Detox - what is it, a program for cleansing the body. Rejuvenating and cleansing detox program at home Cleansing the body program for a week

  • The date: 22.10.2021

People consume not quite healthy drinks and foods every day, thereby risking accumulating harmful substances in the body that cause serious illnesses and health problems. Detox program at home helps to remove excess cholesterol and carcinogens. This is a course of nutrition, the main purpose of which is to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, gradually bring them out in a short period of time.

It is the toxins in our body that are the hidden poison, gradually accumulating, suppressing the functions of the immune (digestive, urinary) system, causing irreversible processes and chronic diseases.

The main task of the detox program is to saturate the body with useful substances, restart the work of the body and all functions in the body, setting it in the right way. Today, experts have created different methods of different methods that can help depleted reserves of the body, without stress and panic, normalize control over the quality of food and water taken.

Detox program - these are measures to detoxify the body from accumulated decay products of toxins, pollution - a soft reset of vital functions, a whole course of proper nutrition aimed at stimulating processes in the body to cleanse the body.

People often consciously use harmful refined foods, semi-finished products, alcohol. Cleansing the body will benefit if the following problems appear:

  • sleep disturbance;
  • allergies, rashes, dehydration of the skin;
  • constipation, diarrhea;
  • chronic fatigue, drowsiness;
  • irritation, anxiety;
  • overweight.

What is the essence of the detox program?

Detox program is a specialized program developed by doctors (nutritionists) to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins. It implies compliance with the rules to achieve excellent results:

It is important to completely abandon the intake of harmful drinks and products (baking pastries, carbonated drinks, packaged juices, fried, fried, flour, fatty meat, milk, potatoes, alcohol), which reduce the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Also, a detox program at home will be more effective if:

  1. Normalize sleep patterns.
  2. Review the diet, include healthy foods that trigger detoxification processes.
  3. Carry out regular physical activity and body care.
  4. Avoid stressful situations.
  5. Organize proper relaxation.
  6. Drink plenty of fluids (clean water, green tea).

Reference! Significant harm is caused by the use of sugar (empty carbohydrates), flavor enhancers, harmful additives, and strong coffee drinks. The detox program offers to reorganize the usual diet, replace not quite healthy products, for example, coffee with chicory, sugar with dried fruits, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Basic rules of the cleaning program

For the correct implementation of the detox program in comfortable home conditions for 7 days, experts recommend following simple but weighty rules:

  • carry out a cleansing program in autumn or spring, when the body's protective reserves are significantly undermined;
  • reduce the use of harmful products about 1 month before the procedure;
  • do not add salt and seasonings to food 2-3 weeks before the start of the cleansing course;
  • exclude from the diet sweet, flour and fried foods, seasonings, alcohol, tobacco, chips, snacks;
  • drink clean water at least 2 liters per day and exclusively freshly prepared vegetable juices from tomato, celery, carrots, beets, evenly distributing 1 glass throughout the day;
  • avoid taking caffeine-containing, alcoholic products;
  • take as a basis vegetable dishes, steamed, stewed, baked or boiled, without using heavy foods (potatoes, legumes);
  • refuse to take solid food, without loading the digestive system;
  • monitor the quality of received products, refuse to accept industrially processed products;
  • contribute to the stimulation of the lymphatic system, i.e. every day to carry out light exercises, walk in the fresh air, walk at a calm pace, jump on a trampoline;
  • take a contrast shower in the morning to increase vigor, mood;
  • carry out wraps, massage to stimulate blood circulation and sweating, visiting a Russian bath, hammam, Finnish sauna;
  • read before going to bed, not fall asleep in your hands with your phone to improve the quality of sleep, relaxation.

Advice! During detoxification, girls and women should stop using decorative harmful cosmetics in order to eventually see positive results not only in the body, but also on their body.

What are detox programs

Various types of programs for detoxification of the body at home have been developed. When choosing the right, ideal meal plan, you can first experiment by combining healthy foods. Fortunately, today there are enough of them on store shelves to draw up a competently, acceptable menu for a week. The main thing is not to chew solid food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but to set yourself up for liquid intake, i.e. vegetable dishes with the maximum amount of water in them.

Suggested options for a detox program at home for 7 days:

    Water + hunger is one of the effective ways, but tough. First, you should psychologically tune in to fasting, because it is extremely difficult to sit on the same water for a week.

    Vegetable decoctions with water intake with the addition of vegetables in a limited amount (up to 150 ml per day), divided into 3 portions. Drinks can be prepared from parsley, ginger root, turmeric. Add spices, lemon juice, spices to enhance anti-inflammatory properties.

    Fruit juices combined with vegetables. An acceptable option, since a mono-diet can become dangerous to human health. Fruits contain sugar, which causes spikes in insulin in the blood, disrupting the already damaged intestinal microflora.

    Smoothies with fruits and vegetables at the same time. At the same time, the body begins to receive vegetable fiber to improve digestion. The main thing is to take drinks in a diluted form, i.e. in a combination of concentrated vegetable juices with water. To give taste and sweetness, you can use coconut water, vegetable milk.

Reference! The detox program does not provide for special restrictions on the choice of products. It is quite acceptable to add salt to the diet in a small amount. The main thing before the program is to prepare, adjust yourself to a new diet and diet. After all, the idea to cleanse the body and lose weight may remain unrealizable if you start a hunger strike and fight against accumulated toxins, toxins without first setting yourself up for a positive, preparing the body for these purposes.

Of course, if a person is not used to eating juices and salads every day, then you should not force yourself. You can stick to the diet with the usual food, without much modifying it. However, from junk food you need to start gradually, including healthy foods. It is better to start cleansing the body in the off-season (spring - autumn). It is also important to surround yourself with a calm atmosphere for anti-stress passage of the course of detoxification, launching mechanisms for healthy and proper cleansing.

It is worth mentally preparing yourself in advance for the planned detox, but according to experts, without abusing the programs. A course of 2-3 weeks will be enough. It is better to start from 3-7 days, tracking the body's reaction and the results obtained. If unpleasant symptoms appear: aches in the joints, discomfort in the intestines and stomach, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, then you should know how to properly and smoothly exit the detox without harm to health.

Detox menu for 7 days at home

The body is better tuned for detoxification in early spring or autumn, when it is recommended to take a vacation in order to carry out the procedure in a relaxed atmosphere. The main condition is to drink daily in the morning on an empty stomach 1 glass of warm water 20 minutes before breakfast. Those who wish to lose weight can add 0.5 tsp of grated ginger, lemon juice to the water. So let's look at the menu that the detox program offers for a week at home.

    The first day is an exclusively drinking diet of juice (pineapple, pear, apple, orange), tea, water with drinking up to 4 glasses a day. The norm should not be less than 2 liters, although in the absence of puffiness there are no special restrictions on the intake of fluids drunk.

    The second day - adding fruits to water or drinking fruit juice (plum, melon, peach), but avoiding the addition of grapes, bananas.

    The third day - the inclusion in the diet of fresh vegetables without processing (cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes). If you are worried about the feeling of hunger, then you can additionally prepare a small portion of vegetable salad with the addition of olive oil.

    The fourth day - the inclusion of boiled meat, rice in the diet and an increase in the already familiar portions of boiled vegetables.

    The fifth day is the addition of boiled, oven-baked lean meat of chicken, veal, turkey.

    The sixth day - an additive to the diet of cereals (oatmeal, buckwheat). For breakfast and afternoon snack, you can additionally eat yogurt, fruit. For dinner - cottage cheese. The main thing is to eat porridge, vegetables and meat for lunch.

    Seventh day - the inclusion of new products in the diet is not provided. It is enough to observe 1 more day of detox nutrition.

The next day after cleansing the body, you can not pounce on fatty foods, sweets, spices. It is important to stick to the diet for another 3-4 days and get out of the detox gradually.

Reference! A detox cleanse is not considered a rigid starvation diet. If desired, you can combine, interchange the products at hand, but be sure to take exclusively liquid dishes for breakfast and dinner.

Delicious Detox Recipes

To prepare recipes, you will need a slow cooker, a double boiler, a juicer, a standard blender. In fact, a set of tools and products is available for every housewife, and the benefits of cleansing the body are enormous. It's easy to prepare unique recipes and balanced meals. But the whole detox system is built on them. It is impossible to deviate strongly from recipes and dosages during cooking; it is impossible to include harmful solid foods.

Vitamin fresh, highly digestible juice, saturating the body with valuable enzymes. The main thing is to be cold pressed. For cooking, grind carrots and beets (2-3 pcs) in a juicer.

Energy vegetable soup. A person is constantly in motion, therefore he needs energy. Soup can become a complete meal. For cooking: cucumbers (2 pcs), avocados (1 pc), celery (5 roots) chop in a blender. Chop greens. Add lemon juice (1/2 pcs), olive oil (1 tsp), boiled water (1 cup), mix. Cold vegetable soup is ready.

Detox drink fortified. Vegetable or fruit water helps cleanse the liver and blood of toxins, nourishes cells and tissues. To prepare citrus water, cut an orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit into slices (1/2 each), pour cold water over. Add ice cubes (several pieces). Place in refrigerator for 20 minutes. You can also prepare cucumber water with the addition of ginger, lemon, mint, strawberries (300g).

green smoothie will please with its rich appearance, energize for the whole day. For preparation: spinach (50g), cucumber (2 pcs), celery (4 stalks), mint and parsley leaves (20 g each), lemon (0.5 pcs) chop in a blender. Chop greens. Add lemon juice (0.5 pcs), water (400 ml). Mix everything in a blender. To make a smoothie, you can use the following products in tandem: avocado + spinach + cabbage, cucumber + mint + apple, pear + cucumber + celery, kiwi + lemon + cucumber + pineapple.

citrus cocktail- a great option for losing weight, cleansing the body (if you combine citruses with green tea). To prepare banana and orange (1 each), cut into slices, chop in a blender. Add lemon juice (0.5 pcs), honey (2 tsp). Pour in chilled green tea (1 cup). Grind the mass in a blender until a homogeneous consistency.

Detox tonic. In this drink, it is better to start the cleansing process, for which add aloe vera juice (2 tsp), lemon juice and cinnamon (1 tsp each), apple cider vinegar if desired (1 tsp) to 1 glass of purified warm water.

cleansing drink. The recipe allows you to quickly remove accumulated toxins and toxins. In freshly squeezed lemon juice (70 g), add olive oil (2 tablespoons), cayenne pepper (a pinch), fresh orange juice, garlic (5 heads), ginger. Stir before taking so that the oil does not accumulate on the surface of the glass.

Pumpkin puree soup. To prepare: mix the pulp (800g) with olive oil (2 tablespoons), add milk (200 g), an apple (2 pcs), grated carrots, water (900 ml). Cut vegetables, stew ginger and onion in a pan with oil for 10 minutes, add chopped ginger, keep the soup on fire for another 10-15 minutes. Remove, cool, grind into a puree. Add milk, season with low-fat sour cream, mushrooms, apple.

Reference! When carrying out a cleaning procedure in the summer, it is better to use fresh berries, fruits, and vegetables for preparing recipes. If a detox program is planned in the winter, then you should give preference to vitamin salads to support immunity. For example, cook, for example, spinach and lentil soup, fresh cabbage salad.

Pharmaceutical detox preparations

Pharmaceutical products in the composition of synthetic and natural ingredients are simply irreplaceable during the cleansing procedure to do detox. Medicines will enhance the effect of useful products, renew and nourish the cells of the liver, intestines, small intestine, normalize the state of the lymphatic system and blood vessels, and decay products come out. We are talking about adsorbing agents: sorbents (Smecta, Polysorb, activated carbon), synthesized preparations of the polyvinylpyrrolidone group, active natural herbs, clay, magnesium. The best preparations:

    To cleanse the intestines, activate digestive processes with a laxative effect (microcrystalline cellulose, Polysorb, activated carbon, Fortrans, Lavacol).

    To cleanse the kidneys (Nephroleptin, Urolax, Cystotransit).

Reference! Cleansing the body is a multi-level process, in which it is important to combine exercises in a complex, intake of water, oils and tablets (dietary supplements). We must not forget about moderation in everything. It is possible to achieve positive results and remove the pathogenic flora from the body only by strictly following the principle of “eat in moderation”.

Of course, it is rare when a detox program at home goes smoothly and without side effects. The body reacts sensitively, often leading to muscle spasms, increased urination, coughing, diarrhea, chills, irritability, and headaches. However, during the experiments it was found that the correct approach to the procedure begins to have a beneficial effect on all systems, stimulate liver cells to remove harmful components and toxins already on the 6-7th day from the start of the procedure.

    A detox program should not become a spontaneous, simultaneous whim in an attempt to quickly and permanently cleanse the body of toxins and poisons.

    It is important to first tune in, make a conscious choice that you will have to change your behavior, your usual lifestyle.

    The diet must contain water and only plant products.

    It is better if the program becomes an incentive in life, and cleansing procedures are regular (1-2 times a year), and not a spontaneous diet.

    To get the best results, it is important not only to carry out a 7-day detox program, but also to get out of it correctly by including foods containing coarse fiber, which help to quickly saturate the stomach and the whole body with useful components, and maintain the intestinal microflora at the proper level.

    Even when leaving the detox program, it is important not to immediately lean on bakery products, cereal sugar. Although with the right approach, psychological attitude and following the basic rules of the detox course, it is quite possible to resort to taking not quite healthy food, but in moderation.

Contraindications

Many people are interested: do detox programs have contraindications? Of course, a hunger strike even for 7 days is unacceptable for pregnant and lactating women, children, people with serious chronic internal diseases or taking long-term courses of absorbent drugs. In any case, nutrition should be beneficial and not cause stress.

Make the world around you better and more harmonious with your own efforts. Change your habits and tune in to the positive in order to successfully detoxify your body, improve your appearance, get a charge of vivacity and good mood for a long time. And the detox programs and dishes that were described in the article will help you with this.

For comfortable and effective detoxification
and toxins, improve skin, hair and general well-being

The program cleanses the body of toxins. Adds lightness to the body, elasticity to the skin, radiance to the eyes and takes away a couple of extra pounds. We recommend detoxing 2 times a week.

Number of receptions: 6
Target: cleansing and rejuvenation of the body
Calories: 600 - 800 kcal
Contraindications: longer than 3 days in a row. With gastrointestinal disease in the acute stage. For allergies to vegetables and fruits

Find out if this program is right for you? To get a consultation

For those who are just starting to cleanse the body, we recommend the Detox for Beginners program:

  • Breakfast – Celery Fresh: celery, cucumber, apple, spinach, lemon
  • Lunch - Tropicana Dream: pineapple, apple, mint
  • Snack - Celery Fresh: celery, cucumber, apple, spinach, lemon

Advanced program "Super cleansing":

  • Breakfast - Green Detox: apples, lime, romano, parsley, cucumber, spinach
  • Second breakfast - Balance: apple, carrot, lemon, beetroot, ginger
  • Lunch - Spicy: lemon, lime, chili, agave syrup
  • Snack - Vitamin: dried apricots, goji berries, spinach, arugula, water
  • Dinner - Fitness Cocktail: orange, arugula
  • Second dinner - Vanilla Lounge: cashews, vanilla, agave syrup, water.

Detox Summer holidays program:

  • Melon morning (refreshing yellow melon smoothie with mint leaves and lemon)
  • Peach coconut (delicate cocktail of ripe peaches, coconut milk and almonds)
  • Fresh salad (light fresh vegetable salad with olive oil)
  • Purple lunch (vitamin smoothie with tropical fruits and juicy berries)
  • Citrus avocado (spicy avocado and citrus smoothie)
  • Vegetable paty (Low calorie smoothie with broccoli, spinach, celery, spinach leaves with hints of pear)
Detox food program.

For a comfortable and effective cleansing of the body,
improve the condition of the skin, hair and general well-being.
Rapid weight loss.

Cleansing and Rejuvenation Program. This program does not contain animal products (in some cases, meat dishes are added 1-2 times a week). No added salt or sugar. Aimed at the normalization of the body. After completing the program, the level of sugar decreases, cholesterol in the blood normalizes, weight decreases, and metabolism improves. You feel the lightness of the entire weight, the condition of the skin improves, extra pounds are lost. It is recommended to combine with Detox cocktails for at least 10 days.

Calories: 800 - 1000 kcal
Number of meals: 5
Target: cleansing, health improvement, weight loss

Sample menu for the day:
  • Detox water with lemon, ginger root and cucumber
  • Cereal porridge with Chia seeds
  • Smoothie "Mocha"
  • Crispy vegetable salad
  • Soup "Minesrone"
  • Colored vegetable spaghetti with tofu

There is practically no person left who has not heard about detox. It's a buzzword detox- means nothing more than detoxification. In this case, our body.

What is it and what is it eaten with? How not to get confused in a sea of ​​information and not hurt yourself with promising programs to cleanse the body, which often cost a lot of money? I offer information about who needs it, why and how to conduct a detox program at home on your own.

What's the point

The modern concept of "detox" is based on therapeutic fasting. When we take a break from eating, several things happen:

  • The body has time and the opportunity to throw all its strength into its recovery, because it does not need to spend enormous energy on the processing of food, which we so diligently push into ourselves every day. It is unlikely that any of the modern people in the civilized world knows how real hunger feels.
  • If you refuse food or limit it after some time, the intestines empty (this process is individual, depends on the metabolic rate and on the presence or absence of diseases of the digestive system). After all, all the content comes out, but nothing new comes in. The entire "population" of the intestines also begins to starve (by population we mean numerous microorganisms). At the same time, the bacteria that inhabit the intestines, unlike us, cannot live without food for 30 days. Therefore they die. Not all, of course, but many. If we simplify everything, then the good bacteria we need eat fiber, and the bad ones eat sugar and yeast. If neither one nor the other substances come in, then everyone dies. If we eat a lot of fiber-rich vegetables with gentle detoxes, then the good bacteria survive.
  • By limiting the caloric content of the diet, fat is burned. And fat, as you know, is a store of toxins in the body. Therefore, with a decrease in adipose tissue, the level of toxins also decreases.

It is on these three principles that the healing property of detox courses is based.

Types of detox programs

  1. Starvation on plain water- the most effective, but also the most difficult. The maximum period that I have seen in professional literature is 21 days. This type of detox isn't for everyone, and I wouldn't recommend even a day on the water without first consulting a doctor or nutritionist.
  2. Fasting on vegetable broth with the addition of anti-inflammatory seasonings (turmeric, parsley, ginger, lemon). At the same time, unlike water fasting, the volume of vegetable broth is strictly regulated in quantity: no more than 150 milliliters three times a day. Water and herbal tea can also be drunk in unlimited quantities. I myself went through such a detox course for four days. A detailed report can be found on my blog. I would not recommend this method without first consulting with a specialist. There are contraindications, and not everyone can tolerate the lack of food.
  3. Juice detox. There are varieties: with a volume limit and without a limit. There are also options: only on fruit juices, only on vegetable juices, or on a mixture of both. I would not recommend a detox using only fruit juices: they have too much sugar, which means that such a course will not only be difficult to endure due to spikes in blood sugar, but it can also seriously harm the intestinal microflora. Because bad bacteria love sugar! Therefore, it is better to choose the option for vegetable or fruit and vegetable juices.
  4. Smoothie detox. The principle is about the same as that of the juice detox. Only in this case, you also get fiber from vegetables and fruits. Smoothies in this case are prepared in a blender and diluted with plain or coconut water to the desired consistency. This is a more gentle option than a juice detox. The main thing is to choose smoothies with low acidity. Otherwise, even a healthy stomach will not survive. Ideally, there should be three different smoothies in three different colors per day. After all, different colors carry different trace elements. You can also vary smoothies and vegetable puree soups. For example, you might have a smoothie in the morning, and have mashed vegetable soup for lunch and/or dinner. Anti-inflammatory seasonings are also great here.
  5. Detox on cooked vegetables. This is a very gentle type of cleansing. In this case, you eat only cooked vegetables for several days. No cereals, bread, potatoes and corn (due to the high starch content), nuts, legumes. Only what is simply digested and does not burden the digestive system. In this case, I would recommend limiting the volume: three times a day, 200-300 grams of vegetables. The more varied the menu, the better. Plus, you can and should fill vegetables with cold-pressed vegetable oil. Salt is allowed in small quantities.
  6. Detox "vegan". It provides for nutrition for a certain period only with plant foods, but already without volume restrictions. Yes, I know that many people consciously eat this way all their lives. But still they are a minority. And most of us eat everything. And although, judging by the photos on social networks, we are all so correct, always smiling, with a lot of money and fans / admirers, reality is reality. We want to look better. But let me! If most of us eat right, then who buys all these convenience foods in the supermarket, provides money for donut shops and grilled chicken stands? Judging by the prosperity of companies such as Burger King, Starbucks and others like them, the world has something to get sick and fat from. Therefore, for many of us, even such a gentle “vegan” detox will bring great benefits. Even in just 7–21 days.

It should be noted that the more lethal the program, the stronger the purification mechanisms are triggered. When fasting on water and vegetable broth, most of the microflora and toxins die, and the largest amount of fat is burned. After such a program, it is necessary to get out of it very competently, and it is important to prepare your body for cleansing with the help of a special diet before it (coffee, sugar, dairy, cereals, meat and fish with chicken are excluded in a certain sequence).

During a detox, almost everyone experiences various negative reactions (headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep). But! This is not a rule.

When I took the fasting course, we had people in the group who, on the contrary, experienced an extraordinary burst of energy. They couldn't even sleep more than 3-4 hours a night!

Others, on the other hand, felt very bad. Some were forced to urgently switch to a vegetable detox, while others simply replaced the vegetable broth with water and protein powder.

When planning to cleanse the body, be prepared for anything. Including a change in strategy. The main thing is to listen to your feelings.

Options 4, 5 and 6 will suit absolutely everyone. They have no contraindications. The only condition when cleansing smoothies: be sure to add plenty of plain water and at least one vegetable to them to reduce acidity and balance blood sugar.

  • people taking medication;
  • nursing mothers;
  • pregnant women;
  • minor children;
  • too thin people (in this case there are exceptions to the rule).

During the course of detoxification, I recommend minimizing the harmful effects on the body, which means limiting the use of cosmetics, detergents and cleaning products, and perfumes. Also, it will not be superfluous to remove all nutritional supplements and vitamin complexes for the duration of the detox. Even the ones you can't live without for the last 50 years.

At the end of the course, you yourself will feel what you lacked and lacked. For example, for me it was vegetable oil and vitamin C.

Warning: A detox program is not a weight loss program. Everything reset in this way usually comes back with a vengeance after some time after you return to normal nutrition. Another question is that you may not return to it, but start listening to your body. Then only part of the kilograms will return.

On the other hand, if you, for example, lose 15 kilograms and then they return in a month or two, then this means only one thing: you eat a lot. And apparently the wrong products. After all, it is very difficult to eat the right food in such quantities.

How to get out of a detox

You can write a separate article about this. But in short, it will be like this: give preference to foods that are rich in fiber (vegetables, especially coarse ones) in order to nourish the beneficial intestinal microflora. Plus, stay at least a week without cereals, bread, yeast, sugar (in all forms) and alcohol. Otherwise, the detox program will be of little use. The meaning of the program is to change the intestinal microflora for the better after cleansing.

If you still chose one of the first three programs, then food should be introduced gradually and in small portions. It is not recommended to pounce on raw vegetables, nuts, meat, legumes, as they are difficult to digest. Bring it all in gradually. If you have gone through a detox program on vegetable broths, then in the early days it is best to make the basis of the diet those vegetables from which you made the broth.

In other options, there is only one advice: do not rush at everything at once. Especially on the harmfulness of the type of cakes, burgers and beer with chips. Otherwise, what was the point of your detox?

What is the optimal duration of a detox?

At least one day. And no more than 21. Optimal - 3-7 days. The duration depends on how you feel. If you feel good and full of energy - you can continue. If the headache and other unpleasant sensations persist for more than 3-5 days, then I would advise you to stop and try again after a certain period of time, or switch to a more gentle option.

Good health to you!

Attractive appearance directly depends on the state of health. We try to eliminate harmful foods from the diet, to be less nervous, to play sports, helping our body to stay young. But this is not always enough, from time to time it is recommended to carry out a detox cleansing of the body - let's figure out what it is. This is a nutrition system that can free from toxic substances that inevitably occur to every inhabitant of the metropolis. In fact, the principles of nutrition based on significant restrictions. They must firmly enter your life for a certain period (3-10 days). Then you can return to your normal diet. The main task is to get rid of accumulated toxins and activate all organs for intensive self-purification. Such nutrition has both positive and negative reviews - often such cleansing is called a trap for those who want to lose weight. Let's see why.

Varieties of detox diets and their effect on the body

There are many options for nutrition programs that release toxins and improve the functioning of all organs and systems. The need for periodic cleansing was formulated by the Austrian dietitian F. Mayer back in the 19th century. And since then, everyone who wants to prolong youth and improve health has turned to the work of a specialist. The popularity of the idea has especially increased recently, when the man-made impact on humans has increased.

Popular types of cleansing:

  • Water starvation. Nothing but water should be consumed for 1-2 weeks. This method is considered one of the most difficult and radical, not suitable for everyone. In order not to cause irreparable harm to health, you should consult a doctor before embarking on such a detox. There is a large list of contraindications, including kidney and heart failure, thrombophlebitis, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and a malignant tumor. Experts consider this technique unreasonably risky.
  • Fruit and vegetable juices. Still, the latter are preferable, since fruits contain natural sugar and organic acids. Their excess can lead to disruption of the digestive tract.

Clinic nutritionist's comment:

People suffering from gastritis and peptic ulcers should be careful with juices consumed on an empty stomach. This is especially true for citrus fruits. In this case, raw potatoes, cabbage and carrots are suitable for a juice diet.

  • Vegetable nutrition (after heat treatment) - choose ingredients with a low content of starch. Water can be drunk in unlimited quantities, it is also permissible to add a little salt and unrefined vegetable oil to dishes.
  • Decoctions of vegetables and herbs. For such a detox program, you can use what is at hand - seasonal products, leaves of available plants - lemon balm, nettle, coltsfoot, wormwood. This system can be supplemented with spices - cinnamon, pepper, ginger, turmeric and other components that contain many valuable components that free the body from accumulated toxins.
  • Vegan diet - you can eat only food of plant origin without heat treatment.
  • Smoothie diet - involves the use of thick drinks from crushed fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds. This program differs from the juice program in that the diet contains fiber, which has a high biological value.

The idea that getting rid of the toxins and waste that accumulate in our body in this way is quite popular. This is facilitated by numerous reviews of stars who have tried this or that method. But official medicine, as a rule, has a different opinion and claims that detox is, first of all, additional stress for our body.

Indications and contraindications

However, some positive aspects cannot be ignored. They are associated with a banal refusal, among other products, from harmful fast food, alcohol - hence the beneficial effect. The following people are most in need of a cleansing program:


The best time for detoxification is spring, and the technique is also appropriate after the end of the New Year holidays.

What is the harm

Official medicine recognizes only one type of detox - with severe drug or alcohol poisoning. The adoption of such measures in relation to healthy people has no scientific evidence.

At the same time, the following fact is indicative - the British public organization Sense about Science ("Sense in Science") interviewed all available manufacturers of such products, what kind of toxins they are fighting. Nobody could answer.

Learn more about our weight loss programs:

There is no scientifically proven evidence that such a diet improves a person’s well-being and can qualitatively contribute to weight loss - the effect of weight loss is short-term and unstable. In addition, a decrease in body volume is achieved by removing fluid from the body. So, our body loses a significant amount of nutrients, while the work of the intestinal tract is disrupted. Proponents of such cleansing ignore the fact that our body is a well-oiled mechanism that does not need any third-party cleansing programs and is able to get rid of harmful toxins without outside help.

Instead of spending money and undermining your health with various drugs, you can achieve the same effect of losing weight and cleansing the body with a balanced, proper diet and regular exercise.

What products are allowed

It is recommended to make a menu in such a way that the body receives the necessary nutrients. A deficiency of important components for a long time can lead not to a healing effect, but to the opposite. There should be a variety of vegetables and fruits on the table, try to use the most useful of them in your detox cleansing program:

  • celery - contains many vitamins and flavonoids, as well as zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, helps to speed up metabolic processes, rejuvenate, improve kidney function and vascular condition;
  • broccoli - a source of ascorbic and folic acids, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, silicon, has a beneficial effect on blood formation, the nervous and endocrine systems, fights free radicals, preventing premature aging;
  • bell pepper - contains a lot of vitamin C, has a positive effect on the functions of the pancreas;
  • beets - improves peristalsis and liver function, replenishes iron reserves;
  • artichokes - prevent inflammatory processes, accelerate metabolism.

Among the fruits, the most useful ones are also distinguished, which means optimally suitable for detox:

  • apples - positively affect the condition of the skin and immunity;
  • bananas - a product with a perfectly balanced chemical composition, which gives a lot of useful nutrients to the body, and also contributes to a long-lasting feeling of satiety;
  • pomegranates - contain vitamins B, P, C, and in addition tannin, phytoncides, organic salts, a large number of minerals, including sodium, magnesium, iron;
  • citrus fruits - supply ascorbic acid, many antioxidants and fiber that improves digestion;
  • dried fruits - have a high energy value, so you should include them in the diet with caution, but they perfectly satisfy the need for sweets, preventing the disruption of the program.

Clinician's comment:

What is a detox program - it is, in fact, fasting on juices, smoothies or plant foods. These methods do not fully meet the needs of the body. You will not get the desired effect if you plan to lose weight forever, and at the same time increase energy tone, as well as improve the general condition of the body. In real life, such diets are likely to create a number of health problems for you. Adhere to traditional methods that are time-tested and serve as the key to competent weight loss and maintaining excellent health - proper nutrition in combination with physical activity. So, you will not need such programs.

Cosmetic procedures that improve the effect

During a detox program to cleanse the body, it is useful to adjust not only the diet, but also the range of cosmetics. In particular, it is desirable to refrain from decorative cosmetics and products containing mineral oils that clog pores. Beauticians suggest following these rules to speed up the removal of toxins through the skin:

  • discard foundation or replace it with BB cream;
  • visit the spa, the procedures in which can clean the pores and make the cellular metabolism more intense;
  • use the services of a massage room, after the massage, blood circulation and lymph flow improve;
  • bathe in the bath;
  • take a bath with salt and essential oils from coniferous or citrus plants.

Remember that detox is a set of measures that must be taken with full responsibility, since strict diets, as well as the use of essential oils, have contraindications.

How to properly prepare for a detox and return to a normal diet

The cleansing technique should not be sudden: both the body and the mind need preliminary preparation. This will make it easier to endure the restrictions, stay on course and maintain a good mood.

Before cleansing

The preliminary stage is called pretox. A week in advance, you need to begin to tune in to the fact that you will have to give up certain foods and drinks. Experts are sure that this aspect enhances the effect of detox and reduces the risk of program failure.

At this stage, it is recommended to give up coffee, increase the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet, and reduce the amount of animal products. Make changes gradually, listening to your feelings. The more time you spend preparing, the more comfortable the diet will be.

Pay attention to physical activity, but do not exhaust yourself. Instead of grueling strength training, go swimming, yoga, walk more.

Intensive detox

It is important to conduct the program in a period when you do not have to worry about exams, deadlines, difficult negotiations and other circumstances. Remember that detox is such a cleansing of the body, which in itself is associated with stress. Extra worries and haste are incompatible with this technique.

It is recommended to eat food often and fractionally, which will help to cope with hunger. Eat slowly, chewing each bite thoroughly. But the break between meals should not be less than 3 hours - after all, we are faced with the task of unloading the digestive system, allowing the body to escape from digestion and direct forces to eliminate toxins.

Fruits can be eaten only in the first half of the day, after dinner it is better to refuse them because of the fructose content.

Try to reduce salt intake to a minimum, as it makes it difficult to remove fluid from the tissues, and with it harmful substances. On the other hand, more water should be consumed. Drink at least 1.5 liters, proper drinking regimen will help to get a good cleansing result.

Get enough sleep, be outdoors more often, try to protect yourself from unpleasant communication, fill your leisure time with good impressions.

Gradual exit from detox

The final stage should also be smooth. Gradually add animal products to the menu, you should not have a feast the day after the end of a strict diet.

Unfavorable ecology, malnutrition, life in a metropolis, frequent stressful situations and irregular working hours - all these factors surrounding us indicate the need for a detox cleansing of the body, which is a kind of "spring cleaning". A variety of activities can become cleansing procedures: visiting a sauna or bath, following a special diet, taking biologically active drugs, lymphatic drainage massage or plasmapheresis. Now there are many copyright programs for cleansing the body. In addition, official medicine also has a whole arsenal of such techniques. That is why, thinking about the need for detox cleansing, we ask ourselves the question: “What method do I need?”

A home detox program is a radical change in diet that helps our body get rid of accumulations of harmful and toxic substances (commonly called toxins). There is a lot of controversy around the advisability of using such techniques - someone considers them useful and recommends sticking to them for several weeks, while someone believes that they are useless and even harmful.

What are the benefits and harms of body detox? What program can be carried out at home? And what methods are better to carry out in a hospital or sanatorium? You can get answers to these and other questions about detox by reading this publication.

What is a detox?

This term has entered our colloquial speech for a long time and is an abbreviated version of such a term as "detoxification". It involves a set of measures aimed at cleansing the body of various toxic substances. When making a decision to conduct one or another detoxification option, a person should receive an answer to the question: “Does he need these activities?”

The human body has three systems for excretion of harmful substances - the kidneys, liver and sweating. They help us get rid of "unnecessary and harmful cargo" and, as it were, "restart" all our vital functions. Why does almost everyone need a reboot system like this? The answer is simple - we prevent ourselves from being renewed naturally every day and consume a large amount of GMO foods, unhealthy meals, processed foods, alcoholic beverages and nicotine. Detoxification can help us get rid of the accumulated “junk” and improve overall well-being and health.

Reviews about the detox program:

What symptoms indicate the need for a detox at home?

Each of us can understand if he needs a detox program by the appearance of the following manifestations:

  • feeling of constant fatigue and decreased performance;
  • deterioration in the quality of sleep;
  • unhealthy appearance of the skin: rashes, dryness, unhealthy color;
  • tendency to allergic reactions;
  • overweight.

All of the above conditions are indications for detoxification. One more thing can be added to them - the desire to get rid of bad habits (alcohol intake or nicotine addiction).

How to determine the possible contraindications for detox cleansing? To identify them, you should consult with your doctor. Detoxification procedures are contraindicated in the following cases:

  • diabetes;
  • diseases of the digestive system: gastritis, peptic ulcer, colitis, pancreatitis;
  • joint pathologies: arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis;
  • urolithiasis disease;
  • pathology of the heart and blood vessels;
  • some diseases of the organs of vision;
  • elderly and children's age;
  • the period of preparation for surgical intervention;
  • severe diseases and conditions after serious injuries or operations;
  • period of pregnancy or lactation.

Basic rules for detoxing at home

Before conducting detox procedures, you should adhere to the following rules:

  • 30 days before the cleansing program, gradually reduce the consumption of harmful foods and dishes;
  • refuse to use salt and seasonings 2 weeks before the procedures;
  • try to schedule a cleansing course for the beginning of autumn or spring (it will be more effective at this time of the year).

What foods should be excluded from the menu before cleaning? It is necessary to limit and exclude the following dishes and products:

  • salt;
  • sugar (including in the form of sweets);
  • seasonings;
  • all fats of unnatural origin;
  • flour;
  • fried foods;
  • snacks, chips and other types of fast food;
  • spicy dishes;
  • alcoholic drinks.

The detox system will be more effective if you stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke to a minimum before starting it.

How does the detox program work?

Detoxification at home consists in following a certain diet or a regimen of short courses of curative fasting, which contribute to the self-purification of the body. This process goes like this:

  • By limiting the amount of food consumed, the body stops wasting energy on digesting food and redirects all the forces to its recovery.
  • Refusal of food intake or its limited consumption leads to the fact that the intestine is released from the food mass and all the bacteria in it die. With limited food intake (with a gentle detox with the use of vegetables), only pathogenic bacteria die, and the natural microflora survives.
  • Stopping or limiting the intake of fat in the body triggers the process of its burning. In addition to the effect of losing weight, this moment has another positive consequence - with a decrease in the volume of adipose tissue, the level of toxins in the body also decreases.

The effect of therapeutic fasting or detox nutrition program is based on the general principles of detoxification described above.

Detox Options

There are six main options for detoxification systems:

  • Smoothie detox. The program consists in the use of smoothies that contain not only vegetable or fruit juice, but also fiber that is useful for the intestinal microflora. This option is more gentle and can be done at home after consulting a doctor. Smoothies should be prepared with a blender and diluted with drinking water or coconut water to the desired consistency. For their preparation, you need to choose fruits and vegetables with low acidity, since an excess of acid can adversely affect the state of the digestive tract. Throughout the day, it is ideal to use smoothies of three different colors - green, yellow and red. They contain different sets of trace elements and vitamins, and thus it will be possible to make the most complete menu. In addition, during the day you can use not only smoothies, but also alternate their intake with puree soups. Some spices with anti-inflammatory properties can be added to them.
  • Detox with cooked vegetables. This program is one of the sparing options and is designed for several days. Vegetables are consumed 2-3 times a day in small portions of 200-300 grams (you can add a little salt and cold-pressed vegetable oil to the dish). After heat treatment, they are easily digested, and the body can spend less energy on digesting food and direct it to self-purification processes.
  • Detox "vegan". The program provides for the use of only vegetarian dishes, but without restrictions on the volume and varieties of products (that is, the menu may contain not only vegetables, but other products of plant origin). Such an exclusion from the diet of products of animal origin favorably affects the state of the gastrointestinal tract and starts the processes of self-purification of the body.
  • Detoxification with freshly squeezed juices. There are two versions of this program: with a volume limit and without. In addition, the program can be carried out exclusively on vegetable juices, exclusively on fruit juices or on mixtures of vegetable and fruit juices. Most experts prefer detoxing with vegetable juices or a mixture of vegetable and fruit juices, and the option of detoxing exclusively with fruit juices is considered risky. These fears are caused by the fact that fruit juices contain too many sugars, glucose can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and negatively affect the state of the intestinal microflora.
  • Detox on vegetable broth. In fact, this detoxification program is a therapeutic fasting, but unlike the course of fasting on water, the diet includes the use of vegetable broth in the amount of 150 ml per day. Anti-inflammatory additives can be added to the decoction: ginger, lemon, parsley, turmeric. During the program, water or herbal teas can be consumed without any volume restrictions. There are a number of contraindications for cleansing on vegetable broths, and this procedure cannot be tolerated by those who are not ready to completely refuse to eat.
  • Water detox (or water fast). This program is the most effective, but difficult to transfer. The procedure cannot be carried out without consulting a doctor, since its implementation requires the exclusion of all possible contraindications and observation by a specialist.

How to choose a weight loss and detox program?

How long is the detox program?

Any of the above cleaning systems lasts at least 1 day. Usually, experts recommend running a “reboot program” for 3 to 7 days. If necessary, the course of purification can last 10 - 21 days.

The duration of the detox cleansing is determined individually and depends both on the general state of health and on the goals of its implementation. For example, a weight loss detox may require a longer cleanse. In addition, it should be remembered that no detoxification system will become a method of dealing with excess weight. Normal weight after cleansing can only be maintained if the person follows a proper diet and is physically active afterwards.

The duration of the cleansing program is determined by the following principles:

  • if during the detoxification there is a surge of energy and well-being is not disturbed, then the cleaning can be safely continued;
  • if within 3-5 days you constantly feel fatigue, weakness, headaches and other unpleasant symptoms, then the program should be stopped and, after recovery, try a more gentle cleansing option.

Which programs are the toughest?

It should be remembered that the more severe the detoxification program, the more powerful the cleansing effect. Variants of fasting on water and on vegetable broth leads to fat burning, excellent elimination of toxic substances and the death of most of the intestinal microflora. The juice system is also powerful in terms of the degree of purification and impact on the body. These techniques can only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist and are an excellent option for detox in a clinic or hospital. For their implementation, it is necessary to properly prepare by observing a special diet (exclude coffee, dairy products, cereals, meat, chicken and fish from the diet in a certain sequence).

After the cleansing is completed, the rules for exiting a powerful detox must be observed. At this stage, as during the cleansing, almost everyone has a decline in physical activity, weakness and nausea (maybe vomiting), and the quality of sleep is disturbed. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you stop your fast and switch to a smoothie detox or other milder option. Some people, on the contrary, against the background of starvation, feel a surge of energy, and only 3-4 hours of sleep at night is enough for them. However, such “starving” people who do not feel the hardships of a lack of food are a minority, and therefore, if you decide to carry out a strict cleansing system, then you will need to take care of the opportunity to temporarily step back from your usual activities - the surest option would be to visit a specialized detox sanatorium.


What programs can be carried out at home?

For detox at home, the following options for this procedure are suitable:

  • for smoothies;
  • on dishes from cooked vegetables;
  • on vegetarian dishes.
  • with the constant intake of any medications;
  • too thin people;
  • pregnant and lactating mothers;
  • teenagers.