John Myers
Behind the principle of detoxification is the desire to relieve the body. Find out what is behind the nutrition trend, what effects it promises, and how you can integrate the detox principle into your everyday life.
The idea behind the trend: the principle of detoxification
Detoxification is a diet trend in which stored toxins are to be released from the body. The theory: Every day, the body absorbs pollutants from food and the environment, which are stored in the fatty tissue, intestines, and cells. A healthy body excretes these substances on its own. Followers of the detox movement assume that stress, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet inhibit the body’s own detoxification mechanisms – called autophagy. However, this view has not been scientifically proven. If you don’t have a damaged liver or kidneys, you can generally trust in your body’s self-cleansing process.
Detox cures are intended to counteract a problem that plagues many people today: they feel tired, exhausted, and listless. Detoxing aims to get the metabolism going again and increase general well-being. However, the connection between feeling unwell and harmful substances in the body has not been proven. Fasting can still bring about a positive change in the body. Find out why below.
This is how detoxification cures work
When you detoxify, you avoid foods that put a strain on your metabolism for at least a week. Which products are allowed varies in a similar way to classic diets. As a rule, however, the following food groups are always forbidden: white flour, hydrogenated fats, simple sugars, and stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine. With some detox cures, you even do without solid food entirely, which relieves digestion and thus stimulates the metabolism. However, you should discuss a juice or soup cure with your family doctor beforehand. This is how you slowly get your body used to the withdrawal from solid food. In the case of a longer soup diet, it is also important to ensure that the protein and fat requirements are met.
Detox for everyday life: practical tips
In order to support your organism in its own detoxification, however, even small measures in everyday life help. The most important thing is the right diet: Rely on homemade food and drinks made from fresh ingredients as often as possible. Our detox recipes and green smoothie recipes are good examples of inspiration. Ready-to-eat foods, on the other hand, often contain large amounts of sugar and salt. Also important: drink a lot! Water helps the kidneys eliminate metabolic waste products. About 1.5 to 2 liters a day are ideal. Find out more about the use of the algae chlorella and spirulina.
Last but not least, restful sleep with enough deep sleep phases also contributes to the smooth functioning of the metabolism. Because only in deep sleep does the body release a certain hormone that is responsible for cell renewal, among other things. To support restful sleep, you can try to calm down mentally with movement and relaxation exercises such as yoga in the evening. Eating a light evening meal and avoiding alcohol also promote a peaceful night’s sleep.
