There are many misconceptions regarding the detoxification of the body process. Many believe that the task of cleansing the toxins from the body can be effectively performed over a couple of days. The act of cleansing the body in most cases does involve the changing of an individual's diet, and in all reality a couple of days is just not enough time for the body to adjust to the new diet to allow for an effective cleanse. Included below is a seven day whole body detoxifying plan that is gentle on the system and designed specifically to loosen and expel toxins whilst also stimulating the organs that are responsible for the body’s own natural detoxification process. This seven day detoxification process is actually a super healthy eating diet plan that should be followed exactly for at least seven days, but you may decide to continue as this is a perfect introduction to gaining superior health by adopting healthy eating habits.
Many popular detoxing diets, particularly those that involve low calorie fasting, can deprive the body of essential nutrients and place the body in starvation mode, which in affect slows down metabolism. Other disadvantages of various detox diets include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, sleep disorders, and even colon damage. Many individuals are unaware that the body has its own exceptional internal detoxification system. Here is a brief rundown of the three crucial organs involved: The Liver is the first line of defence in opposition to toxins and operates like a filter in attempting to prevent toxic substances from food sources entering into the bloodstream. The Kidneys like any precision instrument are continuously filtering the blood to trap and force out toxins in the form of urine. The Colon contains colonies of bacteria that produce both healthy and unhealthy substances. It is vital to keep your colon flowing regularly as its main responsibility is to drive out toxic chemicals before they can become harmful. For any body detox diet plan to succeed, these three organs must be nourished with the correct nutritional requirements.
Usually when an individual undergoes a detoxifying program they experience periods of feeling unwell. These temporary feelings of unwell are because in order to remove toxins from the body, first these toxins have to be dislodged from where they reside. In the short term these toxins may be released into the bloodstream until they are trapped and expelled from the body, hence the occasional feelings of unwell. When an individual consumes an unhealthy diet for an extended period of time, toxins begin to accumulate within the organs, particularly the wall of the bowel as hardened mucous, and fat tissue. By temporarily correcting the diet and increasing nutrient intake while eliminating toxic substances, the body’s own natural detoxification process jumps into action and begins cleansing itself. The natural process of cleansing involves filtering impurities from the bloodstream, during this time it is normal that an individual may experience brief periods of tiredness or feelings of unwell. Some individuals convince themselves that the new diet is causing these feelings and return to their unhealthy eating habits.
Committing to this seven day whole body detoxifying plan will most certainly flush out the accumulated toxins from your body. The benefits to remaining strict and completing this plan include a noticeable appearance to the condition of your skin, remember the skin is the largest organ of your body, by day seven you should be experiencing increased energy, a calm demeanour, and just a general feeling of great health. This is why I mentioned that you may decide to continue with this plan past the seven days. This whole body detoxifying plan encompasses only the use of natural healthy nutritional produce so therefore has no unfavourable side effects. The intention is to simply boost and balance your nutritional intake for at least seven days. There will be no restriction to fruit and vegetables only, although the higher the intake of fruit and vegetables the better the results. As already mentioned, this seven day plan will be gentle on your system, simple to manage, and pleasing to accomplish.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are recommended, but you can substitute for frozen vegetables, make sure they are unprocessed and unsalted. [pumpkin, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, sprouts, corn, cucumber, squash, turnip, tomatoes, mushroom, peppers, onions, spring onions] Vegetables contain abundant antioxidants and vitamins, increase metabolism, supports the immune system, and assists with the removal of heavy metals and other toxins.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits are recommended, but you can substitute for frozen fruits, dried fruits, freshly squeezed and unsweetened fruit juices. Fruit contains abundant antioxidants and vitamins, is extremely supportive of the immune system, provides recovery and repair, and contains large volumes of fibre that is necessary for the removal of heavy metals and other toxins.
Beans
Dried beans gently boiled or canned beans are suitable. [red kidney beans, butter beans, split peas, lima beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, black-eyed peas, black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans] Dried beans are very cost effective, but if using canned beans for convenience, be sure to choose no salt added varieties. Beans are important to the whole body detoxifying plan because they have uniquely high levels of fibre which is also necessary for the removal of toxins from the body. Beans are complex carbohydrates that are low in calories and fat making them suitable for satisfying the sensation of hunger.
Other
Other food sources that should be incorporated into the whole body detoxifying plan include potatoes, brown rice, oats, rice noodles, and rye crackers, these will be the extra carbohydrates to supply you with sufficient energy to fulfill your daily activities. Suppress your sodium (salt) intake by using mostly herbs and spices to add flavour to your favourite meals.
Please keep in mind that this cleansing plan is not about starving yourself, it is about encouraging a constant flow of healthy nutrient dense food sources to provide for an effective cleanse.
Morning Breakfast
Banana Porridge is a solid choice for breakfast as it will have you feeling full for a few hours whilst energising your body for the day ahead. Nothing fancy here, just slice banana into an already prepared bowl of porridge. Remember, we are trying to avoid taking on any extra toxins, so to sweeten just top with honey, yoghurt, and raisins. Your choice of a herbal tea or two and a glass of fruit juice. For at least seven days, it is preferred to abstain from the regular morning tea or coffee. If you are anxious for coffee, roasted chicory and dandelion root tea is recommended as this is a good liver friendly substitute.
Midday Lunch
Vegetable Soup is highly recommended for an appetizer (can be prepared from fresh ingredients the night before, or even purchased ready made from the supermarket) – Followed by Grilled Fish with Steamed Vegetables and Potatoes (pumpkin, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) – Followed by a small bowl of Salad (tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, corn, capsicum, beans, olive oil, lemon juice)
[alternate days can be skinless chicken breast, but steamed vegetables, soup, and salad must remain]
Evening Dinner
Your choice of either Western Style or Eastern Style meals.
Western Style meal consists of Salmon (baked) with Boiled Jacket Potatoes and Skin-On Pumpkin.
Eastern Style meal consists of Stir Fry (simply stir fry thinly sliced bok choy, carrots, spring onions, broccoli, mushrooms, bean sprouts in olive oil, garlic and ginger) and serve it with Brown Rice.
In Between Meals
Should you feel hungry between meals feel free to nibble on as much fruit as possible (remember fibre is required for cleansing) a bowl of salad topped with natural yoghurt, or go for natural yoghurt topped with fruits, unsalted nuts, and honey. If at any time you are suffering a sugar craving, try frozen grapes.
Please Note
It is advisable to carry a bottle of water with you at all times for the seven days, by the time you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated, when water is kept within reach, rehydrating will happen automatically, the idea is to keep your body hydrated so that the toxins can flush from your system.
Commit to this body detoxifying plan for at least seven days and you will be surprised at just how different you feel. This effective body detox and huge boost to your health will have friends asking for your secret!