What can I eat during a detoxification program?
A real professional, effective detoxification program will not ask you to make any dramatic lifestyle and dietary changes. It will work regardless. Healthier food and lifestyle choices are generally made on a subconscious level. Once the body begins to eliminate toxins, it will naturally start craving foods that will nourish it at an optimum level. That said, there are certainly many things you can do to maximize the benefits of the cleanse you’re on from day one, and certain foods will help maintain the benefits of the cleanse for much longer.
Foods (and things) to avoid while cleansing
First let’s discuss some of the foods and other factors that will contribute to a toxic body and may also hamper or slow down the detoxification process. If you are not able to completely eliminate these things from your life while cleansing, please try to limit them as much as possible.
Milk and Dairy Products
The dairy food issue is a very controversial one, indeed. Many believe that dairy is not fit for human consumption and numerous research studies have documented its ill effects on our health. On the other side of the coin, dairy farming is a huge, multi-billion dollar government-subsidized industry whose tremendous advertising campaigns have us believing that we can’t live without milk and dairy products. Unfortunately, even if they were right to some degree, all commercially sold dairy products are highly processed and loaded with dangerous chemicals and antibiotics.
Dairy products are also very high in saturated fats. Saturated fats slow down the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body.
Food Chemicals and Processed Foods
Chemicals found in processed foods and commercially grown fruits, vegetables and meat can have a detrimental effect on our health. We cannot process chemical additives into nutrients that the body can utilize, so they aren’t able to simply pass through our system “as is.” Only water and cellulose can do that. Therefore, these chemicals get absorbed for an indefinite period of time, delaying digestion and adding extra toxins to our blood, tissues and organs, and extra pounds to our weight. No scientific study exists which has been able to determine the length of time it takes for the human body to eliminate the pounds of chemicals it is carrying around. It is interesting to note that preservatives such as sodium nitrate (found in hot dogs, bacon, ham, and other processed foods) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are stored in our fat cells.
Sugar
Sugar consumption has risen 1,500 percent in the last 200 years. Today, the average American consumes 150 pounds of sugar a year compared to the 12 pounds consumed in the early 1800s. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that is equal to 52 teaspoonfuls of added sugars per person per day. Can you imagine yourself sitting at the kitchen table gobbling down 52 teaspoons of white sugar – every single day? Well, that’s exactly what most people are doing without even realizing it!
It takes approximately 400-500 generations for our bodies to physically adapt to such a drastic change in diet. For now, we are simply not built to handle it. Becoming obese is just one of the many side-effects of consuming too many carbohydrates in the form of sugar.
Sugar hinders the body’s immune system and predisposes people to allergies and infections. The number, shape and activity of white blood cells are adversely affected by excessive sugar consumption. Here are just some of the health conditions associated with the over-consumption of sugar: allergies, obesity, eating disorders, eczema, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones and failure, learning disabilities, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, candida, anxiety, hyperactivity in children, dental cavities, adult-onset diabetes, atherosclerosis, and countless others.
White Flour Products
Flour (especially white flour) is the main component in breads, cereals, baked goods, pastas and many other foods we eat each and every day. White flour is made by stripping the grain of virtually all its nutrients: fiber, vitamins, minerals, essential oils and even proteins, to some extent.
Because white flour becomes a depleted, processed, “dead” food, most states require it to be enriched with thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, plus iron. Other nutrients, however, such as zinc, manganese, folic acid, Vitamin B6 and fiber are not replenished in any way.
White flour and white flour products often contribute to constipation and other digestive troubles. Since they are stripped of all fiber (essential for proper elimination), they actually stick to the walls of the intestines, causing blockages, rather than helping things move through quickly and smoothly. A highly important first step in modifying one’s diet, regardless of health condition, is to eliminate or minimize white flour and white flour products from the diet. White rice goes through essentially the same process as white flour and should also be avoided. All the fiber and nutrients are stripped off each grain to give rice its pretty white color and reduced cooking time.
Aspartame (and other artificial sweeteners)
Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods. Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death as recently disclosed in a February 1994 Department of Health and Human Services report.
A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include: headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain.
Soft Drinks
The average American drinks an estimated 57 gallons (216 liters) of soft drinks each year. The fact that soft drinks are made with tap water is only the tip of the iceberg. Each can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colorings, additives, preservatives and sulphites.
In addition, just about all diet soft drinks contain aspartame or other harmful artificial sweeteners. Regular consumption of soft drinks will lead to obesity, osteoporosis, tooth decay and heart disease.
Alcohol
Alcohol is very damaging to the liver and also depletes important nutrients from the body. In addition, alcoholic beverages contain chemical pesticides, as well as colorants and other harmful additives, putting further strain on the liver.
Animal Protein
The main issue with having any source of animal protein during a detox, is the amount of time that it takes your body to digest them. Most meat and eggs also contain a large amount of antibiotics and hormones, which are two things we are looking to eliminate from our body during a detox. The consumption of animal protein is a huge contributor to our poor health, as it escalates the overall level of toxins in the body.
Fish is not a good substitute for chicken, pork or beef. Fish contains high levels of mercury and most farm-raised fish have the same problem with antibiotics as meat does.
A good way to curb any “protein” craving that you might have is a small handful of raw nuts.
Foods to consume while cleansing
Now let’s discuss which foods can enhance cleansing and accelerate the detoxification process.
Organic Raw Fruit
Fruit is rich in fiber and also has a very high water content, making it the ideal accompaniment to a detoxification program. The fiber absorbs toxins and the water helps to flush them out of the body. Fruit is also rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and fruit pectin, which has been shown to bind with heavy metals, such as lead, helping to eliminate them from the system.
Fruits to consume in abundance while cleansing: lemons, oranges, grapefruits, pears, apples, cherries, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, melons, tomatoes, and papayas. Try to buy fruit that is in season where you live, rather than imported fruit that has been traveling for weeks.
Organic Vegetables
Organic veggies should make up the bulk of a healthy diet, especially while detoxifying. While fruits are known to be very powerful detoxifiers, organic vegetables will help balance acid and alkaline levels and have a calming effect on the body. Vegetable to consume in abundance while cleansing: garlic, onions, carrots, beets, cabbage, watercress, celery, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, and lots of green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Again, try to buy veggies that are in season where you live to limit food mile and to eat locally.
Whole Grains
Whole Grains are grains that are unprocessed, retaining most of their nutrients and providing a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Wholegrains are an integral part of a healthy, cleansing diet. They are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and low-fat source of protein. Grains to consume while cleansing: couscous, and quinoa.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are excellent foods to consume while cleansing. They are good sources of vitamin E, protein, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids. Nuts can be eaten as an alternative to meat and cheese. During a detox, nuts should be raw and not roasted or salted. Nuts are known to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer and improve hair, skin and nails. Seeds play an important role in supporting the immune system and protecting cells from oxidation. Nuts and seeds to consume while cleansing: flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, hazelnuts and cashews.
Good Fats
Certain fats, used in moderation, can have therapeutic effects while cleansing. Specifically Olive Oil as it contains valuable essential fatty acids. Please keep in mind that nut and seed oils are best used in cold dishes as heat destroys their delicate flavor and nutritional value. Olive oil is very high in antioxidants, which neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. It is monounsaturated, and thereby lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol without reducing the HDL (good) cholesterol. This results in improved circulation, lowered blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease. Recent research also indicates that olive oil may be especially effective in preventing both breast cancer and osteoporosis.
It costs a little more but extra virgin olive oil is by far the best option. It is the oil that is made from the first pressing. It has less than one percent acidity, and has the highest nutritional value and the best taste.
Green Tea
Feel free to enjoy a cup of green tea while detoxifying. If you want to add a sweetener, you can use agave nectar. Keep away from sugar, or honey during the cleanse.
Here is a simple daily menu to use as an example.
First thing in the morning:
Big glass of water with some lemon in it.
Breakfast:
Blueberry Smoothie – Use the recipe from my July newsletter.
lunch:
big green salad – greens, cucumbers, celery, sprouts, quinoa, seeds, olive oil, (celtic salt and lemon dressing).
Snack:
apple, or handfull of raw nuts (almonds/walnuts/macadamia nuts)
Dinner:
Big salad – just like lunch, or another green smoothie
Drink a lot of water during the day.
