Starting a detox diet means making definite changes to the way you eat or changing your eating habits for life, says Lesley Ellis, author of 7 Day Detox Diet Plan. When you detox, Ellis explains, it means you are leaving processed convenience foodstuffs and instead eat lots o fresh, natural whole foods. You need to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, much of it as possible raw, or only lightly cooked.
The author listed in her book some foods that are especially beneficial for cleansing the system. She recommended to eat one or two of these cleansers every day. These are :
· Round wholegrain rice is a highly absorbent food, full of vitamins and fiber that almost never creates an allergic reaction in people. If you cannot find round wholegrain rice, use brown long-grain variety. Do not use white rice. Boiled wholegrain rice is soothing to the digestive system and a traditional cure for diarrhea.
· Beetroot (red beet) is considered by detox nutritionists to be one of the best vegetable cleansers, helping the digestive system to work efficiently, and flushing through the system.
· Apples and pears are high in fibre and pectin so they help to clean the intestines.
· Papayas and pineapples contain fibre, vitamins and minerals as well as useful enzymes to help digestion.
· Lemons are not only full of vitamin C but also have strong cleansing effect, and help kick-start the digestive system.
· Sea vegetables and edible seaweeds are packed with vitamins and minerals, and are extremely soothing to the digestive system. Some kinds of seaweed, such as kombu, are considered especially useful for mopping up toxins in the system and flushing them out.
· Onions and garlic are valued by detox nutritionists for their antiseptic properties, for boosting the immune system and their blood-cleansing attributes.
· Olive oil : recent scientific research has shown that cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is good for the heart and blood. It also stimulates the digestive system.
· Chilli peppers and other hot spices stimulate the digestive system and mucous membranes and encourage the body to flush out wastes and toxins. If your digestive system is delicate and if you are not used to eating spicy foods, use only a little at first.
· Ginger is considered an excellent cleanser and extremely calming to the digestion.
While you are following the detox diet, you should also be making some gentle changes to other aspects of your life such as proper exercise, rest, and relaxation. These changes will help to make you feel fitter, healthier and more relaxed.
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