Holistic Detox Diet

A healthy, holistic detox diet flushes out environmental and dietary toxins from the body. The build-up of toxins can degrade the immune system, cause fatigue and muscle pains, compromise metabolic efficiency and lower the body's capacity to incorporate nutrients. Detox diet plans range from five days to three weeks and can improve your complexion, increase energy and metabolism, help you sleep better, smooth digestion and increase clarity and concentration.

Elements

The body's natural system for eliminating toxins is made up of the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, blood, skin and lymphatic system. A holistic detox plan supports the natural function of all these channels, especially the liver, which bears most of the burden. A combination of healthy diet, hydrotherapy (flushing the colon), exercise, deep breathing practice and sauna or steam bath therapy can work together to eliminate toxins.

Foods to Avoid

Abstain from drugs, alcohol, smoking and coffee or other caffeinated drinks. Keep away from sugar and artificial sweeteners, processed or high-fat foods, cheese, red meat, shellfish, wheat, gluten, yeast, chocolate, jams and spreads, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers), roasted or salted nuts, avocado and fruit (except bananas).

Foods to Eat

Drink two to three liters of filtered water daily. You can also drink water with lemon, herbal or green tea with honey and unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices. Eat organic foods, especially dark greens and steamed or raw vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, onion, garlic, beets and artichokes are especially beneficial. For grains, stick to rice (preferably brown), quinoa, millet or buckwheat. Get protein from white meat, tofu, fish, eggs (not more than three to four a week), cottage cheese, yogurt, unsalted nuts, and beans such as lentils, garbanzos or split peas. Cook with extra virgin olive oil, tamari, sea salt and other spices for flavor.

Supplements

Take a multivitamin. Make sure it includes selenium, molybdenum, zinc, choline, methionine and vitamins A, C and E. Certain herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root provide support for the liver. There are also herbal cleanse kits designed for detoxing.

Cautions and Side Effects

Research and plan your detox diet to find what makes the most sense for you. Pregnant women and those with health conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disease should not do a detox. Consult your physician first. A headache from caffeine withdrawal might occur at the beginning; you can mitigate this by weaning off coffee slowly before starting the diet and staying hydrated. Don't do an extreme detox the first time around, and don't do it more than once or twice a year. After the detox, continue to eat a balanced and healthy--but not rigid--diet.