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What to avoid when detoxing?

Most detoxification programs recommend removing highly processed foods and foods to which some people are sensitive, such as dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and red meat. They also recommend eating mostly organically grown vegetables, fruit, whole non-glutenous grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein.

eatright.org - Whats the Deal with Detox Diets - Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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It seems everyone is talking about "detox" or considering a "cleanse." Detox diets often are misunderstood — especially since your body already comes equipped with a detoxification system. Understanding how detox works may help clear up some confusion.

How the Body Naturally Detoxifies

Detoxification is a process that the body performs around the clock utilizing important nutrients from the diet. It's the process that transforms toxins so they can be removed from the body. They fall into two main categories: toxins that are made in the body during regular metabolism, and those that come from outside the body and are introduced by eating, drinking, breathing or are absorbed through the skin. Toxins that are produced in the body include lactic acid, urea and waste products from microbes in the gut. External toxins may include pesticides, mercury in seafood, lead from car exhaust and air pollution, chemicals in tobacco products and drugs or alcohol. Detoxification also uses the process by which medications are metabolized and removed from the body. Because toxins are potentially dangerous to human health, they need to be transformed and excreted through urine, feces, respiration or sweat. Each person's ability to detoxify varies and is influenced by environment, diet, lifestyle, health status and genetic factors, suggesting some people may require more detoxification support than others. But if the amount of toxins to which a person is exposed exceeds his or her body's ability to excrete them, the toxins may be stored in fat cells, soft tissue and bone, negatively affecting health. This is the rationale behind the use of practices that support the body's own detoxification capabilities, but more research is needed. Most detoxification programs recommend removing highly processed foods and foods to which some people are sensitive, such as dairy, gluten, eggs, peanuts and red meat. They also recommend eating mostly organically grown vegetables, fruit, whole non-glutenous grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein. Other programs recommend fasting, a potentially risky practice for some people, which may actually suppress detoxification pathways in the body. This is why many health practitioners advise against this practice. Many noncredentialed people claim to be experts in detoxification; however, there is a lack of research at this time to support its use. Plus, detoxification programs can vary widely and may pose a risk for some people (such as people with health problems, those with eating disorders, those who take multiple medications, and pregnant or breastfeeding women).

8 Ways to Support Your Body's Natural Detox

Detoxification support doesn't need to consist of a rigorous plan; doing some or all of the following can support your body's natural detoxification:

Stay hydrated with clean water.

Eat five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Consume dietary fiber each day from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains to help maintain bowel regularity. Include cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli and Brussels sprouts, berries, artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks and green tea. These support detoxification pathways. Consume adequate amounts of lean protein, which is critical to maintaining optimum levels of glutathione, the body's master detoxification enzyme. Consult your health care provider or registered dietitian nutritionist if you're interested in taking a multivitamin/multimineral to fill any gaps in a healthy diet. Eat naturally fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut — these may help promote a healthy gut. If you have questions about your eating style and its role in supporting the body’s detoxification, check in with a registered dietitian nutritionist. RDNs can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.

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What happens during a 7 day detox?

The cleanse will last for a full seven days, starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday. You'll be eliminating a few potential food intolerances and increasing your intake of veggies, fruits and water. Lean proteins such as eggs, chicken, turkey and fish are allowed. For best results, carefully adhere to the program.

myhealthkc.com - A Busy Person's Guide to a 7 Day Cleanse | MyHealthKC

Clean eating is about whole or minimally processed foods—ones that are as close to their natural form as possible. Ultra-processed foods have been linked to a number of health problems, like infertility and cancer, and have also been deprived of the nutrients needed to support overall health. Switching to a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables can curb or prevent conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure—plus, it can also help you lose weight and make your skin and hair look healthier. Use this clean eating plan to jump-start your health goals in just seven days. Created in partnership with Dr. Megan Schlick, ND of the AdventHealth Whole Health Institute, the cleanse eliminates potential food intolerances to help you feel more in control of cravings, increase mental clarity and even lose some excess weight. And since a busy lifestyle can often get in the way of clean eating, we’ve included a meal plan, recipes and grocery shopping list to make things as easy as possible.

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