Detox, that fashionable term
Detox is an abbreviation of the English term "detoxification" or, what is the same, "detoxification" or "detoxification". In this context, this is what we call the cleansing of the body of toxins, excess fluids, superfluous fat and anything else, in short, that prevents it from performing its functions correctly.
Which organs are involved in the detox process?
Before going into the importance of a detox diet, let's get to know which are the main organs that perform this function naturally and systematically in the body:
- Liver: this organ is fundamental for the elimination of chemical substances. It filters and cleanses the blood, metabolizes toxins and ensures that these are eliminated through the bile and kidneys. In order to keep the liver healthy and to ensure that it performs its function correctly, it is essential not to overload it with medication, alcohol and, above all, to eat correctly. The essential thing is to take carbohydrates in the form of vegetables and fruits, and not to gorge ourselves with proteins, which leave more residues in the organism that overload it. By the way, let's include among the vegetables the artichoke, a natural protector of the stomach.
- Kidneys: They are in charge of eliminating toxins that are dissolved in the urine. Therefore, like the liver, they are also in charge of destroying medicines, heavy metals, etcetera. To make this task easier for the kidneys, it is important to consume a large amount of water daily: no less than one and a half liters a day.
- Skin: It is the largest organ of our body and the one that exerts a greater detox action. The chemical substances it absorbs are eliminated through sweat and evaporation. When our skin shows symptoms of dryness, pimples, spots, reaction in the form of redness, etc., we have to act to remedy it, because then it will not be performing this detoxifying function properly. At 180 the concept we have numerous formulas to restore the skin's hydration, eliminate spots, scars, acne, etc.
- Lymphatic system: It not only takes care of our defenses, but also of the elimination of waste substances, which it collects and destroys through the lymphatic vessels. For it to work properly we must avoid swelling or edema, which we can eliminate thanks to lymphatic drainage. In 180 the concept we have the wonderful trio of formulas circulation and fluid retention, designed precisely to enhance this function.
- Mucous membranes and digestive system: Mucous membranes host the bacterial flora, which protects us against toxins. They are the first barrier of protection against bad food, and are responsible for eliminating them by causing their elimination through the digestive system. It is essential to have a bacterial flora in perfect condition so that our body can eliminate toxins and absorb the necessary nutrients. I will talk about this point in depth later on.
If our body does it, why do we need a detox diet?
Good question. And this is what I will try to answer. Our body eliminates toxins and heavy metals mainly through the organs I mentioned before, but it happens that a small part of these toxins is not eliminated and accumulates in the body. Therefore, its natural mechanism slows down. That is why it is convenient to help it once or twice a year.
One of the ways to do it is the detox diet, the other and more fundamental to really cleanse the body is the detoxifying nutricosmetics.
The basics of a detox diet
The detox diet is especially interesting after a period of excesses, such as summer or after Christmas. At these times it is common to consume less healthy foods, rich in sugar, fat and salt.
On the other hand, a detox diet is always recommended for people who have digestive problems, high cholesterol or triglycerides, high uric acid, fluid retention, diabetes, etc... The nutrients in a detox diet help these groups of people to improve their health. Of course, always with the advice of a nutrition specialist, never on your own.
Benefits of a detox diet:
- Prevents constipation and facilitates the elimination of toxins.
- Controls values such as sugar, cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.
- Improves our immune system.
- Improves concentration and mood.
- Improves or eliminates headaches.
What foods can be taken in a detox diet?
This is the list of some foods that help to detoxify our organism:
- Fresh, dried and dehydrated fruits. Do not forget to include pineapple.
- Vegetable fats [mainly olive oil and avocado].
- One hundred percent natural juices [no bottled juices].
- Whole grains [oats, quinoa, brown rice, bulgur, rye, corn...].
- Lactose-free milk or vegetable milks, such as soy milk.
- Infusions such as horsetail, thyme, licorice and green tea.
- Natural herbs and condiments.
We should always look for foods as natural as possible, which have not been subjected to chemical processes and free of pesticides, preservatives, dyes, etc.. This is the only way to ensure a detoxifying diet.
What we should discard:
- Sugar, especially refined sugar.
- Carbonated drinks [soda, soft drinks, etc.].
- Refined flours [white bread, cookies, cakes, etc.].
- Sweetened yogurts or yogurts with fruit.
- Artificial seasonings such as meat stock cubes, vegetable stock, etcetera.
- All kinds of confectionery, sweets...
- Chocolates [except defatted and sugar-free cocoa].
- Coffee, alcohol and tobacco.
Other considerations about the detoz diet:
- We should not start a detox diet on our own, as we may lack many nutrients that would put our health at risk. The ideal is to go to a nutrition expert who will suggest a diet according to our needs.
- We should not under-nourish ourselves. A diet below the minimum requirements can lead to a loss of muscle mass and water.
- The detox shakes, so fashionable in recent times, are good as a complement, but not as the basis of the diet. Ingesting only liquid is not advisable. It may be interesting to drink one on an empty stomach and then follow a healthy diet based on the foods we have mentioned. In addition, consuming vegetables in the form of juice can make us lose part of the fiber, which is also of interest to us.
- It is not advisable to extend this type of diet for more than a few days.
