Detoxification
The human body has a number of intricate systems and pathways that need to function effectively to absorb and utilize nutrients while simultaneously removing toxins and wastes.
This process is done by every cell and tissue continuously as the body produces energy from nutrients. However it is also exposed to harmful compounds daily. Now cells and enzymes cannot function when there is excess waste and toxin build up. If the amount of toxins surpasses the ability of the body to remove it that is when disease is welcome into the body.
How Do We Detoxify?
Fortunately, the body has a number of pathways to eliminate toxins. In other words, there are a number of systems that work together as part of a comprehensive detox network. The body eliminates toxins through the Liver, Digestive Tract, Kidneys, Lungs, Skin, Blood Vessels and Lymphatic System. The organ that traditionally gets the most attention when it comes to detoxification is the Liver. Although it is one of the primary elimination systems, ALL pathways are important and should function harmoniously.
Benefits of Detoxification
By detoxing your body you can get back to a healthier YOU; more clear minded. You have the ability to lower your risk of many diseases associated with toxic build-up and autoimmunity.
There are so many foods that promote healthy detoxification pathways, restore balanced hormonal function, normalize gut and immune function and decrease lung, liver, and kidney toxicity.
Here is YOUR 4 -Week Guide
Foods to Avoid:
Dairy Products
- Yogurt, cheese, milk, cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc.
- 1 serving of whey protein isolate and sheep or goat milk/cheeses/yogurt are allowed
Gluten containing Grains
- Wheat, spelt, rye, kamut, barley
- Most breads, bagels, muffins, pastries, pasta, durum semolina, couscous, flour and cereals are off limits (unless they are gluten free)
- Certified gluten free oats are permitted
Corn
- Popcorn, corn chips/tortillas, fresh corn, canned or frozen niblets
Oils
- Hydrogenated oils, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, shortening and margarine
- Limit your intake to coconut, grapeseed, and olive oils
Alcohol and Caffeine
- I recommend that you cut these out completely. However, if you are unable to get through the day without coffee limit your intake to a single 8 oz cup made from organic coffee beans
Peanuts and peanut-containing products
- Peanut butter, peanuts, trail mix, etc.
Sugar and artificial sweeteners
- Table sugar and all products with sugar added must be avoided completely
- Also avoid maple syrup, rice syrup, anything containing high fructose corn syrup and any product containing an artificial sweetener such as aspartame or sucralose
- Small amounts of honey can be consumed during the day
Citrus Fruits
- Organges, tangerines, grapefruit
- Lemons and limes are allowed
Red Meat
- Pork, beef, lamb, all types of cold cuts, bacon and all types of sausage
Soy
- Soy is a moderate to highly allergenic food for certain individuals. It is considered an estrogenic food and in unfermented form, has little nutritional or hormonal benefit. Limit use of organic soy protein to no more than once per week and use fermented forms such as tempeh and miso
Foods Allowed:
Gluten-free grains and starchy vegetables
- Millet, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, squash/gourds. Limited amounts of rice pasta, rice cakes, rice crackers, sweet potatoes. Limit your intake to 1 serving per day (about the size of your fist)
Vegetables
- Unlimited amounts of vegetables except corn. Best cleansing vegetables include: Alfalfa, Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Broccoli, Chinese Bok Choy, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Kale, Rapini, Red Bell Peppers, Lettuce, Sea Vegetables (Kelp), Snow Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Spinach, Squash (all types), Turnip, Parsnips
Fruits
- All fruits except oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, canned fruits, raisins, dates and other non-organic dried fruit
- The more colourful the better, especially the antioxidant-rich berries: blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, açai
Beans
- All beans are permitted
Nuts and Seeds
- All are allowed except for peanuts
- Limit to 2 small handfuls per day
Fish and Meat
- All poultry, fish and seafood are allowed
- Try to consume mostly organic or PC “Free from” meats
Dairy
- Feta (made from sheep or goat milk), yogurt (made from sheep or goat milk), and sheep/goat cheese is permitted
Oils
- Hemp oil, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil (not heated), coconut oil
Eggs
- Egg whites and yolks are permitted, preferably organic free-run
Nut Milks
- Nut Milks are permitted, be sure to purchase a high quality nut milk that is ‘unsweetened’ (high quality brand is Elmhurst 1925)