ALL ABOUT DE-TOX !

Detox diets & the science behind them! 

As a nutritionist, I have most of my clients (women, especially) wanting to go on a DETOX diet. I understand that with so much hype about it and celebrities raving about a detox diet that worked on them, a lay man is bound to be eye-washed about it. 

In this post, I will create some awareness about WHAT a DETOX DIET is and everything that one would want to know regarding a detox plan.

To begin with the basics, 

DETOX is short for detoxification. Medically, it refers to a treatment designed to rid the body of poisonous substances, especially alcohol and drugs – in short, it means removal of toxins and other harmful substances from your body.  

A DETOX DIET is designed to serve the exact purpose– it removes the toxins and chemicals from your body – a cleansing therapy that revitalizes your health.

  

Why does one need to detox the body:

Given how we sometimes want to run away from city life – its pollution, toxins and stresses – to enjoy a weekend in a place closest to nature, the same way, the body also NEEDS A BREAK from all the toxins, chemicals, preservatives and stresses we dump it with. By detoxifying your body and feeding it with healthy food, you are protecting yourself from a variety of ailments.
I believe that “flushing out the toxins” is extremely important to the body. The amount of toxins we load our systems with (both internally and externally), if we don’t cleanse it out – it will soon dump back a bag full of ill-health on us. A body loaded with toxins can be the reason for a weakened immune system or fatigue or dry skin or hair or even your feeling of depression.

A DETOX DIET can probably provide relief from your bloated feeling, irregular bowel movements; it will probably leave your hair and skin looking better and keep you all energetic and will SURELY leave you feeling LIGHTER!

Before you get yourself on a detox mode, you might want to clear your kitchen shelves off foods or beverages that are likely to tempt you during your days of detox. A few people start making small changes in the week before, which tends to optimize the ability of the liver to detox better – this could include increasing water intake by 500ml-1 liter or probably eating more fruits and soups as the week approaches.

How long one wants to stay on the detox depends on the person first, the type of detox they want to do (Yes! There are many different types!) and most importantly how long they are able to stick to it without having many side-effects (again, yes, there are a few reported side-effects). Start with a one-day and see how you feel and then gradually increase the duration.

A few of my clients get into a detox phase post a long holiday or wedding season as it leaves them feeling lighter (and of course less guilty!). 

It is recommended one does a detox diet at least once in a year.

In my next blog, I’ll talk about the types of Detox Diets… so watch this space for the mantra to look and feel fabulous!!!