DETOX DIET

How to Cleanse with Foods and Herbs

This is a two week detox diet plan that supports detox by increasing elimination from the body, cleansing the colon, enhancing circulation to clear toxic substances, eliminating foods from the diet that require detoxification or are allergenic, and providing nutrients to support and protect the liver which is the main organ involved in detox.

INCREASING ELIMINATION

Elimination of stools and urine is the body's primary method of getting rid of toxic substances. Especially important during detox, regular bowel movements decrease the likelihood that toxins will be reabsorbed into the body.

BENTONITE CLAY and FLAXSEEDS assist with the detox process.

Bentonite is a type of edible clay that acts as a bulk laxative by absorbing water to form a gel. It binds toxins such as pesticides and helps to carry them out of the colon. Flaxseeds also absorb water and expand in the colon, allowing toxins and mucus to be removed. In addition, flaxseeds have been found to lower cholesterol levels.

Take one tablespoon of liquid bentonite and one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water first thing in the morning (wait at least 1/2 hour before eating) and before bed. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day or constipation may result. If flaxseed is unavailable, psyllium or oatbran can be substituted. Bentonite intake should be reduced and timed away from medication intake as it may interfere with absorption.

LEMON JUICE in water also has a slightly laxative effect and stimulates the digestive juices which is important for detox. Squeeze half a lemon into warm water and drink immediately after rising in the morning, before having the bentonite clay and flaxseed drink.

NUTRIENTS AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR LIVER, KIDNEY AND GALLBLADDER

The liver requires nutrients for detox. In addition, increasing the flow of bile is an important part of detox because bile carries stored fat-soluble toxins away from the liver to be excreted in the stools. Signs of poor bile flow include constipation which may be aggravated by fiber supplements, flatulence, dry skin and hair, indigestion 1-2 hours after eating, indigestion after fatty foods and small, hard stools.

MULTIVITAMIN -- Choose a high-potency multivitamin with selenium, molybdenum, zinc and copper.

CHOLINE and METHIONINE -- Known as lipotropic factors, the supplements choline and methionine help to regulate fat metabolism and increase bile flow.

VITAMIN C -- A water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports detox. It may also help to decrease some of the side effects of detox, such as headache or nausea.

MILK THISTLE -- This herb has many positive effects on the liver. It is an antioxidant, assists in liver cell regeneration, and is used after exposure to chemical and industrial pollutants or adverse effects from excess alcohol or fat consumption.

ARTICHOKES -- Contains plant compounds known as caffeoylquinic acids, which increase the flow of bile and help to digest fats.

BEETS -- Beets contain betaine, which promotes the regeneration of liver cells and the flow of bile. It also has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism.

BROCCOLI -- Broccoli and other members of the brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, kholrabi) support the liver's detoxification enzymes.

FRESH FRUITS and VEGETABLES -- Food sources of vitamin C and glutathione, which are essential for detox.

PROTEIN -- Protein is required by the liver for detox. Beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa, protein powder. Some people may choose to eat fish in moderation.

ONIONS and GARLIC -- Rich in sulfur-containing compounds. Involved in sulfation, the main detox pathway for environmental chemicals and certain drugs and food additives. Helps with the elimination of harmful heavy metals from the body.

DANDELION ROOT -- Increases the flow of bile. Can be taken as a tea.

Foods to Enjoy During a Detox Diet

FRESH FRUIT -- Go easy on grapefruit. A compound in grapefruit called naringin can significantly inhibit liver detox enzymes and should be avoided during detox diets.

FRESH VEGETABLES -- except corn, which can be an allergenic food. Great detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and green vegetables.

RICE -- Rice is easily digested by most people. Choose brown or basmati rice, rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta.

QUINOA, AMARANTH, MILLET, BUCKWHEAT -- can be used instead of rice. They can be purchased at a health food store.

BEANS -- Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easy to digest and require less soaking time.

Other beans include kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and adzuki beans.

NUTS and SEEDS -- Unsalted nuts, seeds and nut butters can be sprinkled over any meal. Includes flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Avoid peanuts.

FISH -- Poached, broiled or steamed fish in moderation.

EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

CONDIMENTS -- Vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, naturally fermented soy sauce or tamari, any culinary herbs or spices, limited amounts of honey.

HERBAL TEA -- Herbal non-caffeinated teas, except green tea.

WATER, LEMON WATER, JUICES, RICE MILK

Foods to Avoid During a Detox Diet

SUGAR -- Refined sugar and mixtures containing refined sugar including sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, brown sugar, turbinado. Avoid artificial sweeteners.

DAIRY PRODUCTS -- Milk, eggs, butter and other dairy products.

WHEAT -- Wheat and products containing wheat.

GLUTEN -- All gluten-containing grains, including barley, oats, rye, spelt and kamut. Some people are sensitive to gluten, a protein fragment in these grains.

CORN -- Corn and all corn products

YEAST

CAFFEINE -- Coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, black tea, green tea and other drinks containing caffeine.

ALCOHOL

FOOD ADDITIVES AND PRESERVATIVES

CHOCOLATE

HIGH-FAT FOODS

Daily Detox Must Do's

Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day. Water is essential to clear waste from the blood. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Do not drink liquids around mealtime.

Dilute fruit juice with 50% water.

Take the time to chew food well, especially grains.