FOODS WE EAT - CURE IN NATURE

Sunday, 1st of April 2012

With spring in the air, many of us are starting to think about getting healthier, feeling more energized and possibly losing a few extra pounds. But how do you know which detox is right for you with so many options? Are there detoxes you want to try but don’t know where to start? From your basic cleanse to raw food cleanses to liver/colon cleanses, they all have one goal in mind– to remove toxic substances from the body. Although our body naturally filters and cleanses the body on a regular basis, sometimes we need that extra push.

To do this you can need to reduce the amount of toxins you ingest and eat foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins to help with the detoxification process. Also increasing fiber and water intake will help to facilitate bowel movements and urination where toxins can be removed.

Detox diets allow our body to repair and heal in order to function more efficiently which allows for better nutrient absorption and strengthens us. These cleansing programs are designed to help your body’s natural detoxification process.

Below are a few types of detoxes:

Basic Cleanse: The basis of this diet is to eat as fresh and unprocessed as possible. Eat foods which naturally help the body to detoxify and eliminate processed sugars, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and chemical additives.

good for those who have never done a cleanse before or those who eat a diet high in fat, sugar, salt with little fruits and vegetables or indulge in alcohol. Also good for those who are feeling low in energy, bloated and stressed

Raw Food Cleanse: Based on eating raw fresh fruits and vegetables. Natural enzymes are present in fresh foods to help us digest and absorb nutrients properly. When we eat processed food or cooked food, it denatures these important enzymes which can cause our digestive system to overwork resulting in digestive issues. By eating a more raw based diet, it helps to rebalance the body’s pH (too much acidity in the body can result in disease)

Good for those with digestive issues (bloated stomach, gas, acid reflux, bowel irregularity, food sensitivities), weight gain and low energy.

Liver Cleanse: One of the largest and also one of the most important organs in the body. The liver has many functions such as to detoxify toxic substances, processes protein, carbohydrates and fats, produces bile etc.

good for those with changes in skin, tiredness, indigestion, headaches, indulge in alcohol etc

Colon Cleanse: After nutrients are absorbed, the colon helps to eliminate wastes. Slow moving bowel movements can lead to toxins building up and getting reabsorbed into the bloodstream. When it is not working properly, there will be symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, IBS, allergies, etc.

Good for those with sluggish bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, skin issues etc.

There are also other specific cleanses targeted for :

Weight ManagementCarbohydrate or Sugar addictionsClearer skinIncreased energy

Who would benefit from doing a detox?
The majority of us would feel benefits from eating healthier and giving our bodies a rest from overworking as a result from processing toxins. If you’ve been eating a high fat, sugar or salt diet with little fruits and vegetables recently or indulged in alcohol, a cleanse may be helpful to get your body back to feeling healthier.

To read more about detox diets and what the benefits are:

View the original article here