Home > Diet & Fitness > Diet and food > Path to a healthy diet - detox GA_googleFillSlot("sitagitarectanletop");

What exactly is detoxification and how does it benefit the body? Our bodies get completely exhausted with the severe strain we put on them, what with the frenetic pace of our lives today. By detoxifying our system, we are infusing fresh energy as well as giving our bodies the chance to repair, cleanse and restore its lost balance. It shows when you see that your skin is clearer, your hair has a healthy look, your nails are no longer brittle and your weight is getting controlled even while your energy levels go up. You will also notice the calming effect it has on your mind, particularly so when you combine detoxification with meditation. Regular practice of detoxifying your body will give you long-term benefits that will stand you in good stead as you age.

How does detoxification really work?

As you are well aware, the body constantly renews its cells which are also growing constantly. The toxins that are generated in the body drain it of all energy, as the body starts to work overtime to fight these toxins and render them harmless. This energy spend leaves it with little strength for cleaning, healing and renewal which is an every day activity. Soon this strain begins to show up as overworked liver, kidneys etc and leads to a general sluggishness in the body's performance. So the answer to this state of affairs is detoxification. When we detox, not only do we stop overloading he body with harmful substances but we also give it plenty of right nutrients that actually speed up the elimination of toxins and promote cell renewal. This results in rejuvenated cells leading to a healthier body and a younger you!

GA_googleFillSlot("sitagitarectanglebottom");

Importance of antioxidants

Vitamins A, C and E are all antioxidants and are absolutely vital for good health. Another important antioxidant is selenium. These offer protection against minor infections and also serious diseases like cancer and heart related ailments. Premature ageing is also controlled by these antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an inexhaustible source of antioxidants. Any detox program will depend heavily on the intake of these. As a true source of antioxidants, raw, uncooked food is leaps and bounds ahead of cooked food. Cooking destroys essential nutrients and should be minimized when you are on a detox program. Raw and fresh juices (as against canned juices) are also important as they have remarkable cleansing and regenerating effect on the body. Juices are also easily digested and assimilated by the body and if incorporated into your daily diet will have an extremely good effect on your system. There is no limit to the number of times or the quantity of juices or soups that you can have. In fact, you can even have this for whole days during your detox and they will provide you with enough nutrition. Fruits can be used as filling snacks and remember to have green or herb tea at least twice in a day.

The detox program should begin with a fruit diet that will help to eliminate toxins and it should be followed up with a highly nutritious diet that will promote cell renewal. Continue with the detox for at least 2 " 4 weeks by the end of which you will well be on your way to a healthy diet that will ensure a healthy body.

Here is a sample of a detox diet. You can modify it to suit your taste and system.

Breakfast: Have natural yogurt and seeds (like pumpkin seeds) which are nutritious and filling. Carrot and apple juice are recommended.

You can satisfy your mid-morning hunger pangs with a lovely rosy apple.

Lunch: Should consist of as much salad as you can consume made from raw vegetables like cucumber, radish, peppers, spring onion and any other salad leaves like lettuce.

Dinner: Like fruit salad? Why don't you have as much of seasonal fruits as you can lay your hands on and use apple or orange juice as a sweetener?

Unlimited quantity of water and herb teas are permitted throughout the day.

Please note: Any detox program should be undertaken only after consultations with your doctor, especially if you are suffering from health problems.