Detox Diet

You are tired and run down; you are thinking about a detox diet. What exactly is a detox diet? A detox diet, also know as a cleanse diet, is meant to rid the body of the toxins that bombard it everyday. Toxins enter the body through pollutants in the air, preservatives and artificial products in our food, and perfumes in our detergents. The body has a detox system to deal with toxins but it can become overwhelmed. A detox diet is designed to aid the bodies natural detox system. As with any diet, seek the advice of a health care professional before beginning a detox diet, especially if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are nursing. Also check with your physician before starting a cleanse diet if you are underweight, or are currently under the care of a physician for any disease.

A detox diet can begin with simple changes to your every day routine. For example begin each day with a hot cup of water, if necessary flavor the water with lemon slices. Drinking plenty of water (6-8 glasses/day) will help the body eliminate toxins using its own detox system. Avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol and any artificial substance. These are a few easy steps to begin a detox diet.

If you want to take a detox diet to the next step reduce your red meat intake. We have all heard our mothers say "eat your fruits and vegetables", well once again mother was right. Eating 5- 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day is an important part of a detox diet. Of course, make sure you eat organic fruits and vegetables to avoid pesticides. Every good diet, including a good detox diet, emphasizes the importance of exercise. Simple aerobic exercises (walking or jumping on a trampoline) brings extra oxygen to the body, vital for the proper functioning of all the bodies systems.

There are more advanced changes that you can incorporate into a detox diet, speak to a nutritionist. She would love to help you get healthy.