Why Detoxify?
If you chose to read this article, you know that germs and toxins are prevalent in our environment. It is in the air we breathe, the food that we eat, even in the products that we use such as shampoos, cosmetics, and household cleaners. You are also aware that these harmful substances will hinder good health and may cause a host of illness.
These toxins are generally referred to as “xenobiotics” mainly because they are foreign to the human body and can potentially cause harm. According to recent surveys, more than 4 million new chemicals have been created since 1915. Evidently, the need to flush the toxins out of our bodies is great.
We can’t live in a bubble to avoid xenobiotics nor move to the Himalayas, but we can take steps to reduce our everyday exposure to toxins in all forms. We can move to a less-polluted city, use an air ionizer, use only (or more) natural cosmetic and household products, and eating organic foods. We can also try to lessen our intake of drugs. Every little thing that we can do to reduce our exposure to chemicals adds up.
The lungs, skin, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys are the organs of detox. Enzymes are the body’s primary detox engines. The following nutrients aid the body in its detoxification efforts: beta-carotene, copper, choline, fatty acids, garlic (contains sulfur), iron, lechitin, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, vitamin C, zinc and thiamine.
In addition, there are dietary tools, nutritional compounds, and components that are essential to detoxification. These include:
An assortment of specialized supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glutathione sulf hydryl (GSH), and alpha-lipoic acid; and other key herbal supplements, like milk thistle.
A high-fiber detox diet, rich in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, and beneficial compounds such as flavonoids.
Our body needs a regular supply of these nutrients and supplements for it to detoxify well. Aside from the liver, the gastrointestinal tract is also very important when detoxifying. The toxins in our body make first contact with our gastrointestinal tract. If we think about all the stuff that we eat and drink, our GI tract, like the liver, has a big job to do: it expels the remaining waste.
It is best to prepare ahead of time before you start the one-week detoxification diet. This equates to cleansing the junk food out of your house. Here is a list of the one-week detox diet do’s and don’ts:
Eat as many salads, fruits and vegetables as you like.
Do not add fats into your food – this includes oil, margarine and butter. You can use extra virgin olive oil.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water or cups of herbal teas daily. Doing this will help you feel full and help flush any impurities.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, soda, sugar, even artificial sweeteners, since these may adversely affect detox.
Get plenty of sleep and rest; it helps with the detox process.
Don’t engage in strenuous physical activity
If you’re hungry, feel free to eat more fruits and vegetables.
