Detoxification has become very popular recently both to lose

weight and for general health and fitness, in order to rid

the body of toxins.

However, the benefits of detoxification have been known for

a long time, at least since the early 1900s when it was

discovered that the body could slowly poison itself, -

known as "autointoxication". Unchecked these toxins can

lead to diseases such as heart disease and more serious

illnesses like cancer.

The solution is to rid the body of the toxins that can build

up in the digestive system because of unhealthy foods, that

are not properly eliminated, and also from toxins in the air

that we breathe in and chemicals we come into contact with.

When to detox

If you start to display any of the following symptoms it

could be a sign that your body has a build up of toxins:

• a tired and aching body;

• low energy levels;

• a fatigued mind.

When you notice these symptoms, it's time for a detox.

To prevent a toxin build up you should detox your body at

least once a year.

The secret to good detoxification is two-fold:

1 Optimise the food that is eaten;

2 Reduce the toxins in the body.

A key to that is utilising enzymes. Digestive enzymes help

us to break down proteins, fats, sugars, starches and other

carbohydrates. The human body produces most of the enzymes

that it needs but certain enzymes, such as cellulase must be

obtained from raw fruits and vegetables.

Detox diets are a way of limiting yourself to certain foods

for a short period of time. Some detox diets are very strict

and limit you to juices. A better way is to have a more

varied diet which includes fruits, vegetables and whole

grains. So the best way to detox is with natural foods -

by changing the diet for a week.

There are many benefits to doing this:

• you will lose weight;

• it will rid your body of surplus waste that may have been

building up for years;

• it will revive your digestive system so that you will

start to digest food efficiently again;

• Your immune system will be strengthened;

• You will have fewer cravings for unhealthy foods;

• you will feel better about yourself and have more energy.

How to Detox

If you incorporate the following foods into your diet for

seven days you will feel better, have more energy and lose

weight.

• drink filtered or spring water. Add some squeezed lemon

to some of your glasses of water.

• eat cooked whole grain food such as quinoa, brown

rice, millet or buckwheat;

• Take a multivitamin and additional supplements to fight

the free radicals your body produces as you detox. Take

200 to 400 IU of natural vitamin E and 100 to 200 mcg of

selenium. .

• Prepare at least four different vegetables for each meal.

Steam them until they are tender but still crisp.

• make broth from the water left over from steaming your

vegetables;

• herbal teas such as camomile or peppermint;

Avoid the following:

• refined flour, sugar, caffeine and alcohol;

• smoking, which has been identified as one of the major

causes of toxin build up in the body.

For Maximum Benefit

For maximum effect continue eating plenty of fresh fruit and

vegetables in your diet after the initial seven days. And

instead of snacking on biscuits try a few walnuts or other

nuts (but not the dry roasted type). Research has shown that

eating nuts regularly can decrease the risk of heart attacks

by 15-50%.

So this is how to Detox with natural foods and if you

continue with these new habits it will help you to keep the

bloat off and to lose more weight.