Detoxification
Detox is the short form of detoxification. Detoxification is the elimination of potentially toxic substances from the body. Detox is mainly a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, but this expression is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for general health.
There is a concept that detoxing is all about deprivation and starvation, but the fact is opposite of this concept. Detoxing actually gives you a better body and clear mind. A detox diet suggests eating pure and natural foods that helps organs like lymph, kidney, and liver to perform well. Any food, which is allergenic or impede the functions of these organs, should not be taken.
Detoxing is important for giving body a break from other toxins. More energy, clearer skin, weight loss (if needed), brighter eyes, a stronger immune system, greater mental clarity, increased self-confidence, and when necessary a great boost against illness will be the result of a successful detoxification.
Many people detox to lose weight. Even though, it seems strange but the fact is that fat is actually very important source to save our life. Fat is a compound that is needed by our body to perform properly. The body keeps fats to protect the vital organs in the body from the toxins that we take. But it is very important to know that excess fat take us to deadly situation and diseases. When we detox and cleanse the body of toxins, we give body a chance to repair and strengthen itself. When the toxins disappear, fat does as well.
What is a Detox Diet?
There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested (for example, by the use of organic food), emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
Why do People go on a Detox Diet?
A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. A diet that lacks certain nutrients may also impair our natural ability to detoxify chemicals, which further leads to their build-up in the body.
The cumulative load, called the "body burden", is thought to lead to illness and has been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency, and an inefficient metabolism. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.
Who Shouldn't Try a Detox Diet?
Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first.
Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn't try this diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification.
Side Effects
One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal. For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet.
Other side effects include excessive diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Constipation may occur if people consume excess fiber without also increasing their fluid intake. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.
If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium.
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