The concept of detox has entered our lives for good in recent years and is a popular trend that you probably hear and read a lot about. But what exactly is the famous detox and what are the common myths?
What is detox?
While the word “detox” may sound like a complicated medical term, in reality your body already has mechanisms in place to detoxify itself. Your liver and kidneys are already doing this job. These are the organs that are mainly responsible for the metabolism and filtration of most toxins in your body.
So detoxification is a very necessary process of the body, which arises naturally. The metabolism of the various substances found in food (and nutrients in general) has as a natural consequence the production of useless, toxic substances in high concentrations in the body.
Consider that when you eat something, your body breaks it down into several compounds, some of which must be eliminated. Your natural detoxification is essentially the process of eliminating the by-products of metabolism and substances that the body does not need through urination, feces and sweat.
How to enhance the detoxification of your body
Leave the straws and the extreme diet programs with juices and follow the tips below to enhance the detoxification of your body.
Stay hydrated
Adequate fluid intake promotes your body’s natural detoxification mechanisms. Be sure to start your day with a glass of water to reduce the dehydration caused during sleep, as well as stay hydrated afterwards. In combination with water you can drink juices of fresh fruits and vegetables, natural decoctions, without added sugar, such as green tea, chamomile, sage and eat soups, which also help hydrate the body.
Choose wisely what you put on your plate
The liver is responsible for a number of basic functions of your body, from the production of protein, cholesterol and bile to the storage of vitamins, minerals and even carbohydrates. Also, the liver is the organ that breaks down toxins such as alcohol, drugs and natural by-products of metabolism. So to enhance its health and consequently the detoxification of your body, include in your diet foods that seem to protect it, such as artichokes, grapefruit, berries, beets, broccoli, fatty fish, dried fruits, coffee and olive oil.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol is rich in empty calories and is an ingredient whose metabolism fills the body with toxins. Whether your goal is detoxification or weight loss, you should avoid it.
Eat more fiber
Fiber helps with bowel movements, facilitating and speeding up the passage of food through it and thus can reduce bloating, weight and constipation. So eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, oats, nuts, cereals and whole grains.
Exercise
Find the type of exercise that suits you and integrate it into your daily routine. Exercise increases blood circulation and promotes well-being, while through the sweating it causes you will eliminate toxins. Sweat consists mainly of water, with small amounts of trace elements such as potassium, magnesium and urea and can somewhat enhance the detoxification of your body.
