Detox

Detox Food Choices
By Linda Rogers

The detox diet is intended to deal with toxins ingested and absorbed by the body in today’s environment. There are several different diets that go by the name “detox” and they differ largely in the intensity of detoxification and whether special herbs are used in the diet.

In general, a detox diet helps flush any toxins from the body’s fat storage in order to increase energy levels, clear up the skin, become more regular, improve digestion and increase mental clarity. This type of diet is intended only for a short time. Because of the added fiber and water, extended use of the diet can lead to extensive loss of nutrients and illness. Good detox food choices, however, can become a permanent part of a healthy diet.

The Foods to Avoid

The detox diet has a list of foods to avoid and foods to add. Let’s look first at the detox food to avoid. First on the list is refined sugar; the concentrated sugar of sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup and brown sugar is hard on the endocrine system that regulates insulin. Also avoid artificial sweeteners which are usually made of chemicals. During the run of the detox diet, avoid dairy products. This is a way to find out if you have an allergy to dairy products.

Wheat allergies are about as frequent and undetected as dairy, so for the length of the detox diet, put wheat and products containing wheat on your detox food to avoid list. Wheat allergies are often caused by a reaction to gluten, so avoid other grains containing gluten including barley, rye, spelt and kamut. It’s important to cut caffeine out of the diet. Going cold turkey on caffeine can cause headaches and sleeplessness so if you have a lot of caffeine in your diet, taper off. Finishing off the detox food to avoid list is yeast, alcohol, preservatives, chocolate, food additives and high-fat foods.

The Foods to Have

The detox foods to add to your diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, other grains such as quinoa, amaranth, millet and buckwheat. Beans are a low-fat source of protein. Split yellow and green peas are easy to digest and lentils are a staple food throughout the world. Also good choices are kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, chickpeas and adzuki beans. Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters also add protein; avoid peanuts, again, because of potential allergic reactions.

Extra-virgin olive oil can be used and so can green tea and non-caffeinated herb teas as well. Food can be seasoned with vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, soy sauce or tamari and any herbs and spices. A small amount of honey can also be used.

Although not a food, the primary detox food is water. Drink at least eight glasses a day of warm or room temperature water. This will help to flush the toxins and will keep the extra fiber from causing constipation. Fruit juice should be diluted by half with water to cut the intensity of the sugar. Remember to chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion. If you are on a doctor’s recommended diet, consult your doctor before changing your diet and enjoy your good health.

About the Author
Linda Rogers, copywriter for various websites including, Detox and The A - Z

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Detox

Detox Food Choices By Linda Rogers

Detox Food Choices
By Linda Rogers