Detoxification, or more popularly known as detox, is the process of removing toxic substances from the body. In fact, various diet programs that claim to be able to detoxify toxins in just a few days have been known and widely applied since ancient times. Although its effectiveness in removing toxins from the human body has not been scientifically proven, many people claim to be able to have more energy and focus during and after dieting, which is most likely because they avoid most processed foods during this period.
Note: This article does not contain information regarding detoxification methods from alcohol and illegal substances. Detoxification from alcohol and other harmful substances, especially benzodiazepines, should always be carried out under the supervision of a medical professional.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Doing a Short Term Detox
Step 1. Do the detoxification process by eating fruits
In fact, this is a good method to fast without starving the body. In addition, consuming adequate amounts of fruit has been shown to increase the body's energy levels, manage weight, and reduce the risk of stroke. If you want, you can eat several types of fruit at the same time, or only eat one type of fruit. To get maximum results, choose the type of fruit that you like so that the detoxification process does not have to be lived with suffering. Do not apply this method for more than 7 days in a row, OK!
- Consume citrus fruits. Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, and limes have been shown to have the most effective detoxifying effects. If you want, you can consume it whole without any mixture, or combine it with other fruits. Again, do not apply this method for more than 7 days in a row!.
- Perform the detoxification process by consuming grapes. In particular, grapes contain resveratrol which can help protect the body from the risk of cancer and diabetes, as well as prevent the occurrence of blood clots. In addition, grapes are also rich in potassium and vitamin C so they can be consumed for 3-5 days in a row, according to the type you like.
Step 2. Fast by consuming only fluids
In other words, make sure you only consume fluids in the form of water, tea, fruit juices, vegetable juices, and/or protein drinks for 2-3 days. This method can help you lose weight by limiting calorie intake, and is claimed to be able to rid the body of several types of toxins, although this claim is not supported by sufficient scientific evidence.
- Make sure you also consume fruit and/or vegetable juices so that the body continues to receive the correct and adequate nutrition.
- If your goal is to lose weight, try changing your eating habits after the fast ends if you don't want to gain the weight back.
Step 3. Eat enough fruits and vegetables for 7 days
Fruits and vegetables contain various types of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed by the body. Therefore, make sure you consume a varied combination of fruits and vegetables to ensure that your body receives a variety of nutrients. Use the following guidelines to determine the right foods to eat while fasting:
- Get intake fiber from kidney beans, black beans, apples, soybeans, blueberries, and artichokes.
- Get intake potassium of carrots, bananas, lima beans, white potatoes, cooked green vegetables, and sweet potatoes.
- Get intake vitamin C of kiwi, strawberries, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes, oranges, brussel sprouts, mangoes, and bell peppers.
- Get intake folate of ripe spinach, melon, asparagus, oranges, and black eye beans.
- Get intake good fat of avocado, olives, and coconut.
Part 2 of 2: Doing a Long Term Detox
Step 1. Consume organically produced meat and other foodstuffs
In contrast to conventional foodstuffs that are produced with the addition of chemical fertilizers and synthetic insecticides, organic foodstuffs are produced with fertilizers and pesticides that are free from chemicals. That is why, organically produced meat will contain fewer antibiotics, growth hormones, and harmful drugs that are commonly found in non-organic foodstuffs.
Check the label on the packaging to identify foods made from organic ingredients. Generally, organic food also has a special certification from BPOM
Step 2. Drink enough water
Drinking water is an activity that is very important to keep your body healthy. In particular, water can help maintain fluid levels in the body. As a result, the kidneys will also be helped to eliminate the main toxins in the body, namely blood urea nitrogen, more easily.
Drink a mixture of water and lemon. Try adding lemon, orange, or lime juice to the water you drink throughout the day. All three contain citric acid which is proven to be able to cut excess fat levels in the body, you know! After all, flavored water will be easier to consume as much as the recommended amount, which is 8 glasses per day, right? However, don't forget to brush your teeth between meals to prevent tooth erosion due to exposure to excess acid
Step 3. Reduce alcohol intake
Research shows that alcohol may be associated with certain types of cancer, including breast cancer in women. While you don't have to stop consuming them completely, try to avoid consuming more than one glass of fermented wine or beer at night.
Step 4. Avoid added sugar
The habit of consuming excessive sugar can increase blood sugar levels significantly, you know! As a result, the risk of heart attack, diabetes, and certain cancers will increase in the long term. Therefore, take the time to read the nutritional information listed on food packaging labels, and be aware of the added sugar content in bread, lettuce, and other sauces.
Step 5. Limit exposure to airborne toxins
Some of these include carbon monoxide, radon, and asbestos, all of which can be found in your home.
- Carbon monoxide is a dangerous odorless chemical produced by fireplaces, grills, and vehicle engines. Some of the side effects of exposure to carbon monoxide are headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. To minimize the effect, try installing a carbon monoxide detector and improving the quality of air ventilation in your home.
- Private homes and other buildings must also go through a professional asbestos and radon testing process.
Step 6. Meditate
Many religions and belief systems recommend fasting as a method to focus the mind and restore inner peace. Therefore, while doing the detoxification process, make sure you are also looking for ways to get rid of grudges, anger, sadness, and other negative feelings that are still weighing on you. Also take advantage of the time that is generally spent eating or preparing food to think about your goals and aspirations. Then, put all those thoughts in a special journal.
Step 7. Don't overdo it
Remember, you must be able to find a detox program that is balanced and achievable, then combines it with exercise and a healthy daily diet with the assistance of a medical health professional. In other words, what you should do is build healthy habits gradually, not forcing your body to make extreme changes in a short time, but not sustainable. After the detox process is over, resist the urge to overeat!
Tips
- Do the detoxification process with your closest friends. This way, you and them can support each other in times of adversity, celebrate each other's accomplishments, and share healthy tips and recipes with each other.
- Eat slowly. While doing the detoxification process, extend your meal time by chewing at a slower, less rushed tempo. In fact, eating slowly can improve your digestive system!
- Take time for light exercise. Yoga, Pilates, swimming, and brisk walking are some of the ideal types of exercise. Do not do activities that are too intense like running or lifting weights while fasting!
- Do massage. Hire an expert masseuse or use special gloves to exfoliate your skin, and relax your body.
- Use less microwaves, if you have one. If you want to warm food, it's best to do this process using a saucepan with a little water, on the stove.
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Take a rest. Chances are, you will notice that your body will feel more energized or vice versa after the detox process. Whatever the impact, make sure your body is rested as much as possible while fasting. In other words, make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep at night, and make time for naps if necessary.
Warning
- Although the body feels fine when fasting, never do the detoxification process for more than 10 to 14 days. Fasting or starving the body for too long can actually harm the body's metabolic processes!
- Do not fast until the body loses consciousness. If you've ever fasted until you faint or are close to experiencing it, it means that your body has been forced to work beyond its capabilities. Whenever you feel you are losing consciousness, immediately eat a piece of bread or crackers to increase blood sugar levels. If necessary, also drink energy drinks that are rich in electrolytes. After that, sit or lie down with your head higher than your knees, and don't continue the same dieting process.
- Don't just follow the detox methods available on the internet. Remember, quite a lot of methods on the internet are actually not safe to apply. That is why, the most appropriate dieting or detoxification method should be devised by a GP or licensed nutritionist, and applied under their supervision.
- Don't just drink fluids for more than 3 days in a row.
- Some detoxification methods can make the body experience excessive fatigue in the first one to two days. Therefore, take as much time as possible to rest and avoid activities that are too intense.
- Most medical experts believe that even without dieting, the human liver and kidneys are able to provide the needed detoxification functions. Chances are, you won't even notice any significant difference in your health after that.
