Learning the Basics of Detoxing

There are a lot of ways on how to live a healthier life and at the same time shed off those unwanted body fats. One technique that is fast gaining popularity is to detox. What is there to know about this in particular? Perhaps some of you may already have an idea of what to expect out of this; but for those who want to know a little more about this, then you may want to explore this article.

Upon hearing the word detoxification, perhaps the primary thought that may appear in your mind is the procedure used for therapy of a person who has a certain kind of addiction. But this word may also mean as some kind of a "elimination" wherein the body is cleansed of dietary toxins to improve one’s health.

This kind of action may be done in a lot of ways, but in general, its aim is to reduce the ingestion of chemicals that may not be helpful for the body. This may be obtained by eating foods that are rich in fiber, so that toxins can be easily eliminated by frequent bowel movement.

Reasons to Go on a Detox Diet:

There are people who undergo a weight loss program wherein diet lacks some nutrients which aid or assist in detoxifying chemicals in our body. 

(See: Jennifer Jolan's Big Book of Diets: All You Need to Know about 50 of the World's Most Popular Diets - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!) 

As a result of this, chemicals may build-up in the body which is often called as the “body burden.” This accumulation of chemicals is believed to be responsible of some illnesses including impairment of immune system and inefficiency of the body’s metabolism.

Aside from the fact that this diet may prevent serious illnesses, its effects are other reasons why people should try this diet. Most of the individuals who have tried this diet have testified that they have improved energy and digestion. Their bowel movement is frequent and regular, which makes them less irritable. They also opined that their concentration have increased after undergoing this kind of diet. And, as an added feature, their skins have become clearer and more radiant than before.

The Possible Side Effects:

In every detoxification, there is a tendency of the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. For instance, if a person cuts down his intake of caffeine, he may experience headache during the first few days of his withdrawal. Thus, practitioners recommend that instead of a sudden withdrawal they should try to slowly decrease their caffeine intake; as they say, slowly but surely.

Diarrhea may also be a drawback, and if it worsens, it may even lead to dehydration. However, constipation may also occur, especially if the person has consumed too much fiber and yet his fluid intake is not increased in the right proportion.

Aside from these, other simple effects are tiredness, hunger and sometimes, bad temper. However, these symptoms should not continue for a long time; thus, if such condition worsens during the duration of the diet, it would be best to visit and seek the advice of a professional.

Since this diet may exclude animal products from the list of foods that a person may eat, then it is possible that you may not get all the nutrients that you will be needing.

You should remember that a detox diet should not be continued for a longer period because it may lead to nutrient deficiencies like protein and calcium.  It's always to get a good read on anything before jumping into it.  I love the books For "Dummies & Idiots".  They really provide tons of basic information; whereas, you can then begin to develop good questions for further research.  

Here are 2 of my favorites.