What is a Detox Program
Generally a detox program will include a detox diet and a combination
of detox treatments.
A detox diet is a short-term diet that:
- Minimizes the amount of chemicals ingested, for eg. by the
exclusive use of high quality organic food and the avoidance of food
that makes it harder for the body to naturally detoxify.
- Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and
antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
- Contains high fiber content to draw out and eliminate toxins by
increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination.
Detox treatments are treatments that speeding up the natural process
of detoxification. They may include:
- Lymphatic drainage massage, which helps the return of the
lymphatic fluid to the circulatory system, removing waste and dead
cells. It promotes the reduction of fluid retention.
- Abdominal massages that enhance digestive function and promote
circulation to the vital organs.
- Exercises that promotes deep breathing, such as yoga, as
respiration is a major function of detoxification.
- Colon cleansing
- Sauna or steam treatment
There are two phases of detoxification.
Phase One is thought to occur primarily during the first 3 days of
the program, as toxins are made “loosened” in our body and become ready
to be eliminated.
Phase Two is the actual detoxification process where the ‘loosened’ toxi
substances are neutralized into safer and simpler substances to be
removed from the body by perspiration, bowel elimination, urination and
respiration.
After the first 3 days, the two phases occur synergistically.
As your body begins to release toxins from a cellular level, you may
experience symptoms for a short period of time. The symptoms are usually
felt mostly on the second to forth days. Some commonly experienced
symptoms are:
- Headaches (which often is linked to caffeine withdrawal,
therefore it is often recommended you reduce caffeine intake to
prepare your body before starting a detox program)
- Bowel changes
- Increase in gas and bloating from increase in fibre intake
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Acne
- Weight loss
- Hunger or food cravings
If you go on a comprehensive detox diet (any detox lasting longer
than 3 days), it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly
protein (as most detox diets cut out animal products) and calcium.
Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor and supplement your
nutritional intake. It is very important to maintain an adequate protein
intake to provide enough amino acids to construct the necessary enzymes
and other molecules to metabolise and eliminate the toxins.
Take care to devise a detox diet plan that will address proper
nutritional needs and consult a qualified detox centre for advice before
you go on an extensive detox. |
