruit Flush Detox diet - According to its creator, Jay Robb, washing excess weight and toxins off in three days is possible by eating only natural foods: fruits! This three day plan requires a specific amount of fruit taken every 2 hours to maximize the system while keeping blood sugar levels stable.
3. The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox - Traced to the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine, this program eliminates all acidic foods to help the body eliminate toxin build up. It supposedly alters the body's PH balance to its ideal alkaline state.
4. Colon Detox diet - Constipation is a sign of an overloaded colon that needs to be addressed immediately. This Detox regimen may take about seven to ten days and will involve any of the following methods: taking lots of freshly juiced vegetables, water and soup and using an enema or a laxative. Like any other diet, excess can lead to electrolyte imbalance. The benefits of this diet, however, promise an improved energy level and a healthy immune system.
5. The Raw Food Detox diet - created by nutritionist Natalia Rose, this program allows for flexibility in making the transition to consuming raw food at the participant's own pace. An important aspect of this program is combining food to choose quick exit combinations that lead to improved digestions, encouraging high fruit and vegetable intake. Unlike a typical vegan diet, however, this unique program allows for healthy animal products, as well as chocolates, to address the deficiencies commonly encountered in raw vegan diets.
People who are suffering from certain health conditions like anemia or diabetes or women who are pregnant and lactating should avoid detox diets and should consult with their doctor for safer alternatives. All things considered, welcome spring with a renewed sense of purpose and live a healthy happy life.
Sources for this article:
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/tdmay2008pg34.shtml
http://www.naturalnews.com/026688_diet_detox_lemon.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/021877_liver_detox_diet.html
http://colondetoxdrink.com/
http://www.everydiet.org/diet/raw-food-detox-diet
http://www.homemadebodycleanse.com
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