Everyone has heard of someone who is “nutritionally detoxing.” You may think it’s all about juices and starvation, but done well a detox has some irreplaceable long-term benefits that you too can reap!

What is a Nutritional Detox?

Cleansing & detox diets have become increasingly popular as a quick weight-loss method and a way to improve health. The fads of master cleansing and juicing are losing favor.  What this means exactly remains unclear to many consumers and general medicine providers. At Precision Health Solutions we strive to redefine detox to optimizing digestive & liver health. Consider making nutritious food and lifestyle changes as the beginning path to optimizing health. Instead of the “quick fix” and then quickly reverting back to old eating pattern, consider a step at a time plan that becomes part of a new way to nourish your body that impacts your health long term. By definitions a detox involves eliminating the toxins that accumulate in our bodies from what we eat and drink, our environment and the chemicals we encounter. Toxins build up and contribute to poor energy levels, weight gain and an increased risk of serious health diseases.  However, detox “dieting,” especially long term, may be harmful to your health without medically supervised trained nutritional specialists. Consider implementing aspects of a cleansing detox diet as a transition into a healthy lifestyle.

What’s in it for Me?

Toxic burden from chemicals and preservatives in food, insecticides and pesticides used in farming, antibiotic therapy for raising animals, other environmental insults and medication remnants may irritate the inside of our body.   Harmful effects result including inflammation and oxidation (destructive conditions associated with many chronic diseases). Over time our immune responses are compromised. These elements may affect the body’s metabolism and may impair enzymes (needed for proper body functions).  Consequences include nutritional deficiencies and hormone imbalances. All of which may contribute to diminishing health. Contaminants may build up in the body faster than they can be removed or inactivated. Certain gene variations may also impair our body’s ability to handle these burdens.  Moreover, our body’s nutritional health and antioxidant status affects how well our body restores balance that result in reduced oxidative stress .

Short-Term

The plans which include fasting may be devoid of replenishing needed nutrients such as protein, easy to digest good fat, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  These are essential to meet increased needs of the liver and digestive canal. Without these ingredients results may be counter productive and even misleading. Conduct a healthy short term detox on your own, only if you are incorporate these replenishing nutrients. A main goal of proper cleansing is to establish a healthier digestive system.  Allowing time for rest and to recover from removing chemicals, continually processing tough-textured protein foods, commercial fats and oils, and sugary processed foods. However, if conducted for long periods, there is a risk of depleting nutritional status and the supply of healthy bacteria. A prudent plan considers these facets and avoids consequences.

Hydrate

Water is essential for life and also maximizes digestive and inner body health.   Hydration matters on a regular basis. A healthy cleanse includes plenty of fluids. Chemical free water aids waste removal by partnering with fiber and pushing food remnants forward. This helps prevent slow or insufficient waste removal, constipation. Bloating and water retention also resolves. As a general recommendation include 8 to 10 cups of water- in divided amounts each day. Overcoming and avoiding thirst are good clues that hydration is adequate. Amounts per person vary depending on your environment and activity levels. Fluids also come from foods. Blenderized whole vegetables (to retain fiber and nutrients) and nutritious protein smoothies and good fats are also a focus of many detox plans since these drinks provide essential nutrients to improve your health. Blenderizing also decreases the work load on your digestive process giving your system a chance to restore, recover and revive.

Fruits and Vegetables Rule

A nourishing detox menu includes fresh fruits and vegetables at its core. These selections are rich in essential nutrients which are much needed for normal body functions and they also source dietary fiber. Antioxidant rich sources are high priorities including: artichokes, broccoli, citrus (as tolerated) and berries.

Fiber Facts

A nutritious eating plan contains adequate fiber to help eliminate waste and remove contaminants. Fiber fuels good bacteria, regulates the digestive process by moving food through the GI tract, helps satisfying hunger and control blood sugar. Fiber is not digested nor absorbed, passing through without adding calories. High-fiber foods include: berries, fruits with edible skin such as apples and pears; water rich vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrots; and legumes and whole-grain foods including rolled oats, quinoa, beans, peas and lentils.

Macro Nutrition

The Digestive system and liver require increased nutrients to repair, recover and optimize.  Recognizing that the digestive system starts with clearing waste, including soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients.   Glutamine (an amino acid) allows for repair of the intestinal lining.  The process starts with switching to nutrient rich food replacing fast and processed foods and heightening hydration.  Wholesome, gently cooked foods for example tenderized protein and easy to absorb fats (like butter, Ghee, MCT and coconut oil) and soft textures should be included.  Our Digestive Wellness Series helps to take the guesswork out and direct a course for you,  You may also consider a consultation with one of our experts to understand your personal choices.