It is getting warmer outside and you want to feel like your best self this summer. Your friend tells you about their detox diet that they just completed and lost 10 pounds. Should you do the detox diet?
What is a detox diet? Detox diets most commonly involve juices, avoidance of certain food groups, fasting, and potentially various supplements and teas. The purpose of a detox diet is to cleanse your system and remove any toxins.
Many toxins are hard to avoid, such as those that are absorbed through our skin or in the air that we breathe. Toxins need to be excreted through our waste, sweat, and respiration as they can be detrimental to our health. Some individuals have a greater ability to detox than others, which may be impacted by genetic factors, age, environment, and lifestyle.
Contrary to popular belief, our bodies have the ability to detoxify naturally without the use of expensive juices and pills.
Here are some ways that your body can detox naturally:
Consume adequate clean water - at least 64 ounces per day
Consume optimal levels of complete proteins- amino acids act as detoxifying enzymes to support our body’s natural detoxification
Aim for 20 or more grams of fiber daily to support regular bowel movements
Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, yogurt, aged cheese, salted pickles, and kefir will support a healthy gut
Consume at least 1-2 servings of both fruits and vegetables daily - whole fruits and vegetables are best, not juices
Fuel your body with regularly scheduled meals & snacks daily - fasting will only suppress our body's detoxification mechanisms
When we create a supportive and healthy environment for our body, it will do its job of detoxing.
