The Latest Research on the Benefits of a Detox Diet
Detox diets focus on ridding the body of toxins that accumulate from a variety of places. The diet not only cleanses the liver, but it eliminates toxins from the blood, lungs, intestines, kidneys, and skin. The body actually has a detoxification system that uses the organs to eliminate toxins. The liver, the kidneys, and the colon all work to filter toxins that could be harmful to the body.
What the Latest Research Shows
Although everyone knows eating healthy is good for the body, according to the latest research, certain foods can boost the body’s natural detox system. Vegetables are one of the food groups that are highly recommended for this purpose. Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are particularly beneficial because they are cruciferous or from the cabbage family. In addition, vitamins can aid with detox by preventing free radicals from forming. Vitamins C and E are extremely advantageous.
Researchers know that people are exposed to quite a few environmental pollutants on a daily basis. Pesticides are one of the pollutants. Preservatives that are used in processed foods are toxins. Research shows that consuming a diet made up mainly of vegetables and fruits are one of the best ways to detox and support the body’s natural detoxification process.
Only in the past few years have studies been conducted to test the theory of a detox diet. Research is still in the early stages. Some physicians believe that by allowing the gastro-intestinal cells to rest, they can become healthier.
Evidence has shown that people with chronic disease can benefit from a detox diet that includes water fasting or fasting with only certain liquids. Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease patients have used the diet to lessen the severity of their condition.
There have been other interesting findings from research on detox diets. For instance, they can help people to overcome addictions such as alcohol and cigarettes. Other studies show that it is often easier for people to stick to big changes – healthier ways of eating and giving up alcohol and cigarettes – than small changes.
Detox Diets and Weight Loss
There are many variations of the detox diet. While some limit food intake to seed, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fruits; others allow only water. Still others permit fruit juices and herbal teas. One of the benefits of this type of diet is weight loss.
Although most detox diets do not include protein foods, studies show that protein is actually beneficial for the immune system. It helps to repair, cleanse, and improve the function of the immune system. Protein powders can be helpful when used with detox diets because they are absorbed quickly when mixed with vegetables or water. There have been some interesting findings related to detox, weight loss, and the use of protein powders.
One study at the University of Washington School of Medicine involving the appetite-stimulating hormone, ghrelin, focused on which types of food suppressed this hormone and for how long. The consumption of protein suppressed ghrelin for the longest period. These findings support further research on different types of diets, including the detox diet.
While studies and research on detox diets are still in the early stages, many of the above findings show that they can be beneficial in a number of ways. Most of the findings to date are based on the research of doctors supervising the diets of their patients.
I have used a 21 day detox in my Kettlebell Shred program and I lost 8 kilos in just 21 days.
