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Detox - The Lifestyle Factor
Detox - The Lifestyle Factor
Sitting about doing nothing, or consuming poor quality, highly processed, refined food or fizzy drinks has never been recommended. Any healthy lifestyle, natural living book, or slimming magazine emphasises the body's need for regular exercise, fresh air and good quality food and water, together with time for relaxation. We all have a responsibility to
care for our health, the welfare of others and the planet on which we live. Whilst we are improving our personal 'elimination' we can also consider how we eliminate other rubbish from our lives.
In general terms, good dietary advice should include a minimum five portions of fruit and vegetables (excluding potatoes) daily; ideally organically grown. These could be eaten raw to make use of the natural enzymes, lightly steamed, or juiced. In the case of tomatoes and carrots, cooking helps to break the cell wall to release the nutrients contained inside. Any kind of processing, even cutting the fruit or vegetables into pieces, will cause rapid destruction of some nutrients (however, it is better to chop it up and eat it, than not eat it at all). When juicing, drink the juice immediately or the 'goodness'
will be reduced and it will begin to discolour as soon as oxygen in the atmosphere
reaches it. The kidneys would benefit from a high fluid intake, especially water,
for maximum 'flushing' effect. Concentrate on plain water, or diluted (50/50 with
water) fruit and vegetable juices; or herbal teas and dandelion coffee and restrict
tea, coffee and fizzy drinks. Excess refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine (including chocolate) and smoking are not a good idea during a 'detox' regime. After all, the idea is to eliminate the rubbish not add more!
Lifestyle tips to help
lungs stay healthy could include: avoiding known irritant airborne substances;
for example some types of perfumes or after-shaves; reducing intakes of dairy
products and eggs; which are considered to be 'mucous-making foods' and may worsen
a condition; avoid foods containing additives because some synthetic food colourings
are known to worsen problems in some people; and lastly, use a damp cloth, instead
of a duster and spray polish to pick up the dust when cleaning furniture or other
surfaces, the dust is more effectively removed although the result may not be
as shiny.
Lemon, carrots, parsley and watercress are said to be useful to
liver function (19). Animal fat intake (together with other saturated, hydrogenated
and trans-fats) should be kept to a minimum.
Some people brush the skin
with a hard brush; this helps to remove dead cells and stimulates the movement
of lymph around the body which shifts toxins ready for elimination. Most of the
range of nutrients we ingest are involved in skin health. In particular, Vitamin
C helps strengthen capillaries in the skin and promotes wound healing, through
its role in the synthesis of collagen.
The carotenoids, especially beta
carotene help new cell formation. Foods rich in these nutrients are brightly coloured
fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, peaches, cherries, broccoli and carrots.
Eggs and fish are good sources of vitamin A, which is also important.
The
Importance of Fibre: Foods rich in soluble-fibre such as fresh or dried fruit,
vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole-grains and pulses should be included in the diet
to assist normal bowel action and the elimination process. A bowel movement approximately
every twelve hours or so is important to good health (regularity i s more important
than how often). A diet that is high in soluble-fibre increases both the frequency
and quantity of bowel movements (1). Low fibre intakes are associated with an
increased risk of bowel disorders and gallstones (3). Between 12-24g of soluble
fibre a day is recommended, depending on body size. To achieve a half- way amount
of 18g fibre a day it would take two slices of wholemeal bread and a bowl of porridge
or an apple for breakfast (6g); a piece of fruit and a wholemeal based sandwich
at lunch- time (6g); and three portions of vegetables with the evening meal, or
two vegetables and a piece of fruit (6g). Highly processed food products, including
pastry, chocolate and sweets do not contain fibre and therefore should only be
included in moderation. In addition to this, regular exercise really is important
to help elimination because the movement of muscles helps digestion and in pumping
blood around the body and also helps encourage the flow of lymph to remove waste
from the cells.
How 'Detoxification' Works: The body deals with
toxins and waste products by making them harmless and by excreting them in the
urine or faeces. The process of detoxification or 'detox' generally refers to
making a special effort to eliminate the wrong substances from the lifestyle and
diet to aid the cleansing of the bowel, kidneys, lungs, the liver and the blood.
The need to 'detox' could be described as being caused by poor elimination brought
about by cumulative effects of poor circulation and digestion, together with other
factors like pollution from traffic fumes, smoking, stressful lifestyle, alcohol,
or medicinal drugs and lack of exercise.
Before embarking on any special
kind of diet, especially fasting or juice diets - always consult a doctor, particularly
if there is a pre-existing health condition. Side effects of a diet promoting
a 'detox' effect may include headaches and feelings of nausea that last for a
few hours or maybe as long as a day.
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