Drug Detox Diets

Detox, a short form of the word "detoxification," refers to the process of ridding the body of toxic substances. Typically associated with programs designed to break one's dependence on drugs or alcohol, an effective detox diet flushes out poisons from the body--poisons introduced by drug use. What foods, then, are typically permissible or recommended on a detox? Normally, an effective drug detox diet calls for the avoidance of fatty foods, sugary foods, and dairy, while eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains--with perhaps some milk thistle thrown in to help things along.

No Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are obviously out when it comes to a drug detox. Some of the worst foods in this category include french fries, margarine (especially if it comes in sticks), crackers, chips, muffins, donuts, and pancakes. Junk food, in any quantity, is a no-no. As a rule, too, avoid coffee, other caffeinated drinks, and, especially, alcohol.

No Sugary Foods and Dairy

Anything that contains sugar (look at the ingredients for corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose, or brown sugar) is usually not allowable on a drug detox diet---not even artificial sweeteners. Avoid dairy products as a rule, including milk, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and yogurt. You should also avoid grains that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye.

Yes to Whole Grains

Rice is highly recommended---particularly brown rice. A drug detox can be improved by inclusion of other grains in your diet, like millet, buckwheat, and amaranth. Kidney beans and pinto beans are effective for a drug detox, as are lentils, garbanzo beans, and mung beans. Any nuts or seeds (minus the salt) are recommended, too---except for peanuts, and unfortunately, peanut butter.

Yes to Fruits and Vegetables

All sorts of fruit, whether frozen and thawed or fresh from the plant, are recommended for those on a drug detox. As for vegetables, any fresh vegetables will do. However, some vegetables are considered slightly more effective in moving the detoxification effort along. These latter include broccoli and broccoli sprouts, beets, red and green veggies, artichokes, cauliflower, and especially garlic.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has long been considered an effective liver tonic--exactly what you need if you are attempting a drug detox. The silymarin in milk thistle works to bind the membranes of the cells in the liver--shielding the organ and its cells from toxin attack. Additionally, the milk thistle's silymarin stimulates the liver to produce proteins and enzymes faster--thus enabling it to battle the toxins in your body at a faster rate. Milk thistle, available at any herbal store, is best taken in combination with food.

References

• Health Journal
• Pure Inside Out