Preparing for your Detox:
The most practical way to detox is to stop eating refined and processed foods and just to drink plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juices for a couple of days. Mental rest is of great importance too. It is important, however, to prepare yourself for the detox in advance. A detox can last for one day to one month, but if it is your first time 2-3 days will make a big difference.
Detoxing can cause a strong physical as well as mental reaction, so plan your detox diet well ahead.
· Hide away any tempting processed, fatty and sugary foods.
· Cut out tea, coffee, sugar, bread, meat, alcohol and tobacco a week before.
· Introduce more and more fresh, organic fruit, vegetables and juices in the week leading up to your detox.
· Eat lots of brown rice and steamed vegetables.
· If you have any health problems always consult you're a naturopath or your GP first.
· If you are pregnant do not use the detox diet below but follow the advice to enrich your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, herbal teas and water and cut out coffee and alcohol.
What is a Detox like?
There is no one-way to feel during a detox. Everyone's experience will be different.
A detox will renew and refresh you, but as toxins work their way out from your tissues into the bloodstream you will probably experience some “side-effects". Common detox symptoms are; spots, rashes, headaches, body odor, bad breath, nausea and a runny nose, or diarrhea or constipation. Some will even get flu-like symptoms; slight depression or experience mood swings. Whatever you experience stick with the program
It can be unpleasant, but persevere! All of these "side-effects" are signs that your body is expelling toxins. Try to avoid painkillers, and keep drinking plenty of filtered or bottled water. Buy organic fruits and vegetables. Why?
· The detox process will work more efficiently if you choose organic produce.
· Organic fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins and trace elements and are free from chemical fertilizers and insecticides.
Below is a list of suitable fruits and vegetables:
Fruits:
Apples - Are excellent for detoxification. Leslie Kenton suggests in her book “Detox Now” eating nothing but apples for two days. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Grapes - Stop the formation of mucous in the gut and are good cleansers for the skin, liver, intestines and kidneys. They are a great source of energy as well.
Kiwi fruit - A rich source of vitamin C.
Lemon - Rich in vitamin C.
Pears - Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, folic acid and vitamin C, and a great source of energy.
Strawberries - An excellent source of vitamin C.
Vegetables:
Artichoke - A liver cleanser rich in active ingredients such as the bitter substance cynarin, fatty acids, enzymes and vitamins.
Beetroot - A great detoxifier, most valuable for flushing the kidneys and enriching the blood.
Broccoli - This nutrient rich vegetable is rich in chlorophyll and is thought to help lower the risk of all cancers.
Cabbage - Stimulates the immune system, kills bacteria and cleanses the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract.
Carrots - One of the richest sources of beta-carotene, a good digestive aid, skin and eye cleanser.
Celery - Stimulates digestion, and eliminate excessive fluids from the body. Alkaline properties make it a good detoxifier.
Lettuce - Contains calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin A and C. Helps with intestinal and liver function.
Nettle - An excellent blood purifier. Stimulate the metabolism and the kidneys.
Onion - Like garlic, onions look after the heart. They help to thin the blood, regulate blood sugar levels and are anti-bacterial.
Watercress - A great blood cleanser. Has a stimulating effect on the spleen, liver and gallbladder. Aids digestion and elimination of mucous.
Supplements:
There are plenty of supplements to choose from. In the instance of detoxifying your body the following supplements can be recommended - before, during as well as after your detox Diet.
Seaweed - Nature’s widest variety of essential minerals, vitamins and trace elements in natural balance. Or try Kelp, Spirulina, Chorella or Milk Thistle to support your liver while detoxing. Ginger to support your digestive system. Hawthorn & Artichoke Formula is a great cleansing and rejuvenating herbal tonic made from organic, cold-pressed herbal juices -excellent for all the family.
Detox Diet
Coffee and tea, bread, sugar and alcohol have not been a part of your diet for a week. Continue to avoid them for a few days after the detox has ended. Before you begin prepare your system by taking a spoonful of flax/linseeds with a large glass of water.
Day one
Morning: Drink a glass of hot water with the juice of half a lemon (200ml).
Rest of the day: Eat grapes whenever you feel hungry. Aim to eat at least 1 kilo of grapes. Drink plenty of filtered or bottled water, herbal teas (try peppermint, chamomile or ginger) and freshly squeezed, diluted carrot, celery and apple juice throughout the day. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses (200ml each).
Day Two
Morning: Drink a glass of hot water with the juice of half a lemon (200ml).
Rest of the day: Drink filtered or bottled water, herbal teas and vegetable juice made from any of the vegetables mentioned in the list above. Dilute with water: one part vegetable juice to one part water. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses (200ml each).
Day Three
Morning: Raw fruits from the list above. Eat as much as you like. Drink plenty of filtered or bottled water and herbal teas. If you find it difficult to eat raw fruits, try to create various fresh juice blends.
Lunch: Vegetable salad made with the vegetables from the above list. Can be raw or slightly cooked. Drink plenty of filtered or bottled water and herbal teas.
Supper: Vegetable soup made with vegetables from the list above. Drink plenty of filtered or bottled water and herbal teas.
Day Four...
Congratulations your detox diet is successfully over!
It is always detox time for our body; the body is working 24 hours to eliminate toxins. If you can't live without coffee, alcohol, sugar, bread, meats etc. please introduce them slowly.
Now that you’re done! Go eat some great food, get a great workout in ad maybe try some interval cardio!!!
Written by Timothy Roberts,
NASM CPT FNS
Pharmafreak Athlete
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