What is a detox?
The body cleanses the toxins it takes in, especially at night and early in the morning, in various ways. However, with age, a decrease in the body’s ability to clear metabolic debris is observed. There are two main reasons for toxin accumulation in the body. The first is exposure to unnatural environmental toxins in the air, water and food, and the second is extreme fatigue, stress, anxiety, and nervous system disorders. Normally, the lungs are responsible for removing foreign matter from the air. The skin blocks the toxins in the environment. The liver, intestines, lymphatic system and kidneys expel toxic substances from the circulatory system. However, in cases such as air pollution, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, the body’s work may not be enough. During this period, detox programs using only vegetable juices and light exercises, meditation and light meals supported by breathing exercises are applied.
Who should detox?
In fact, everyone needs a detox. Programs adapted to lifestyle and personal needs help people feel fit and lively. However, in some cases, the body gives symptoms that it needs detox:
- Back and joint pain, headache, stiff neck
- Frequent colds, sore throat, itchy nose, weak immune system, cough, chest wheezing
- Weakness, fatigue, reluctance, irritability, dizziness, drowsiness, unstable mood, depression, insomnia, anxiety
- Skin rash, redness of the skin, eye irritation
- Indigestion, nausea, bad breath, constipation, fever
- However, a doctor should be consulted before undertaking a detox program. It is recommended that diabetics, kidney and high blood pressure patients and pregnant women are not included in such diet programs.
How to detoxify in nutrition?
While applying the detox program during nutrition, attention should be paid to regular meals. Salt is not used in meals, spices can be added instead of salt. Coffee and tea consumption is avoided. Herbal teas such as green tea, cinnamon, thyme, mint, salvia, rosehip, turmeric, and ginger are preferred instead of black tea. Meat, meat products, milk and dairy products other than fat-free yogurt and kefir are not included in the diet. Detox drinks prepared with green leafy vegetables are generally consumed. At least 3 liters of water is consumed per day. It is an important rule to consume vegetables and fruits used in detox soups and beverages throughout the season. Absolutely, sugar and all foods containing sugar should be avoided.
One-day sample detox list
Breakfast: Green drink prepared with celery stalk, cabbage leaves, lemon, green apple, fresh ginger and fennel.
Snack: 150 grams of seasonal fruit, capia pepper, cucumber, fat-free yogurt and green tea.
Noon: Beverage prepared with spinach, cabbage, green apple, cucumber, pear.
Collation: Spinach, half avocado, banana, coconut milk, soy milk.
Evening: Soup prepared using spinach, olive oil, leek, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon juice and water.
It is recommended that you drink all nutrients as much as possible and drink about 3 liters of water throughout the day. Once a month, a daily detox allows the digestive system to rest and speeds up the metabolism.
