Diet to detoxify the body: what it is, why it is convenient and how to do it

At a time when pre-cooked foods abound, refreshing and exciting drinks, in short, when there is a tendency to lead unbalanced diets, it can be very useful. follow a “detox” diet for a week.

The result of a detoxifying, cleansing or detox diet will be a slight weight loss but above all an increase in diuresis, an improvement in intestinal transit and a general feeling of well-being. But how to do it right?

Do you need a detox? Sign up for the online cleansing week of Escuela Cuerpomente.

Why do you have to detoxify the body?

First of all it is necessary to clarify What does “detox” mean? Being precise, the word “toxic” refers to any chemical substance that can produce a poisoning reaction in the body.

Within this large group would enter from a toxin secreted by a bacterium to the same natural toxins that carry many foodswhich gives an idea of ​​the extent to which it is a broad concept.

Therefore, when talking about a “detox” diet somehow we are referring to a diet that “detoxifies” the body, that cleanses the body, although it is a somewhat ambiguous term.

To define the subject a little more, we will refer to a “detoxification” in the case of a normal healthy person. That is, we will rule out diseases and cases in which toxins are present in an abnormal way.

Actually, without contracting any disease, heDaily life already “intoxicates” the body in a thousand different ways. Let’s think for a moment about pollution, tobacco smoke, alcohol, the effects of excessive stimulants, hundreds of food additives, drugs, etc.

There are thousands of substances that in one way or another are toxic to tissues and that unfortunately we cannot avoid. Even our own metabolism produces toxic substances that exert, among other harmful effects, oxidation phenomena.

How does the body eliminate toxins?

Contact with toxins and harmful substances is constant, daily and unavoidableand the body has resources so that all this does not pose a major problem. The body has its own systems to protect itself from so much aggression:

Through the immune system. On one hand, our immune system have sufficient resources to neutralize a host of toxins.Numerous substances are excreted through urine. unsuitable in nature. uric acid, for exampleAlthough it is a normal substance in the body, it is totally toxic when present in excessive amounts. Urine is then responsible for eliminating it from the body.The liver also has its own systems to neutralize toxins. Without going any further, directly and indirectly it is responsible for counteracting the effects of excessive doses of alcohol or some substances present in drugs.The acid of the gastric juice also destroys many harmful substances. Without forgetting, of course, the antioxidants that the body possesses naturally or through diet foods.

Why sometimes the body does not “detoxify”

Several factors can cause the body’s detoxification systems to malfunction:

Age, state of health and physiological conditions condition this “detoxification” capacity.. It is evident that an older person has a lower defensive capacity than that of a young person. In the same way, it is also evident that a smoker has a lower “protective” capacity against some toxins that enter through the respiratory tract.The diet that is taken also conditions this defensive capacity. On the one hand, because an unbalanced diet can be a true “toxic” In herself. And on the other, because a balanced diet It can help to increase the defensive capacity of the organism and also to “clean it” .

For all the above, it can be very interesting periodically follow dietary guidelines that give the body a rest. Guidelines that are true balms for defensive systems and good resources to eliminate a good number of harmful substances.

Routines to accompany a detox plan

Of course there are no unique formulas or magic foods. There may be hundreds of dietary guidelines have positive effects in this regard.

At the same time, in order for them to be really useful, in addition to eating in a certain way, trying to get the mind and physical activity to go a bit in unison.

There will be no use eating extraordinarily well for a week If we are going through a time of great stress or concerns or if we are faced with unusual stress. In the same way, adequate physical activitywhich won’t exactly be a gym marathon, can help a lot.

Ultimately, it is about rest the body globally. To do this, you must seek:

Set aside at least one hour each day to carry out an activity that pleases. It is important not to have the feeling that time is fully timed and that it drags us down. A space dedicated to what you want is the best anti-stress drug. It is recommended spend at least 10-15 minutes a day relaxing. You can stretch, take a few deep breaths or listen to calm music in a pleasant place. You have to try organize and avoid stress from lack of time. many times we fall victims of the rush simply for wanting to cover more things than are convenient. It is highly advisable to try walk every day about 45-60 minutes. Better if it can be done in front of the sea, in a park or in a landscape without asphalt. The proximity to nature relaxes remarkably. You have to facilitate restful sleep with small resources such as bathing with relaxing salts before going to bed, reading quietly, listening to classical music, etc. Often this preparation is not given the attention it deserves.

It should be remembered that you cannot go from full activity to sleep without an intermediate “deactivation” phase.

It is necessary to sleep a minimum of 7 hours. It must be remembered that sleep is not only used to look good the next day. The hours of sleep are essential for the body to carry out an endless number of physiological processes essential for health and to regenerate a multitude of substances. Obviously it would be perfect for smokers to quit. But if it’s not easy at all, they should at least smoke as little as possiblealways without forcing yourself too much because this would greatly increase your nervousness, which does not matter in the least. Finally, it is convenient to have a positive attitude in the day to day. It is important to know how to enjoy the little things and avoid negative thoughts.

Who is suitable for a detox diet?

Of course, any adult person can enjoy its benefits but it is especially indicated for:

People who eat out daily. Unfortunately there are more and more people who at noon have no choice but to opt for the familiar and sometimes terrible restaurant menu. This does not mean that they necessarily eat poorly, but in general it is difficult to follow a healthy diet.People who have the habit of snacking between meals, which is very common and often reflects some anxiety. They tend to constantly and uncontrollably eat undesirable foods, such as snacks and sweets. In addition, these are foods that usually include significant amounts of salt, sugar, seasonings and additives.People with stressed lives and difficult schedules. There are many people of all ages who, due to their work and their lifestyle, cannot practically follow regular eating patterns. They are not regular when buying or planning menus or even when eating. Those who live alone and work all day are a clear example of this typology. Of course, a week of order can be very positive for them.People who must travel constantly. When you are never in the same place it is difficult to eat in a balanced way. Food from airplanes, airports, different hotels… makes regularity almost impossible. Logically, a week of scheduled eating can help them feel much better.gastronomy lovers, who love culinary experimentation and novelty. This has a very exciting part but, on the other, it forces the body to submit to the most diverse excesses and stimuli.

Who should not follow a detox diet? contraindications

Teenagers: it’s not the moment. They are still in the process of maturation and should simply limit themselves to eating in a balanced way.convalescent people. After an illness or operation, you should not undergo any dietary regimen without first consulting your doctor.People with weight below the desirable. Obviously, this type of diet is not suitable for a person with these characteristics, since they will probably lose more weight.People with metabolic problems. A diabetic or, in general, a person with any type of metabolism problem, should consult their doctor before starting a cleansing diet.People with chronic illnesses. The same thing happens as in the previous cases: you have to consult a doctor.People with psychological disorders or with a history of eating disorders. Any type of dietary pattern should be previously consulted with your doctor.

It should not be forgotten that a disorder as important as anorexia often begins with a diet that loses weight.

The keys to a detox diet

Freshness. It must be based on metabolism. in fresh products and, if possible, organic. One of the essential requirements of a cleansing diet is that the ingredients are of the highest quality and guaranteed.simple cooking. Most foods must be cooked very simply: boiled, steamed, grilled… Cooking with fats must be completely avoided to avoid all its adverse reactions and the toxins that it entails.Olive oil. The only condiment allowed is olive oil. The virgin, in addition to providing high doses of vitamin E, has a toning effect on the liver and gallbladder.Moderation. The amounts of food must be sufficient but austere. One of the essential conditions of any diet that aims to “detoxify” is, logically, that the amounts eaten are very moderate. In this way, good digestion is favored and the metabolism is also given a break.Vegetable proteins. Vegetable foods must predominate. An absence of animal proteins will cause the kidney, for a few days, to have much less “work”. Apart from this, foods of animal origin are often present in excess in the diet.Fiber. It must include high doses of fiber, which will ensure that intestinal transit is regular, that the flora of the colon is kept in balance and that a good number of undesirable substances are “eliminated” in this way.Pure water. The water and the…