How to follow a proper detoxification regimen. Specialist: “There are no miracle herbs. It takes a mindset”
Detox should not be an occasional practice, but a healthy lifestyle based on mindset and willpower. What advice do the specialists have and how to apply them to support our body after periods of food excess.
Useful tips for an effective detox Photo source Pixabay
Detox diets done wrong increase stress hormone levels
Detoxifying the body is a must especially after food-laden periods such as the holidays. Most people feel the need for a “spring cleaning of the body”, and detox recipes are fashionable, very popular and just a click away on the Internet.
One of the oldest detox recipes, which, although it became popular in 1976, dates back to 1940, involved the exclusive consumption, for 10 days, of a mixture of lemon juice, water, pepper and maple syrup.
One of the biggest supporters of detox diets is the actress Gwyneth Paltrow who also became an entrepreneur in the field of detox products. She promotes detox diets that eliminate alcohol, caffeine, sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. The actress' recipes and diets often require a lot of time for shopping and food preparation, and some involve expensive supplements.
Health and nutrition specialists worldwide point out that this “internal cleansing” of the body can cause more harm if not indicated by nutrition professionals and herbalists.
Many detox diets do not provide enough calories or essential nutrients, which can lead to serious deficiencies. Although many people lose weight quickly, this is due to the drastic reduction of calories, the loss of muscle mass, not the burning of fat. Severe calorie restriction increases levels of stress hormones, including cortisol, which can stimulate appetite and promote long-term weight gain.
Detoxification of the body starts in our mind
The winter holidays for Romanians come with much too rich meals, not only in the various dishes they put on the table, but especially in the recipes overloaded with calories. After two weeks of eating a lot, the most affected organ of the human body is the liver, which suffers in silence.
It is important that detoxing the body is approached not as a trendy topic, but as a necessity after the busy holiday season. For sure results, it should be seen as a long-term health investment.
The main mistake that most people make in detox recipes is the one regarding the plants that would take a large part of our effort.
According to Alin Ghinea, phytotherapist and naturopath, this is a big mistake that can also have serious effects. In his view, the first step in this detox program starts in our mind.
“It is important to understand that there is no plant anywhere in this world that will do our job, make us weak, cleanse us of toxins. Detoxification does not come from a miracle pill. Everything starts from our mind, from our mindset, from our will. In short, it is important that we want to enter a rigorous and healthy detoxification program“, says the specialist, at Interviurile Adevărul.
The essential pillars of body detoxification
After we have decided that we want to “spring clean” our body, we enter the detox program, and the first step is nutrition.
“We start by eliminating fried foods, fats, smoking, canned goods, sweets, alcohol. Realistically speaking, it is very difficult to control the amount of sugar we consume in a day. For example, ketchup can have more than 10 spoons of sugar, which is huge. And we introduce fasting. 16h break from everything that means food and in 8h we can eat not three meals a day, but two main meals and a snack”, says the specialist.
He recommends white meat, fish, fresh vegetables, but to avoid carrots, especially those with high blood sugar. We are allowed greens, berries, the measure for these being no more than half a handful per day, as a snack.
“Then, night's rest, sleep. We were on vacation, we were visiting, we were lying down watching series and we forgot to sleep effectively and enough. It is very important to catch as much as possible between sleep hours, starting at 10:00 p.m. The last meal, dinner, should be 4 hours before sleep, so until 18:00. To all this we add the hydration part. Not all of us need exactly 2 liters of water a day. The water requirement is calculated based on body weight (approx. 30 ml of water/kg). If you do sports, add an additional 500 ml. Drink water throughout the day, do not drink in the evening, so as not to fragment your sleep“, says Alin Ghinea.
Move on to the next pillars in the program, which means regular movement. Even two to three sessions of brisk walking or light jogging per week can have major beneficial effects. Movement helps flush out toxins through sweat and maintain a healthy metabolism.
“Stress management is a big challenge for everyone. Chronic stress affects the body's natural detoxification. But I have seen from the practice of my patients that a regular sleep schedule, hydration and movement significantly reduce the level of stress”, emphasizes the phytotherapist.
Teas and herbs that we can introduce into the detox program
Although there are many teas and supplements on the market that promise rapid detoxification, they are no substitute for the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle. Alin Ghinea recommends some teas that help with detoxification, but cannot replace it:
“Dandelion, in the form of an infusion, helps to gently cleanse the colon, and artichoke is very good for supporting the digestive function and peristaltic movements. Also, excellent for supporting the liver, in the form of capsules or gemotherapeutic extract, are the buds of hazelnut and armorial. In stress management and for a peaceful sleep, lavender tea has a calming effect and helps to achieve a restful sleep, calming the mind and emotions. I also recommend valerian and hawthorn, with effects in relaxation and reducing anxiety, but here I have a warning, especially with hawthorn, it is not recommended for those who face water retention, birch and elderflower help to eliminate excess water from the body.”
It is known that most people turn to diuretic and laxative teas in detoxification. The specialist warns that they will not have a role in weight loss, and if they are consumed in the long term, they lead to the disturbance of the intestinal flora and can induce mineral deficiencies.
The detox program can be applied for a period of 30 days, but it is important to pay attention to the body's reactions, to observe the benefits or adverse effects. The specialist also recommends that one day a week, Sunday, we take a break from any supplements or natural treatments, relax and let go of any major source of stress.
“Put these tips into practice for 30 days and see the improvements: more energy, quality rest, better digestion, and an overall positive mood. True detoxification begins with the will to change something for the better, and herbs and natural supplements are only allies, not magical solutions.” says Alin Ghinea for Interviews Adevărul.
It is recommended that this detox program is not done by ear or by taking recipes from social media. It must be applied on the recommendation of specialists, based on medical analyses, in accordance with other sufferings or chronic diseases that the patient has and only after a strict evaluation of the health status.
Watch the full video edition and learn even more important details from the guest specialist.
