Detoxification begins in the liver, which eliminates toxins from the body in two complex phases. First, it converts toxic substances into highly reactive metabolites and then excretes and eliminates them from the body with the fecal matter. The kidneys, lungs and intestines also play a huge role in the detoxification process.
Toxins can affect these organs both acutely and cumulatively. More dangerous are persistent low-quality toxins, such as toxic substances present in conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.
An important thing to know about detox is that our bodies always and constantly go through an automatic detoxification process. In other words, our bodies automatically detoxify without having to do anything.
So, to be more precise, health detox does not remove toxins, but simply supports or accelerates the automatic process of purification of our bodies and helps them get rid of toxins with less effort.
However, detox diets have an obvious effect on the body, so let’s see exactly how they affect human health.
Detox only in perfect health?
If you are sick or have a weak immune system, detox is not the best thing for you, because the body must use all its energy to heal while detoxifying. Detox awakens toxins stored in fat cells and other parts of the body to eliminate them.
This is a lot of work for the body and can make a person (especially if they have health problems) feel tired and even experience cold or flu symptoms. Therefore, it is best to detox only when you are in stable health, unless the detox program you want to follow is specifically designed to improve health problems.
When can detox affect health and why?
Purifying juice or detox diets are a popular health trend that is often considered a quick solution to weight loss and a method of eliminating toxins from the body. Some detox diets include drinking only liquids and nothing else.
Others include food and snacks during the day. Depending on the type, detox programs are usually given for three days to three weeks.
- During detox, side effects such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty thinking, bad mood and stomach pain are often experienced. Be prepared for changes in bowel function and frequent visits to the bathroom.
- Detox diets are not suitable for people with diabetes who are on medications to regulate insulin activity. Drinking so much juice or water can lead to unstable blood sugar levels.
- People taking blood-thinning medicines should also avoid detoxification, as some vegetable juices often consumed during the diet may be high in vitamin K (eg kale, spinach, parsley and celery), which may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with impaired immune systems or advanced heart, liver or kidney disease should also avoid detoxification.
- Some detox juice diets involve consuming very low or no protein.
People need a daily intake of protein to build healthy cells and regenerate muscles. Fruits and vegetables contain only small amounts of protein; however, some juices may also include cashew or almond milk, as one of the daily drinks that offers some more protein and fat.
Consuming fruit and vegetable juices for three days may not be harmful to a healthy person, but do not be surprised if you feel unwell during the program, as these detox diets are extremely low in protein.
These diets are especially inappropriate and even dangerous for the elderly, as they are more likely to feel unwell. A possible symptom is severe fatigue and weakness caused by a lack of protein in the diet.
Basic effects of detox on the body and organs
Brain blurring and headache
This is a common symptom of body detox and is caused by the chemical imbalance that your body undergoes during the first phase of the new diet. But don’t worry, by the end of the first week you can expect a reduction in headaches and improved mental clarity, memory, concentration and focus.
This improvement in brain activity is largely due to the balance of the gut. There is a direct link between gut and brain health.
Swelling of the abdomen and inflammation
As the bacteria die and the good bacteria migrate, you are likely to get inflammation or swelling of the abdomen. This is perfectly normal and can be expected. Like all other symptoms, this one will pass. If you want to overcome this phase faster, add a probiotic to your diet or turmeric, which fights inflammation.
Stronger immune system
You may not notice it right at the beginning, but you will soon see how you recover faster from colds and injuries and will withstand weather changes better.
Improved intestinal peristalsis
If you usually suffer from intestinal problems, you will notice that after a few days of detoxification, everything begins to self-regulate.
The liver
During detox, the liver finally gets a chance to do its job more efficiently. With the right herbs and vitamins, the detoxification process can even help burn harmful fats in the liver, which will make it function better.
The skin
After your body starts releasing toxins, your skin may actually look worse before you start to feel better. You may get rashes and hives at first, but it will soon clear up and your skin colour will improve over time.
Influence on tone and energy
Energetic is one of the most important functions of the human body. 7-9 hours of sleep a night are recommended for proper regeneration of brain cells, enhanced immunity and a higher sense of well-being. Detoxification helps to restore balance in the interconnected system of the body’s organs.
Constant fatigue prevents us from functioning properly. Detox with healthy foods included in the diet, help to quickly start the metabolism and increase energy. And when done properly, a detox diet can have a significant impact on our overall health.
Quick detox tips
Drink plenty of water every day. Water naturally removes toxins from the body. Although juices taste good, the human body is made up of 80% water and therefore needs water to be healthy.
- Eat foods high in fiber. They also help digestion and release toxins faster
- Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and Coca-Cola. They all dehydrate the body
- Avoid processed foods and meat, milk and sugar products
- Eat vegetables and fruits, especially blueberries, pears, plums, apples.
- Eat raw nuts, seeds and avocados to get the essential healthy fats that will give you more energy. Chia seeds are also great because they are easy to digest and are full of Omega 3 and protein
- Do cardio exercises. They are important for keeping the body strong and healthy, but they are also important because they help the body get rid of toxins. In addition, exercise causes increased sweating, which is also an excellent source of detoxification
Regular exercise is a form of healthy detox as it promotes blood circulation and the lymphatic system. In this way you will also improve digestion, reduce stress and strengthen your body. For this reason, people who exercise regularly have fewer toxins than those who do not.
- Eat lemons daily. Lemon acid is good for the human body because it removes toxins and harmful body fat. Squeeze a lemon in a glass of warm water and drink every morning.
- Drinking green tea will help you flush out toxins and provide you with a great source of antioxidants.
- Eat blueberries. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are a great source of antioxidants that will help clear toxins.
- Get rid of the stress of your life. Meditation and yoga help a person to relax from stress, which ultimately helps the body get rid of toxins faster. Transform stress by emphasizing positive emotions.
- Eat whole grains foods, such as oatmeal and brown rice. They are essential for providing fiber and energy during your detoxification.
- Reduce sugar consumption. (This includes honey, molasses, and artificial sweeteners.)
- Exfoliate your skin. Dry brushing of the skin (with or without oil) will help you remove toxins through the skin and will further refresh and improve blood circulation.
- Massage. Massage helps to increase circulation, which helps the blood to flow more freely and expel toxins from the body.
- Eat lots of fiber, beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella and seaweed. They are excellent detoxifying foods.
- Detoxify and protect your liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock, donkey thorn, green tea.
- Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that eliminates toxins from the body.
Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate through your system.