As the name suggests, detox is detoxification, that is, cleansing from toxins and toxins that our body accumulates over time due to improper nutrition and harmful external factors. Why is detox useful?
“This is a kind of reboot of various organs, in particular the intestines, liver, kidneys and gallbladder. Moreover, detox helps to improve metabolism, improve blood condition, strengthen the immune system and increase vitality. “
Many people confuse detox with fasting days, considering it as an effective method of losing weight. However, there is a fundamental difference between them. The essence of unloading is to get to the “strategic reserves” in the form of fat cells and use them, while detox cleansing gets rid of the body of “food waste”. Of course, the extra pounds go away with him, which is a nice bonus for the efforts made. However, if you do not stick to a moderate diet after completing the detox program, the excess weight will return as quickly as it left.
Food basket
“The main principle of detox is to exclude oxidizing foods from the diet and focus on alkalizing foods,” says nutritionist Marina Makisha. “Oxidizing foods include meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, many grains and beans, as well as sugar, flour and pasta.”
Alkalizing foods are many vegetables and herbs in all varieties, plus some fruits. They can be eaten raw, boiled, baked and stewed, and made into soups, smoothies, and juices. “If you can’t survive the separation from dairy products, include goat and sheep milk on the menu. They are assimilated by the body differently, therefore they do not have an oxidizing effect, ”Olga Malysheva gives valuable advice.
There are exceptions among cereals too Buckwheat, loved by many, does not contain starch. Millet contains not a single gram of gluten. The popular quinoa grits provide an alternative source of protein. It is extremely important to determine the duration of the detox. For beginners, 3-7 days will be enough. Experienced detoxers can do the program for up to 21 days. True, this is preceded by a serious preparatory period. If you are in doubt about how to detox, consult your doctor and get tested.
Common Sense Principle
The instructions for a detox program assume compliance with the basic rules, without which even a perfectly composed menu will be useless. The most important thing is to eat fractionally, dividing the entire daily amount of food into 5-6 meals. At the same time, overeating is unacceptable, otherwise there will be no sense from detox. Use a simple guideline: a serving of food should fit in a regular glass.
Along with this, it is important to drink more liquids than usual. On an empty stomach, and also half an hour before each meal, be sure to drink a glass of water. “When detoxing, it is allowed to drink alkaline mineral water, green tea without sugar and herbal teas. But you will have to forget about coffee, cocoa and other drinks with caffeine, as well as about alcohol and shop juices, ”warns Olga Malysheva. It is extremely important to follow the correct rest regimen and devote at least 7-8 hours to sleep.
Remember, detox programs have a number of strict limitations. This is an absolute taboo for those who suffer from diabetes, chronic diseases of the digestive system and the cardiovascular system. Of course, detox is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, children and the elderly.
Detox menu
Now let’s find out what exactly is included in the menu of the detox program at home. For convenience, let’s take the standard version, designed for a three-day period.
Breakfast on the first day may include freshly squeezed juice from grapefruit or berries (except blueberries and cranberries). You can eat an apple or a bunch of grapes instead. For lunch, a serving of stewed vegetables, such as pumpkin, asparagus or zucchini, is allowed. For dinner, make a salad with raw green vegetables. Choose fresh vegetables and fruits for snacks.
The second day is recommended to be spent under the sign of vegetables. You can start with a light salad of carrots, cabbage and corn. Light but nutritious cream soups made from cauliflower, zucchini, sweet potato or celery will help diversify the menu. Divide the soup into equal portions for lunch and dinner.
The menu of the third day, in fact, repeats the menu of the first, except that one of the meals is replaced with a portion of baked fruits: apples, peaches or pears. As juices become a complete meal, don’t forget about other drinks. Drink a cup of green tea or rosehip decoction no earlier than half an hour after a meal.
We draw your attention to the fact that if used incorrectly or for a long time, detox can be harmful to health. Therefore, listen carefully to your body and if you suddenly feel worse, stop the program immediately.
On a note
For a detox program to be of real benefit, exit must be smooth and gradual. For the next week, try to eat only plant-based foods, and also refrain from beans, nuts, breads, cereals and sugar.