Good Cleansing Foods
Some fad diets and supplements promise to "detox" your body by removing harmful toxins, supposedly boosting your health and helping you lose weight. There are no foods or supplements that "cleanse" your body. However, your body has several natural mechanisms to filter and remove toxins, such as sweating. Eating a balanced diet also helps keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy.
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The Truth About Detox
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Detox drinks, pills and other products claim to remove toxins from your body. These products are often endorsed by celebrities or featured in diet books, but they are not based on science and do not improve your health. In fact, your liver, kidneys and intestines naturally filter toxins, which you eliminate from your body when you sweat, urinate or defecate. Toxins don't build up in your body, and detox products don't remove them. People may seem to lose weight from detox products, but most of this weight is water and muscle loss, which is quickly regained.
Detox Dangers
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Detox diets are not only ineffective; they can also be dangerous, especially for people who have health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or eating disorders. Detox diets can slow your metabolism, cause malnutrition or become addictive. In addition, detox diets that include laxatives may cause heart damage, dehydration or colon damage.
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Healthy Habits
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If you feel blocked up or are overweight, eating a healthy diet and exercising will improve your gastrointestinal health and energy levels and help you maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats, such as olive oil. Choose fresh food over processed and packaged food, which contains more salt, fat and preservatives. Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. In addition, drink plenty of water and lower your salt intake to avoid bloating and help your body flush impurities.
Getting Enough Fiber
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Fiber represents a natural, healthy way to keep your digestion in good shape. Fiber prevents constipation and lowers your risk of diverticulitis, a common condition involving an inflammation of the intestine. Fiber also lowers your risk of diabetes, heart disease and other conditions. Aim for at least 20 grams of fiber per day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lentils, oatmeal, brown rice and wheat bran all provide lots of fiber. For best results, get your fiber from food, not from supplements.
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References
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