Detox diet: what to eat to “detoxify” the body?

The detox diet, we can say, is a combination of the soup diet and the consumption of detox juice . People use this food routine to detoxify the body, as if it were cleaning the body.

There are several benefits associated with the model. Its main objective is to help eliminate toxins and substances present in food, as well as to reduce the amount of preservatives, pesticides, saturated fats, trans fat, salt and sugar.

It also aims to decrease the amount of extra fat in the liver and can improve the functioning of the kidneys and intestines.

It also helps to improve fluid retention and cerebral circulation (helping to improve concentration at work and studies, for example).

Check out below how to do and the variations that exist in the detox diet

What is the detox diet and how does it work?

First of all, it is important to emphasize that the detox diet is not a single diet for the day. That is, it is not enough to take green juice daily in the morning. In this model, all meals should have the purpose of detoxification.

So, breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner should contain foods that help promote this cleansing in the body.

For this reason, the menu has several restrictions, which ends up reducing the amount of calories consumed throughout the day. Generally, the diet consists of the predominant consumption of liquids (soups, shakes and juices) in the first days and solid foods at the end of the diet.

It is common for people to maintain their food routine for 3 to 7 days, but the time may vary. However, this is a maximum recommended time, because, as it is very restrictive, it should not be maintained for long periods. The ideal is always to have a professional accompaniment.

According to the chosen diet model, most meals are liquid. Therefore, some people may refer to the diet as a liquid diet and not as a detox, but the goal is the same regardless of the name used.

When to do it?

Our body, of course, performs a “detox”. So, even without the diet, the body knows that it needs to work to eliminate toxins.

The change in food is indicated when the body shows signs that an exaggeration is occurring, making the body not able to eliminate so many toxins and substances on its own.

This is more evident when there is an excessive consumption of foods rich in fats, sugar and salt, and also when there is an excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.

Some of the symptoms in these conditions are frequent swelling, tiredness (even with quality sleep), stuck intestines, gas , headache , nails and weaker hair.

Who can do a detox diet?

This diet has some contraindications, as it is very restrictive. Children, adolescents, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not follow it. People who are not in these groups should also be careful.

Before starting it, they should seek guidance from a specialist, such as a nutritionist or nutritionist.

These professionals will be able to help set up a suitable menu for each person, including all the essential nutrients for a healthy life.

Does the detox diet lose weight?

It depends . The detox diet can even help a person shed a few pounds, but this is mainly due to reduced fluid retention. It is important to note that this is not the main objective of the diet.

By recommending the consumption of healthy foods (fruits and vegetables), with a reduction in calories, it is common for the person to get thin.

But as the diet should not be done for long periods, when you stop following it and go back to consuming foods rich in fats, salt and sugar, this weight loss does not continue at the same pace.

To have a healthy weight loss, the ideal is to consult a nutritionist and seek food reeducation .

Is the detox diet bad for you?

The detox diet can be bad if done improperly and for long periods. There is a risk that the person will not consume all the necessary nutrients and have a loss of muscle mass.

Eating the liquid diet for a long time can also cause side effects. The person may feel more tired, with weakness and headaches.

What foods are Detox?

In the detox diet, fresh foods should be prioritized. Here is the maxim of healthy eating: peel more and unpack less. That is, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds are essential and industrialized foods (rich in sodium, sugar and bad fats) are expendable.

To find out which ones are the most nutritious and put together a balanced menu, the ideal is to talk to a nutritionist.

However, to get an idea of ​​what can be consumed and what should not, check the table below.

The detox diet is a good way to take a break from unhealthy eating habits and cleanse the body of toxins. A few days are enough to realize the benefits of this detox effect.

However, it is known that everything in excess can be harmful, this is true in these cases. Maintaining a diet like this for a long time can cause side effects.

To avoid them, the ideal is to talk to a professional nutritionist and follow up.

To keep informed about healthy eating and well-being, keep following the Healthy Minute!