Herbal Detoxification

Herbal Detoxification

Generic diets for detoxification are good, but may not stimulate the liver, lungs or the kidneys as much as one would like. Herbal cleanses are indicated when we want to hone our cleanse to a "sharp edge" and be organ specific. Of course, herbs are foods too and provide one with vitamins, minerals and enzymes for excellent nutrition. Herbs are powerful, because they may be combined together to fortify those herbs that aid specific organs. For example, herbal combinations that aid the liver may be found in many organic food stores. The list below shows how herbal combinations help the various organs.


Herbal Combinations

Liver

LIV-A Dandelion, red beet, liverwort, parsley, horsetail, birch leaves, chamomile, blessed thistle, black cohosh, angelica, gentian, goldenrod

Kidneys

Uva ursi, parsley, dandelion, juniper berries JP-X Parsley, uva ursi, marshmallow, ginger, goldenseal, dong quai, cedar berries

Lungs

LH Comfrey, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, senega, Chinese ephedra

Most herbs may be taken at any time, they are best for detoxification purposes when they are used with a good diet also. It does not make any sense to take herbs to cleanse the liver if the bowels are clogged with junk or refined foods, since the liver dumps its toxins into the bowels. And while detoxification diets are effective by themselves, they may be reinforced and speeded up with herbs, which stimulate the eliminative organs.

The above said herbs may be used as teas, powders or extracts. Powders are usually encapsulated for easier swallowing, but are best when taken with meals and digestive enzymes. Extracts may be used when specific herbs are needed, but may be extracted with alcohol, which we need to avoid. Herbal teas are easily made and easily taken all throughout the day. They are mild and gentle and sometimes refreshing and sometimes bitter. Experimentation may be in order until one develops the right tea to drink. Herbal teas is a topic in itself, since there are so many and different ways to make them. Enjoy !

Tomato, Onion & Herb Salad

Detox Diet Recipe : Tomato, Onion & Herb Salad

DETOX DIET RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• 1 red onion, peeled & halved
• 3 medium tomatoes, seeded & chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• a large handful of coriander leaves
• a large handful of flat-leaved parsley
• salt & pepper

DETOX DIET RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse the red onion in cold water, then soak for 10 minutes and chop coarsely- you need slightly less onion than tomatoes. Mix the chopped onion with the tomatoes in a large bowl, add the olive oil and a good grinding of black pepper, and stir well.

Then cover the bowl with glad-wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.Strip the leaves from the stems of the coriander and flat-leaved parsley, chop them roughly and add to the onion and tomato mixture. Stir well and add a little more olive oil if you like. Check the seasoning and serve. !

this-is-detox-diet-menu-for-day

Detox Diet Chocolate Brownies

Detox Diet Chocolate Brownies
Detox Diet Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup virgin unrefined coconut oil (melted and cooled)
• 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup rice syrup
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup millet or amaranth flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup water

Detox Diet Recipe Directions:

    First of all preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    And then melt coconut oil on low heat. It melts quickly so pay attention and remove from heat as soon as it’s melted.
    Next is to grind the chia seeds in a clean coffee or spice grinder.
    Combine chia seed powder and 2 tablespoons of water in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
    Add melted oil, sweeteners, cacao powder and maca powder to the bowl. Combine well using a whisk.
    Grind oats into a flour using a Vita-Mix blender or use pre-made oat flour. Do the same for millet. (Amaranth can not be home-ground so for this one just get the pre-made flour).
    Add flours, baking soda and water to the bowl and stir well. You’ll want to switch to a wooden spoon for this part as it will be thick.
    Pour into a well oiled 9 x 13 brownie pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes. Check with a toothpick or knife to make sure they’re done. Enjoy it !
Detox diet : baked-apples.

Detox Diet Recipe : Oatmeal Pie Crust

Detox Diet Recipe : Oatmeal Pie Crust

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons safflower oil
• 4 to 4 ½ tablespoons water

Detox Diet Recipe Instructions:
    First of all preheat oven to 350 degrees F and oil a 9-inch pie plate.
    Next is to stir together all ingredients with a fork.
    And then transfer to pie plate and gently press into bottom and sides.
    Add pie filling of your choice and bake according to directions for pie filling.
    If baking pie crust alone, use fork to prick bottom in several places to prevent buckling. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden. Enjoy it !
herbal-detoxification

The Detox Diet Plan

The Detox Diet Plan
Detox Diet
After these three days - for one week put yourself on a monotrophic diet , i.e. eat only one type of fruit at each meal.

BREAKFAST :
All types of melons are good. Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Gala or Watermelon.

LUNCHTIME:
Eat only oranges and grapefruit or pineapples or plums whatever you fancy but don't mix the fruits. Eat till hunger is satisfied. Have a large (12 oz.) glass of freshly pressed carrot juice.

EVENING:
Eat only apples, pears, grapes or bananas. Eat only one fruit at a time and eat till hunger is satisfied. You can resume your household duties or light office work but do not exert yourself physically. Conserve energy. It is possible that some of you may feel some reactions, like light headedness, nausea at times, a little listlessness and feeling of tiredness and mental irritability. Persevere - Rome wasn't built in a day. The symptoms will go away eventually. Lots of sleep and rest are essential at this stage so do not plan any social events.

DETOX BREAKFAST

Fresh fruit only of oranges, kiwi's, pineapple, apple, plums, grapefruit or any other acid fruits. You can now mix the fruits. Eat enough to satisfy your hunger. You have to get your calories from the fruit you eat.

DETOX LUNCH
Eat heartily of grapes, pears, bananas, mangoes, fresh dates, and with this meal eat a head of lettuce, 1-2 sticks of celery and a handful of dried raisins or sultanas, or 3-4 dried figs or 10-12 dried Hunza apricots.

DETOX SNACK
A large 12 oz glass of freshly squeezed carrot juice.

DETOX EVENING
A large Rainbow salad of grated red cabbage, grated carrots, grated beetroot, chopped up celery, watercress, cucumber, and red or green peppers. A dressing could be made as follows: Put 2-3 tomatoes in the blender, 1 whole peeled large size avocado and a pinch of marigold bouillon powder and 1 tea spoonful cold pressed linseed oil or olive oil. Blend the lot and pour it on your Rainbow salad and mix thoroughly. Enjoy it with some lettuce leaves. To this salad you add 3 ozs of nuts and seeds. Not salted nuts and not peanuts. Brazil, Cashew, Almonds, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds. Whatever you fancy. Chew well or grind the nuts dry and sprinkle on the Rainbow salad or put ground nuts in a blender, add just a little water and make it into nut cream.
No cooked food should be eaten. Full activity can be resumed on this raw diet. This regime has worked on thousands of cases.
Remember no one can cure you. Detox Diet

List of Foods to Avoid on a Detox Diet

This is a list of foods to avoid on a detox diet.

Sugar
Includes sugar, products containing sugar, and hidden forms of sugar, such as sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, brown sugar, and turbinado. Artificial sweeteners are usually not recommended. Stevia and erythritol are allowed natural sweeteners.

Dairy Products
Milk, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and other dairy products.

Wheat
Wheat and products containing wheat, such as pasta and bread.

Gluten
All gluten-containing grains: wheat (including spelt, triticale, and kamut), rye, and barley.

Coffee
Although most detox diets recommend avoiding coffee, both regular and decaffeinated, one cup a day is usually acceptable and may reduce the occurrence of caffeine withdrawal headaches.

Other Foods to Avoid

* Yeast
* Alcohol
* Food additives and preservatives
* Chocolate
* High-Fat Foods

List of Allowed Foods on a Detox Diet.

List of Allowed Foods on a Detox Diet.
A detox diet is recommended by some alternative practitioners to promote the elimination of unwanted chemicals and environmental and dietary toxins from the body for optimum health.

This is a sample list of allowed foods on a detox diet.

Fruit
Fresh or frozen fruit.

Vegetables
All fresh vegetables. Vegetables thought to be particularly good detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and green vegetables.

Rice
All forms of rice, including rice cakes, rice crackers and rice pasta. Brown rice is typically preferred.

Other Grains
Quinoa, amaranth, millet, and buckwheat can be used instead of rice. They can be purchased at a health food store or in some grocery stores.

Beans
Split yellow and green peas and lentils are easiest to digest and require the least soaking time. Other good options include kidney beans, pinto beans, mung beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and adzuki beans.

Nuts and Seeds
Unsalted nuts or seeds can be sprinkled over salads or eaten as a snack. Good options include flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts. Nut butters are permitted. Peanuts and peanut butter are usually not recommended.

Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is a preferred oil.


Condiments
Vegetable salt, sea salt, vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, all herbs or spices.

Tea
Herbal teas, green tea.

Other Beverages
Water, lemon water, pure unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, rice milk

Daily Detox Do's

* Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day, warm or room temperature.
* Take the time to chew food well, especially grains.
Detox Diet
this-is-detox-diet-menu-for-day.

Detox Diet Menu

DETOX DIET MENU
This is a detox diet menu for a day.

Upon rising

* 1/2 lemon squeezed into a glass of warm water
* 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water

Breakfast

* breakfast smoothie made with pear, rice milk and rice protein powder
* supplements: vitamin C

Snacks

* apple juice diluted with water
* water
* vegetable broth
* celery sticks and hummus

Lunch

* chunky vegetable soup made with vegetable stock and your choice of vegetables
* steamed broccoli with sesame seeds and beets sprinkled with lemon juice on brown rice
* apple sauce
* supplements: multivitamin

Snacks

* carrot sticks with hummus dip
* water
* supplements: milk thistle

Dinner

* curried lentils on quinoa
* salad with mixed greens, red peppers, artichokes and sprouts drizzled with salad dressing of garlic, lemon juice and olive oil
* vegetable broth

Before bed

* 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water.
Detox Diet: tomato-onion-herb-salad.

Detox Diet Recipe : Kiwi, Avocado & Spring Onion Salad

Detox Diet Recipe : Kiwi, Avocado & Spring Onion Salad

DETOX DIET RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• 1 kiwi fruit
• 3 spring onions
• 1 ripe avocado
• salad leaves

For the dressing:

• a squeeze of lime juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• a dab of honey (about ½ teaspoon, or to taste)
• salt & pepper

DETOX DIET RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Peel the kiwi fruit, cut it into slices and then cut each slice into four. Finely chop the spring onions, and put them, with the kiwi, into a bowl.

Make The Dressing:

Put the lime juice, olive oil and honey in a screw-top jar with lots of freshly ground black pepper. Seal the jar and shake it well, then taste, adding a little salt if wished. Pour over the kiwi and spring onions and leave for 30 minutes for the flavours to develop.Cut the avocado in half and remove the stone, peel and then chop the flesh into chunks. Add these to the bowl containing the kiwi and spring onions, and stir very gently to coat the pieces in the dressing.

Arrange the salad leaves on a plate and arrange the kiwi, spring onion and avocado in the middle. Serve.

Detox Diet Recipe: Bean Salad With Herbs & Wild Leaves

Detox Diet Recipe : Bean Salad With Herbs & Wild Leaves

DETOX DIET RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• 20g (2/3 oz) dried haricot beans
• 20g (2/3 oz) dried black-eye beans
• 40g (1½ oz) dried chickpeas
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 6 olives, chopped
• 6 cherry tomatoes, chopped
• salad leaves eg. rocket, corriander & flat-leaved parsley
• a handful of small dandelion leaves
• salt & pepper

For the dressing:

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp olive oil
• black pepper
• ½ tsp wholegrain mustard
• ½ tsp clear honey

DETOX DIET RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

Soak the haricots, black-eye beans and chickpeas overnight, keeping the haricots separate. Drain and rinse all of them, and put the haricots into a small pan with fresh water.
Bring to the boil, then simmer gently. When they are beginning to soften, add the chickpeas and continue cooking until tender.

Put the black-eye beans in another pan, cover with fresh water and boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender.

Make the dressing:

Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, mustard and honey in a jar, close tightly and then shake well.Drain the cooked beans and rinse with fresh water. Put all the beans in a bowl and add half the dressing. Then add the chopped onions, olives and tomatoes, and mix well. Check
the seasoning.Mix the salad leaves and dandelion greens in another bowl and pour the other half of the dressing over them. Toss and then arrange on a plate, leaving a gap in the middle for
the beans. After the beans have been added, serve.

Detox Diet Criticism

Detox Diet Criticism

Professor Alan Boobis OBE, Toxicologist, Division of Medicine, Imperial College London states that "The body’s own detoxification systems are remarkably sophisticated and versatile. It is remarkable that people are prepared to risk seriously disrupting these systems with unproven ‘detox’ diets, which could well do more harm than good."[5]
The potentially high mercury content in some fish is cited to argue against increased fish consumption. Sudden changes in diet have been linked to fainting and other medical issues. It is therefore of utmost importance to gradually introduce the dietary changes, especially if they are extreme compared to the present diet. Fasting should never be undertaken without a proper understanding of its procedures, and long-term changes to the diet should always include a balance of the nutrients needed for the sustenance of the human body - carbohydrates, protein, unsaturated fat, vitamins, minerals and water. The same is advisable for any diet, cleansing or otherwise, in order to maintain optimal health.

Highly restrictive detox diets such as Water fasting or the Master Cleanse are not the safest form of weight loss. These diets, if done improperly or for too long, may result in nutrient deficiencies. With less lean muscle tissue, the body's metabolic needs decrease, which hampers weight loss efforts unless calories are lessened further in the diet.

While many people have provided testimonials to their health improvements in following a "detox" diet lifestyle, some of these people may have started the detox diet after coming off an unhealthy diet high in sugar and processed food that may lack nutrients. Any improvements cited from such people would only prove the effectiveness of a detox diet over an average diet, and not that it is the ideal diet that doesn't carry its own unique health risks. Some of the changes recommended in certain "detox"diet lifestyles are ones that agree with mainstream medical advice, such as consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Detox Diet
what-is-detox-diet.

What is Detox Diet ?

What is Detox Diet ?

Detox, short for detoxification, is the body's natural, ongoing process of neutralizing or eliminating toxins from the body. Sources of toxins include those produced in the body during normal functions, such as the ammonia produced during the breakdown of protein, and chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, food additives, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, and heavy metals like lead that enter the body when we ingest or inhale them.
What is a Detox Diet?
Although detox is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol or drug dependence, the term is also used to refer to diets, herbs, and other methods of removing environmental and dietary toxins from the body for optimum health
There are many different types of detox diets. Generally, a detox diet is a short-term diet that:
* Emphasizes foods that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for detoxification.
* Contains foods, such as high fiber foods and water, that draw out and eliminate toxins by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination.
Why do People go on a Detox Diet?
A growing body of research suggests that many of the chemicals we ingest daily through food, water, and air can become deposited in fat cells in our bodies. Signs are thought to include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin, and muscle pain.
Some private labs, such as Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs, offer tests that assess urine, stools, blood, and liver function. These tests are not standard medical tests and many medical doctors do not recognize them or consider them valid.

Benefits of a Detox Diet

People often report improved energy, clearer skin, regular bowel movements, improved digestion, and increased concentration and clarity after a detox diet.

Who Shouldn't Try a Detox Diet?

Anyone considering a detox diet should consult a qualified health professional and/or their medical doctor first.

Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn't try this diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider.
Side Effects of Detox Diet

One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of starting the detox diet, often due to caffeine withdrawal. For this reason, practitioners often suggest gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting a detox diet. Constipation may occur if people consume excess fiber without also increasing their fluid intake. Other side effects can include tiredness, irritability, acne, weight loss, and hunger. Any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms that occur during a detox diet should prompt a visit to a qualified health professional.

If a detox diet is continued for a longer time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies, particularly protein (some detox diets omit animal products) and calcium.

Getting Started with Detox Diet

Fatigue, indigestion, cough, muscle pain, and poor sleep can be signs of serious illness. Choosing a Detox Diet Method

Detox diet plans may include a special diet, herbs and supplements, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna therapy. Although more controversial, some detox programs include fasting, colon hydrotherapy, liver flush, and chelation.

Alternative practitioners usually recommend that people trying a detox diet for the first time opt for a gentle detox diet plan.

Some detox diets claim to target different organ systems involved in detoxification, such as the skin, liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and lymph system.

How Often Do People Go On a Detox Diet?

Proponents of detox diets generally recommend one to two times a year to improve health and prevent disease. In some cases, however, alternative practitioners may recommend a detox diet more frequently or may recommend a longer detox diet.

What Do People Eat After the Detox Diet is Over?

After the detox diet is over, alternative practitioners often suggest gradually easing back into a healthy, but less restrictive diet. Many people use a detox diet as a springboard for a healthier lifestyle and continue eating many of the vegetables and fruits they ate on the detox diet.

Do People Temporarily Stop Taking Medication During a Detox Diet?


What Critics of the Detox Diet Say

* Detox diets aren't needed. The body can detoxify on its own without the help of a detox diet. * There is no evidence that detox diets work.
* Herbal detox products are unproven and expensive.

detoxification-diets

Detoxification Diets

DETOXIFICATION DIET

Detoxification diets help the body to eliminate toxins in many ways. First, natural vegetarian diets include the fiber needed for stimulating good bowel eliminate. They also contain the proper amounts of vitamins that feed and nourish the bowels and the liver, as well as other eliminative organs. They also include a valuable source of enzymes since most vegetarian diets are eaten raw. The elimination of meat from the diet for a short period enhances detoxification because meat is so difficult to digest and requires many enzymes for its digestion. Therefore, vegetarian diets are cleansing diets and aid the body in elimination of toxins.

Of course, changing diets and lifestyle is easier said than done for some people. Many people want health and will go to any length to improve their health, including dietary changes. But there are others who do not want to change their life style for anything. These people will be difficult to motivate and will not stick with the detox programs for one day. They may not want to give up their sodas, or their cigarettes, their beer or their coffee. They may make a few changes, like drinking more water, or they may give up completely in a very short notice. Our way of eating has been cultivated over many years and will not change over night. But to those who do want better health and do not want to rely on pills/drugs for their existence, nutritional changes will be welcomed, especially when they start feeling better and having more energy.

Detox Diets are very important and are usually the basis for any detox program, whether it is herbs, cleansing or other detox programs.[i] Detox diets will generally eliminate trigger foods, which may cause many problems with digestion and elimination. Foods like wheat (glutens) and dairy (milk, cheese) are often the cause of allergies. Sugar is eliminated because of its "empty calories" and tendency to produce hypoglycemia. Meats are eliminated because they may contain hormones, antibiotics and are difficult to digest. Caffeine is wise to avoid, since it has many ill effects on the body's digestion. Refined, processed and junk foods are also out for any detox program to work.
Detox Diet

Introduction to detoxification

INTRODUCTION TO DETOXIFICATION
Detox Diet

Detoxification comes in many forms and refers to many different programs that cleanse the body of toxins. Today, our environment is toxic and the foods we eat, even the air we breathe and the water we drink is laden with chemicals foreign to our system. Therefore, everyone is undergoing some type of detoxification to maintain life and health.

Although basic detoxification begins with diet, detox programs may include nutritional fortification for the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels and blood.

We will soon see why these organs are so important in detoxification. Detoxification for the body may refer to the cleansing of the bowels, kidneys, lungs, the liver or the blood, since these are the organs involved in detoxification of chemicals and toxins from the body. The liver acts as an
"in-line" filter for the removal of foreign substances and wastes from the blood. The kidneys
filter wastes from the blood into the urine, while the lungs remove volatile gases as we breathe.

Our body is designed to utilize natural substances, which includes foods, herbs and phytochemicals. Any foreign substance will serve as a stimulus to our immune system, which has the function of removing these substances. Although the toxicity of a chemical may vary, it is the job of the liver to reduce toxins into compounds that the body can safely handle and eliminate through the kidneys (as urine), skin (as sweat), lungs (as expelled air) and bowels (as feces). Maintaining these eliminative organs in good working order is essential for one's good health to continue.
While there are many detoxification programs available, they differ in their actions and their
intent. Some detoxification programs (DP) work only with the bowels, others may cleanse the liver or the blood, and others may aid the kidneys or the skin in their functions. By combining these detox programs into a total health program, one can effectively restore their health to an optimal level and look younger in the process. When the body can eliminate toxins, then health is restored and energy and vigor are revitalized. Many different approaches to detoxification and wellness will work, even though they attack the problem at different levels. Any program that augments detoxification will improve health. Other factors must be considered in detoxification, like nutrition, water, and exercise, rest, sunshine, and fresh air.
Detox Diet