Lindy Valdez
Constantly tired and listless? Then eat yourself fit – with foods that relieve the organism
After the feasts with mighty roasts, plenty of alcohol, and sweet cookies, now is the best time to do something good for the body. Try detoxing. Why it’s so good – and how it works
What is body detoxification?
It’s not just the soul that needs a break from stress every now and then. The body also has a right to rest – from excess and from an unbalanced diet that is too high in fat, sugar, and protein.
In order for the organism to work optimally, it needs both acids and bases. The balance between them is crucial. Since we usually eat too many acidic foods such as meat, pasta, and sweets, but not enough alkaline ones such as fruit and vegetables, the body becomes unbalanced. Our internal cleansing system – the liver, bile, kidneys, and intestines – is then overloaded and unable to break down acids and other harmful substances sufficiently. A short-term change in diet practically cleans the body from the inside. All harmful substances are sorted out. The organs can start fresh.
How do I know if I should detox?
Typical symptoms are tiredness and frequent digestive, head, muscle, and joint problems. Sleep is disturbed, we become irritable, and suffer from mood swings. Pale, impure skin or unexplained weight gain can also be a sign. Because to protect the organs from the acids, the body stores fat. Then it’s time for a body detox.
Do I have to starve to detox?
A clear no! You don’t have to starve or give up pleasure. What matters is foods that give the body energy instead of robbing it of it. Leave out acidic foods such as meat, sausage, fish and seafood, cheese, pizza, rice, pasta, sweets, and alcohol for a week or longer, or at least reduce your consumption. That relieves the body immensely.
And which food gives me energy?
Fresh vegetables like beans, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. Fruit, such as apples, berries, apricots, grapefruit, and melons. Lettuce and herbs such as rocket, basil, mint, rosemary, ginger, and turmeric.
How can I support the effect?
With foods that are high in alkaline:
- Avocado helps the liver digest fat. Tip: Halve the fruit lengthwise and stone it. Scoop out the flesh, mash with a fork, mix with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil, then spread on wholemeal bread and enjoy.
- Broccoli and turnip greens drain water from the body.
- Papaya supports digestion and thus the detoxification of the body. Tip: Halve the fruit, remove the seeds and peel the halves. Slice the flesh thinly and dress as a salad.
- Dried figs contain B vitamins that provide energy. Tip: Consume 100 g daily as a snack.
- Tofu is considered cell-protecting and is a great meat substitute. Tip: Eat in pieces as a soup side dish or fried with soy sauce.
