The Daily Fitness

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A week already into the new year and many of us will be going on a detox of some kind.

Have you already started your journey to a new you?

To start the journey to a new you why not start it off with a detox programme?

A healthy detox will allow your body to detoxify and give you a good start to your diet.

What is Detoxing?

Detoxing encourages your body to function correctly.  It boosts the body’s natural self cleansing system.  Detoxing helps the organs such as liver, kidneys, lymphatic System and the skin to function correctly.  It also reduces the stress out of the digestive system.

The aim of a detox is to help your body get rid of toxins that accumulate inside the body as a consequence of stress, poor diet, pollution, drugs, alcohol, lack of exercise, cigarettes and too many late nights.

Detoxing gives results such as more energy, clear skin, improved sleep, greater mental clarity and improving the immune system.  And as an added bonus weight loss, although it’s main purpose is not weight loss.

A detox can also act as a starting point for discovering any intolerance or allergies that you may have.

What Does Detoxing Involve?

A detox can last as little as 24 hours to as long as 28 days.

A detox mainly consists of fruit and vegetables.

Foods to Avoid while Detoxing

Sugar

Fried foods

Dairy

Alcohol

Caffeine

Wheat

All types of meat

Foods to Enjoy While Detoxing

Fruit juices

Vegetable juices

Water

Raw foods

Whole fruit

Vegetables

Legumes

Seeds

Oats

Brown rice

Quinoa

Buckwheat

It is important that you drink at least 2 liters of water a  day.

It is also important that you support your body during a detox by taking supplements

Supplements to Take

Multivitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C

Omega 3 & 6

To stimulate the elimination of toxins through the skin in perspiration it is advised to do some light exercises such as walking, yoga or t’ai chi

Side Effects of a Detox?

Side effects of a detox diet can include:

Lethargy

Headaches

Nausea

Mood swings

Spots

Bad breath

Coated tongue

These symptoms usually go after a few days once the body had had a chance to adjust to the detox.

Who Should Not Detox?

You should not detox if you are:

Pregnant

Breast feeding

A child

Elderly

Underweight

Debilitated

Anaemic

Diabetes

Heart Disease

Kidney disease

Liver Disease

Other chronic health problems

Before you start a detox I would advise you to go and see your own doctor first.

The benefits of a detox is a result of eating a better diet, establishing a healthier lifestyle and eliminating toxins from the body.