How To Detox With Natural Foods

By Author: Brett Walker
Total Articles: 14
Comment this article

Detoxification has become very popular recently both to lose
weight and for general health and fitness, in order to rid
the body of toxins.

However, the benefits of detoxification have been known for
a long time, at least since the early 1900s when it was
discovered that the body could slowly poison itself, -
known as "autointoxication". Unchecked these toxins can
lead to diseases such as heart disease and more serious
illnesses like cancer.

The solution is to rid the body of the toxins that can build
up in the digestive system because of unhealthy foods, that
are not properly eliminated, and also from toxins in the air
that we breathe in and chemicals we come into contact with.

When to detox

If you start to display any of the following symptoms it
could be a sign that your body has a build up of toxins:

* a tired and aching body;
* low energy levels;
* a fatigued mind.

When you notice these symptoms, it's time for a detox.

To prevent a toxin build up you should detox your body at
least ...
... once a year.

The secret to good detoxification is two-fold:

1 Optimise the food that is eaten;
2 Reduce the toxins in the body.

A key to that is utilising enzymes. Digestive enzymes help
us to break down proteins, fats, sugars, starches and other
carbohydrates. The human body produces most of the enzymes
that it needs but certain enzymes, such as cellulase must be
obtained from raw fruits and vegetables.

Detox diets are a way of limiting yourself to certain foods
for a short period of time. Some detox diets are very strict
and limit you to juices. A better way is to have a more
varied diet which includes fruits, vegetables and whole
grains. So the best way to detox is with natural foods -
by changing the diet for a week.

There are many benefits to doing this:

* you will lose weight;

* it will rid your body of surplus waste that may have been
building up for years;

* it will revive your digestive system so that you will
start to digest food efficiently again;

* Your immune system will be strengthened;

* You will have fewer cravings for unhealthy foods;

* you will feel better about yourself and have more energy.

How to Detox

If you incorporate the following foods into your diet for
seven days you will feel better, have more energy and lose
weight.

* drink filtered or spring water. Add some squeezed lemon
to some of your glasses of water.

* eat cooked whole grain food such as quinoa, brown
rice, millet or buckwheat;

* Take a multivitamin and additional supplements to fight
the free radicals your body produces as you detox. Take
200 to 400 IU of natural vitamin E and 100 to 200 mcg of
selenium. .

* Prepare at least four different vegetables for each meal.
Steam them until they are tender but still crisp.

* make broth from the water left over from steaming your
vegetables;

* herbal teas such as camomile or peppermint;

Avoid the following:

* refined flour, sugar, caffeine and alcohol;

* smoking, which has been identified as one of the major
causes of toxin build up in the body.

For Maximum Benefit

For maximum effect continue eating plenty of fresh fruit and
vegetables in your diet after the initial seven days. And
instead of snacking on biscuits try a few walnuts or other
nuts (but not the dry roasted type). Research has shown that
eating nuts regularly can decrease the risk of heart attacks
by 15-50%.

So this is how to Detox with natural foods and if you
continue with these new habits it will help you to keep the
bloat off and to lose more weight.

About the Author- Brett Walker lives in London with his wife
and two daughters. He has always taken a deep interest in
keeping fit, playing sport and in good nutrition. He has
found that getting our sub-conscious thoughts right first is
the foundation for losing weight. Discover the Secrets TO
Looking and Feeling Good. Sign Up For Brett Walker's
Newsletter by visiting his website at:
http://www.howtolookwonderful.com