Detox

5 Ways for Detox

What is the definition of “Detox” according to you? Do you advocate detox diet?

Detox in usual term means a process by which body eliminates waste and toxins. It is a process where body detoxifies liver, digestive system, kidneys, lungs and skin. But if we take additional efforts to detoxify body, it accelerates natural detox process and helps body heal faster. Due to this, I advocate detox.

Further, it is of utmost importance to know when detox becomes an absolute necessity. Detox is must if body starts showing physical discomfort e.g. constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, stomachache, acidity, indigestion, low energy/fatigue, deteriorated hair and skin quality, mood swings, frequent migraine etc. If you notice any symptom, you need to think of detox for sure.

Now the question comes, how to detox. Few people swear by detox diets which usually involves fasting for a particular period, consumption of salad, fruit juices, green tea etc. Few people also take natural laxatives to clean their digestive system. Few people opt for extreme diet which involves 7 to 14 days detox by detox powders, fruit/ vegetable juices, supplements, laxatives etc. So, which is the right way? Let’s discuss.

Ways to detox:

1. Water: Water helps immensely in detoxifying body. For detox, one can consume 3 to 4 glasses of infused water in a day. To make infused water, combination of fruits, vegetables and herbs are used. Sliced fruits and vegetables are soaked in a jug of water for few hours. This process allows nutrients from fruits and vegetables to mix with water. After few hours, the water is strained and consumed. Idea behind is to get maximum nutrition with minimal calorie intake. Apple, orange, pomegranate, strawberry, lemon, turmeric, ginger, coriander, mint, cinnamon stick, star anise etc can be used to make infused water.

2. Hydrating liquids: Apart from infused water, hydrating liquids like coconut water, lemon water, buttermilk, green tea, turmeric latte etc can be consumed throughout the day. Stay away from sugary drinks and fruit juices. Coffee and masala tea should be consumed in moderation.

3. Opt for simple food: This requirement is basic when we are on detox. One should consume light and cooked food only. Raw salads, diet high in protein, red/black beans etc are healthy but heavy on stomach to digest. When on detox, one should consume good fat, protein and carbohydrates in moderation. Khichadi, dal/rice, soups, eggs, oatmeal, fruits etc can be consumed.

4. Remove junk/fried/sugary food: Outside food is full of oil, preservatives, salt and sugar to increase taste. We all know it’s unhealthy. It’s wiser to remove them when on detox.

5. Fasting: Our Indian culture and every religion supports fasting in some or the other form. We all consume much more food than we require and fasting gives break to our digestive system which helps our body to heal faster. However, one should provide body adequate nutrition after breaking fast.

Try implementing above steps for 7 days in the first go. You can increase or decrease number of days based on recovery.

Detox – one should implement frequently to avoid major physical discomfort in the body.