Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances in the body. Recently, many alternative medicine enthusiasts have been promoting detoxification diets. According to claims, not only do detox diets make people healthier, but they are also effective for weight management.
Popular Ways to Detox
Detox diet plans are usually meant to be followed strictly for a few days.
Water fasting for 1 to 3 days
Sticking to a diet of eating foods that detox your body like fruits and vegetables with no fish, meat, and poultry
Juice cleansing or drinking body detox drinks made from combined fruits and vegetables
Drinking herbal teas
Using laxatives
Exercising
After following a detox diet plan, many practitioners claim to experience the following results:
Better sleep
Weight loss
Clearer skin
Improved focus
Better mood
No more stomach bloating
Are these true? Many detox diets have no scientific basis. It is not clear as to what specific toxins these diets are able to remove.
As a matter of fact, the human body already has the perfect detoxification system.
The body has a systematic way of removing toxins or harmful substances in our body.
The gastrointestinal tract. This is composed of the mouth, stomach, esophagus, and intestines. These organs work together by digesting the food that we eat and extracting the nutrients we need. The GI tract also turns wastes into feces.
Liver. First, the liver burns toxins by using oxygen and enzymes. As a result, the toxins become water-soluble. Then, the liver performs conjugation so that the toxins can be safely excreted by the body through bile or urine.
Kidneys. The kidneys play a very important role in the body. They filter the blood to get rid of wastes and toxins like urea. The kidneys are also responsible for making urine.
Lungs. Lungs are responsible for the respiration process. With the help of the lungs, oxygen enters the blood while carbon dioxide leaves the body.
Skin. The skin serves as a barrier. It is the body's first line of defence. It blocks the penetration of toxic substances like dirt and germs.
One idea being popularised today is that detox diets can help clean the essential organs of the body. However, beware if the diet plan promotes severe calorie restriction, long-term fasting, and excessive intake of laxatives and supplements.
Here are ways to support your body without going into excessive diets.
Limit alcohol intake. If you want to take care of your liver, then you should stop drinking excessively. This does not mean that you have to completely ignore alcoholic drinks. Drinking in moderation with one or two drinks a day should be a good start.
Get enough sleep. The body needs enough sleep to support brain function and improve concentration. Having enough sleep helps people be more energetic. Moreover, people who are sleep-deprived have a higher tendency to get fat.
Eat healthily. One thing commendable about detox recipes is that they promote eating nutritious foods. However, keep in mind that what the human body needs is a healthy balanced diet.
Take vitamins. Adding supplements, like vitamins, in your diet can be beneficial for your body. The type of vitamins that you need depends on the condition of your body. Ask your doctor about it and make sure to get your supply from the Royal Oak Pharmacy in Auckland, NZ.
Royal Oak Pharmacy is your local, community pharmacy located in the heart of Royal Oak. Open late every day from 9am to 10pm you can order products online for urgent delivery or visit us in store. Our friendly team of qualified pharmacists are happy to help.
