Detox or detoxification is the cleansing of the body of waste and toxins. Our intestines, kidneys and liver would become polluted after a while due to all the e-numbers, artificial colours and flavourings we ingest daily. With a detox cure, you can give your organs a hand to separate and discharge these waste products. You can also lose weight from it. There are many different ways of detoxing: fasting, detox cures, supplements, hot water baths, small treatments and colonics. In this article, we are going to talk about detoxifying the body through food.
The organs in your body already do a lot of work for you. Your body is working 24 hours a day to cleanse itself and excrete waste products. This works as follows:
Liver and bile
The liver has several functions. One important function is the production of bile. This ensures better absorption of fats in the intestine. Bile also transports salts and the breakdown products of blood to the intestine. The bile produced is transported via the bile ducts in the liver to the gallbladder, where it is stored. By binding to bile, waste products are removed. Through a process called biotransformation, you urinate out these waste products.
Kidneys
The kidneys take care of purifying the blood, keeping salts, proteins and acidity in the blood at the right level, and they regulate blood pressure. This filtering has to be done very precisely. Indeed, harmful substances must be filtered out of the blood, but important cells such as red or white blood cells or platelets must not be lost.
Besides filtering your blood, the kidneys have other functions.
They determine how much fluid leaves the body by making urine. They also make blood, vitamin D metabolism and even bone.
Lungs
The lungs trap toxins in the mucous membranes or receive them from the blood. By exhaling these substances or coughing, the body cleanses itself.
Skin
Remember that the skin is the largest organ. It protects you from outside influences and transports toxins from inside to outside, which are then sweated out.
Sensible detox
There are many different forms of detox. You can do a long or short detox, with juices, supplements, tea or patches. Most forms and detox products are not scientifically proven. In fact, it takes a long time and is expensive to be allowed to make those health claims. Still, detoxing can help you feel better again and be more conscious of your diet.
When detoxing, it is very important to do your own research on the right product or way for you. There is an awful lot of information on the internet. It is by no means always true or, for example, aimed at selling you a product. So always look at the source: where does the information come from, who wrote it and for what purpose. Don't just take a product because your mother or friend recommends it. The effect of products and ingredients will be different for everyone. Are you on medication, pregnant or breastfeeding? Then a detox cure is usually not recommended. In doubt about a product? Then contact a doctor.
Risks of detoxing
Is detox dangerous?
Although not all detox methods and products have been scientifically proven to work, in most cases detoxing does no harm. Drinking an extra cup of ginger tea or sticking plasters on your feet: it doesn't do any good. Yet there are some detox products that can be really harmful or even dangerous for you. These then deliver exactly the opposite result of what you would like.
Unsticking clay is one example. This can contain harmful substances such as aluminium, lead and dioxin. This is also true of other clay products like pimba or calabash lime. These products are not safe to take.
Also be careful when using activated charcoal. Taking this for more than a few days or weeks can lead to vitamin and enzyme deficiencies. This is because these bind to the activated charcoal, which can cause a deficiency. Furthermore, be careful about taking too much lemon juice. The acids in it can cause tooth erosion, the dissolution of tooth enamel.
A short detox
When you go on a detox cure, you can do it for a short or a long time. You may be reluctant to do it or it can be a lot of hassle to change your whole (food) schedule for a week or even a few days. Also, fasting for several days is not something you should just embark on. You can also do a detox in one day: it doesn't take too much effort, is easier to stick to and this way you still give your body a boost. For example, you can do it in the weekend after the holidays, during which you probably ate a lot and unhealthily.
On detox day, you should definitely avoid foods with sugar such as sweets and ready-made meals. It is also best not to eat salt, coffee, black tea and preservatives, dairy products and meat (these take a very long time to digest). Instead, opt for unprocessed whole-food products. On the contrary, it is important to drink plenty of water. In addition, vegetables, raw vegetables, fruit and, for instance, nuts, soy and legumes are good to eat.
Don't just think about food. It is also important to be kind to your body. You can visit a sauna, for instance, but something as simple as exercise (a simple walk around counts too) and getting enough sleep are also very nice during a short detox.
A long detox
The most common form of a longer detox is drinking detox tea. You use this to supplement your normal daily routine. However, it is best to be mindful of your diet during this period and eat or drink less caffeine and sugar, for example.
A tea detox, also known as 'teatox', lasts, for instance, 7, 14 or 28 days. You usually drink two cups of tea a day, in the morning and in the evening. Always pay attention to the ingredients and recommended usage. In fact, there are also detox teas that you should not drink every day. Besides tea, a supplement is also a relatively easy way to detox for a longer period of time. Again, always pay attention to the ingredients and recommended use.
A detox cure, how do you do it?
If you opt for a regimen that involves fasting (not eating anything) or drinking only juices, for example, it can be tough to keep it up. You may walk around feeling constantly hungry and have to miss social events, for example, because you don't want to eat unhealthy food during that period. You may wonder how good this is for your body: after all, it is really asking for food then.
When you take supplements, drink tea or use patches, for example, in addition to your normal daily routine, it will be a lot easier to stick to. You just have to remember to take your supplement every day.
In all cases, it is good to look critically at your diet during a detox. Look at the packaging of what you eat or drink: how much sugar is in it, for example? Even with small steps, you can take better care of your body without having to give up everything you like. For instance, replace your biscuit for a snack with a piece of fruit you like, or drink a glass of water more often instead of soft drinks.
What detox products are there?
Detox tea
A popular detox product is detox tea. There are many different varieties and the effect depends mainly on the ingredients in the tea. Ginger, for instance, is often found in detox tea and is said to have anti-inflammatory effects. Detox tea is often drunk to complement a regular diet. Not every tea is suitable for drinking every day. So be well informed about the ingredients and effects of a detox tea before you just start drinking it.
Detox foot patches
Detox foot patches are an easy way to detoxify the body. Your feet contain many nerve endings. The plasters absorb sweat from the soles of your feet which contains waste and toxins. These substances then enter the plasters. You stick the detox plasters under your feet and leave them on for a few hours, or you can go to sleep with them. The plasters are said to work in just one night, you can use them for up to 5 days for a powerful detox cure.
Detox Pills ( supplements)
Detox pills come in many shapes and sizes. As with tea, it is important to look carefully at the ingredients in detox pills. Some ingredients are known to be able to contribute to the detoxification process. Not every detox supplement will work equally well for everyone. It is important to do research before taking detox pills. If you are on medication or have weak kidneys, always consult a doctor before taking detox supplements. A few different detox supplements are discussed later in this article.
Foods for detox
There are a number of ingredients, also called superfoods, that have beneficial effects on specific processes in the body. Many of them are fruits and vegetables; of these, it is good to eat them completely to get all the nutrients. So you can do a detox quite simply through food. But you can also pay attention to what ingredients are in a detox product to determine which one suits you and your goals best.
Green vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Most leafy vegetables contain carotenoids, vitamins C, E and K, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and some essential amino acids. Vitamin C and E contribute to the immune system and vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Folic acid plays an important role in the production of red and white blood cells. Iron is essential in the production of blood. Magnesium is good for the heart. It is found in chlorophyll, which gives vegetables their green colour. So the darker greener the vegetable, the more magnesium it contains. Potassium works against high blood pressure and calcium is important for bones. It is important to eat green vegetables in a varied way: a plate of spinach every day can cause vitamin K levels to be too high. Furthermore, the fresher the better. A vegetable detox is a good option; eating a bit more green leafy vegetables is healthy for most people. If you don't like this, try using some green vegetables in a vegetable juice or green smoothie detox. Some fibre and nutrients will be lost in the process, but an occasional smoothie or juice like this can certainly be very healthy.
Sprouts
Sprouts are newly germinated, young plants. Examples include bean sprouts or alfalfa. Sprouts fall under vegetables (see also health benefits above). They are high in fibre and nutrients and low in calories. It is recommended to heat sprouts briefly before eating them.
Fruit
Fruit provides many nutrients and few calories. The best way to get them is to eat many different fruits. Fruit also contains a large number of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, lycopenes and flavonoids. Fruit provides carbohydrates in the form of sugar and contains fruit acid. The nutrients in fruit depend, among other things, on the variety, season, soil and climate in which they are grown. Vitamin C is mainly im berries, papaya, kiwi, citrus fruits and strawberries. Apples contain little vitamin C.
Potassium, important for blood pressure, is found in banana, melon, kiwi and dried fruits such as currants and sultanas. You can vary endlessly with fruit in your detox. Again, there is not much potassium in apple, but because we eat the fruit a lot, it is still an important source of potassium. About 5-15% by weight of fruit consists of carbohydrates, or sugar. This provides energy. Finally, fruit is a good source of dietary fibre, which ensures healthy bowel function.
Ginger
Opinions about ginger are divided. The effects of ginger have not been scientifically proven, yet it has been used for centuries for its medicinal effects, originally in Asia. Ginger is said to contain substances with anti-inflammatory effects. It could also possibly counteract nausea. Either way, ginger has a unique flavour and is used in many dishes for that too. You can use a little bit of ginger in a detox smoothie. Nowadays, it is also popular to take a ginger shot, many people swear by it. Whether it is really healthy is not proven, but if a ginger shot helps you feel healthy it can't hurt once in a while either.
Garlic
Garlic appears to reduce plaque deposition on vessel walls. It also reduces blood clotting. From scientific research, there is slight evidence that it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fighting respiratory infections and antibacterial activity are claims that are not scientifically substantiated. Garlic is known for its strong smell. Need to go somewhere after eating a little too much garlic? Parsley seems to be able to neutralise the smell.
Artichoke
The artichoke is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. Vitamins in the artichoke are vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and filic acid. Artichoke possesses the minerals calcium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, magnesium and iron. Present flavonoids are cynarin, luteolin, rutin, quercitin and silymarin. Artichoke also contains caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and insulin. So using artichoke in your detox is not a crazy idea, because of the many nutrients it contains. For artichoke, the way it is prepared can make a big difference. A lot of the nutrients are especially in the leaves. It is therefore recommended to prepare the whole artichoke and not just the heart.
Rice
You might not expect it on this list, but rice is part of a healthy and varied diet. However, the advice is to replace white rice with unpolished rice. That contains fibre that ensures good bowel function. Rice contains mainly carbohydrates, but also proteins, B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and potassium.
What can you do every day to detoxify your body?
You now have the necessary information on exactly what detoxing is and what products are on the market for it. But there are some things you can do right away to give your body a hand in the detoxification process.
Drink plenty of water
Take a cold shower
Do not drink too much coffee
Avoid sugar, nicotine and alcohol
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Detox supplements from Slimminglabs
At Slimming labs, you will find a range of detox supplements for different purposes. Depending on what your goal is, you will find a suitable supplement. Supplements are meant to complement a healthy and varied lifestyle, not replace it. Slimming labs sells only high-quality detox pills.
Below are our favourite supplements: see which one suits you best and order detox supplements via the webshop!
Detox plus
Many of our customers choose the product Detox Plus because it contains good detox ingredients, e.g. green tea, forskolin, ginger and artichoke. - Contains no unnecessary ingredients - Combine with healthy eating - 60 doses per pack
Novotoxinol
Do you want a detox product with many different ingredients? Then you can opt for novotoxinol. This includes carrot, artichoke and selenium.
- Good value for money - Contains active substances only - Strongest formula on the market
Green tea extract
If you want a supplement containing only green tea, then this is the product for you. This product contains only green tea extract. - Full of high-quality and effective ingredients - Very well-known formula in the fitness world - Original product for best performance
Detoxyn
This product is also very popular because it contains many good ingredients. Such as green tea, Carrot, garlic, rice and more - Unique ingredients - Compiled by professionals - Contains a complete monthly supply
Idealis
Idealis contains many fruit and vegetable extracts. This may be just the product for you to choose. It contains the following ingredients: raspberry, carrot and bean extract. - Formula devised by fitness professionals - Combine with healthy eating - Perfect ratio of all potent substances
Disclaimer: many detox products have not (yet) been scientifically proven to work. Always do your own research before taking any detox product. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
Frequently asked questions about Detox
1. What is detox?
Detox or detoxification is the removal of waste products from your body. Your body is self-cleaning and is working on this 24 hours a day. You can help your body with various detox products, for example with supplements, tea, patches or juices.
2. What's good for detoxifying your body?
Basically, your body detoxifies itself. It has all kinds of methods for doing so. You can give your body a helping hand by eating healthy. There are many supplements, teas, juices and other detox products. These can help you detoxify your body, although not all products have been scientifically proven to work. Pay special attention to the ingredients of your detox product. These will ensure that it does or does not work for you.
3. How many kilos do you lose weight with detox?
You can potentially lose weight from detoxing, but it depends on many different factors whether this is the case for you and how much. It is always important that you get the right and sufficient nutrients, even during a detox regimen.
4. What should you drink to detoxify?
The most important thing is to drink enough water. Vegetable and fruit juices are often used as cures to detoxify your body. Always do research on what suits you best and what is healthy for you.
5. How do I completely empty my bowels?
Cleansing your gut is best done from the inside out. Your body takes care of this itself, but you can lend a hand. For instance, by taking a juice fast and temporarily eating little fibre, you give your bowels some rest from the hard work of processing your food.
It is better not to cleanse your bowels with a flush, an enema or laxatives. By doing so, you also flush out all the good bacteria that keep your intestines healthy.
6. Why is detox not nonsense?
Most detox methods and products are not scientifically proven. Yet they can help you with your health. When you start looking into detoxing, your diet and health, you are at least already aware of your health: that is step 1. Many products contain good ingredients whose effects are known, and can therefore still have a positive effect on your health.
7. How long can you use detox?
That depends entirely on the method you use. Fasting or juice cures are usually not used for more than a few days. If you use supplements or drink tea alongside your normal daily routine, you can often do this a bit longer. Always check carefully how this is for your detox product.
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