The Importance Of Detoxing Your Body

One of the most important things anyone can do to improve overall health and fitness is detoxing the body. This detoxiing should ideally take place a couple of times a year, and many people prefer to do it at the spring and fall of every year.

No matter when you do your detoxing, however, it is important to do it the right way. Diet, exercise and avoiding stress are all essential elements of maintaining good health and optimal fitness, and it is important to take these elements into account as you create your detoxification plan.

Why should I consider detoxing?

Detoxing is particularly important in the modern world, since environmental pollutants, toxins and other elements can quickly build up to toxic levels and cause ill health and a variety of mental and physical consequences. These serious consequences include such things as weakened immune system to fatigue to feeling of depression.

What to eat when detoxing

We will start are detoxing discussion with a list of foods to include when on the detoxification diet. Any combination of the foods listed below can be used, provided that the combination provides a nutritional and balanced daily diet.

• Fruit – it is important to eat plenty of fresh fruit when detoxing, and any type of fruit can be used, including apples, oranges and more exotic fruits. Fruit juices are fine as well, provided that they are made with 100% real fruit and contain no artificial preservatives or added sugar.
• Vegetables – as with fruit, it is important to eat plenty of vegetables while detoxing Some of the most popular vegetables for detoxing the body include onions, carrots, turnips, cabbage, bean sprouts, peppers, mushrooms, corn, leeks, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
• Beans and lentils – any kind of beans are great for detoxing the body, including dried beans and beans canned in water. Beans canned in oil should be avoided. Some of the most popular beans for detoxing include kidney beans, lima beans, pinto beans, black eyed peas and lentils.
• Tofu and quorn – These two popular meat substitutes are excellent choices for detoxing.
• Oats – oats are great for sprinkling over fresh fruit or for use in a porridge. Oats can be sweetened and enhanced with honey or fresh fruit.
• Fresh fish – fish can be a major part of the diet while detoxing. Some of the healthiest varieties of fish include cod, salmon, mackerel, monkfish and trout.
• Live yogurt – Live yogurt is a great choice for detoxing, as it contains valuable nutrients and beneficial bacteria which help to sooth the digestive tract during the detox process.

What to avoid when detoxing

Just as there are foods that should be included in the detox diet, there are foods that must be avoided when detoxing. These foods include:

• Red meat, chicken, turkey and other poultry
• Processed meat products, such as sausages and pate
• Milk, cream, cheese and other dairy products
• Eggs, butter and margarine
• Snacks like potato chips
• Salted nuts
• Chocolate and sweets
• Sugar, particularly refined sugar
• Jams and jellies
• Alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks
• Salt
• Store bought salad dressings

Following this plan for detoxing several times a year is a great way to keep your overall health at its best, and to avoid the problems associated with pollution and stress. This plan for detoxing is simple, easy to follow, and can be used whenever you feel you need a lift.