What to avoid

The foods to avoid when detoxing are those that are widely recognized as best limited or avoided in your diet in order to maintain good health, such as alcohol, caffeine, red meat and junk foods.

1. Cow's milk products

Milk increases the production of mucus in the body so it is not beneficial when detoxing. It is also thought that many people lack sufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose (the main sugar in milk) and therefore cannot properly digest dairy products.

2. Tea, coffee, chocolate & other caffeinated drinks

Caffeine is a diuretic and leads to dehydration. As a stimulant it puts your body under stress and deprives it of essential nutrients. It also prevents your body from absorbing vitamins and minerals.

3. Alcohol

You should definitely give up alcohol while detoxifying. As well as containing sugar, alcohol is broken down into a toxin in your body, and the production of harmful free radicals is increased when it is being metabolized. Alcohol damages the liver, muscles and brain, and depletes your body of essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Wheat

Wheat bran can irritate the colon. Wheat protein (gluten) is difficult to digest, and may cause bloating, constipation and/or diarrhoea. Gluten is also present in oats, barley and rye, but there is significantly less in these three grains. Many people are intolerant of wheat but find they can consume other grains without problems. However, if you have coeliac disease you will need to avoid all sources of gluten permanently.

5. Convenience foods, fatty and/or fried foods and products containing sugar

These include ready meals, biscuits, cakes and spreads. Squashes and cordials also contain sugar. Diet versions are not suitable alternatives because of the amount of additives they contain. Choose fresh or dried fruits and wholefood products instead, and drink water or fruit juices.

6. Meat

Meat creates extra work for your digestive system and in the case of red meat contains a lot of harmful saturated fat. Eat small quantities of good quality, organic protein instead to give your body the amino acids it needs. Eggs, oily fish (from unpolluted waters) and soya are good choices.

7. Salt and sugar

Your body needs a great deal of fluid to metabolize foods that are high in refined sugar, so if you eat a lot of these foods your body will retain a lot of water as well. Sugar disrupts blood glucose (sugar) levels. Salt prevents fluid from being removed from the body.

Citations

Sara Rose, (2004).
Detox: The process of cleansing and restoration, U.K.:Parragon

Image Source: Sara Rose, (2004).
Detox: The process of cleansing and restoration, U.K.:Parragon