The Detox Diet - Pros and Cons

Many people use a detoxification diet to clear skin, lose weight and contribute to an over-all peaceful and healthy feeling.

What is a detox diet?

A detoxification diet’s main purpose is to eliminate toxins from the body. Toxins generally come from artificial food and skin care additives and preservatives.

Pesticides, herbicides, pollution and all synthetic chemicals may contribute to toxic build up. Not to mention your body’s own manufactured waste.

There are many kinds of detox diets that require the dieter to undergo various lifestyle or dietary changes for a period of time.

They include:
• Fasting, including water and juice fasting – not recommended by most health care professionals
• Food combining and restriction
• Herbal detox

How Do You Decide What’s Right for You?

It is important to note that crash dieting (fasting) can actually cause damage to collagen in the skin and joints. It is also very hard on all other organs of the body. A “gentler” approach and using a natural detox diet is usually recommended.

If you’re thinking about trying a detoxification diet consider these recommended things first...
• Thoroughly research the diet to make sure you’re prepared for the effects and to make sure you can fit it into your lifestyle. Some people report breakouts, excess oil and blotches on the skin at the beginning of this type of diet.
• Decide how you’re going to handle any side effects. Many diets leave you feeling extremely hungry and low in energy, particularly during the first couple of days. People often suffer from headaches, irritability and insomnia. However, fans of these diets will tell you that these feelings only last for a few days and are replaced with feelings of general well-being and more energy.
• Consult with your doctor. A doctor may be able to help you choose a detoxification diet that is safe, and which will work for your current health state. Keep in mind that some herbal detox diets may be harmful if you are sensitive to the herbs.

Set Your Goals

Why are you considering a such a diet? Would you like to lose weight? Do you want to have more energy? Do you seek a clearer complexion? Are you looking for a more natural lifestyle and want to begin that lifestyle by purging your body of collected toxins?

Research and preparation are the two most important things to do before you begin any diet. If you’re new to detox diets, consider starting slowly. For example, you may wish to choose a diet that only lasts a day or two rather than several weeks.

Alternatively, without dieting you can “get clean” by making the switch over to organic foods, clothes and skin care products. By using these products whenever possible you will help protect your body and health from harmful synthetic chemicals.

Everyone can benefit from minimizing their exposure to certain un-healthy substances. Here are some tips to help you "get clean" without going on a full fledged diet...

Natural Detox Diet Tips...

• Thoroughly wash (with a non-toxic veggie wash) produce before eating. Try to buy organic fruits and veggies that are imported or if the skin (peel)is consumed.
• Drink filtered water.
• Refrigerate oils so that they do not become spoiled.
• Reduce foods and drink with artificial colors, flavors and sweetners. Foods that cause inflammation and age skin and other organs are listed on the anti aging diet page.
• Use natural skin care products that have little or no synthetic ingredients.
• Installing a filter on your shower head will help prevent many chemicals from being absorbed through the skin!
• Chemicals are often inhaled while we are doing household cleaning. All natural cleaning products should be non-toxic and safe to use.

By investigating the possibilities and understanding the side effects you can help to make certain you are taking care of your health rather than risking it. There are many detox diets available. Keep your goals in mind to choose the right one for you.

Here's to Your Health and Glowing Skin - Naturally!

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The claims about ingredients and products throughout this site have not been evalutated by the US Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended nor approved to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent disease. The content of this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute from your physician or health care provider.