Detox and its benefits

Detoxification or detox? Well, actually, all the terms have the same meaning: elimination of toxic substances that we often ingest and our bodies can start to accumulate as a result of over-consumption. All these substances, mainly from pharmaceuticals, industrialized foods and vegetables rich in agrochemicals, need to go through certain biochemical processes in our bodies in order to be eliminated. This is a long and wide-ranging subject, but I'll talk about it here so that you can understand a little about it.

This is a physiological process, our body will always carry it out. The detox (as we normally call it) is carried out by all the cells in all the tissues, but mainly by the intestine (20%, approximately) and in the liver between 60 and 65%. So problems with constipation, recurrent diarrhea or liver problems (such as hepatic steatosis, known as “fat in the liver”), may not normally be performing this function well.

However, there are two main limitations: genetic problems (which can prevent or hinder elimination) or when consumption is greater than our body's capacity for elimination. In my clinical practice, I see the second problem occurring frequently with many patients, and the reason for this is the lack of time to consume quality food. The concern is always the lack of time and whether the product consumed is diet or light.

We come to another issue: the vast majority of these types of processed foods have low nutritional quality and a high quantity of artificial sweeteners, colorings, acidulants, preservatives (the list is long), among others, and when consumed in large quantities, it's as if our bodies are saturated with these substances and don't recognize the excess.

There are also other factors that increase the toxic nature of our bodies: fasting, low-calorie diets and nutritional quality, low-protein diets, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, diets rich in carbohydrates and saturated fats, cigarettes, alcohol, foods rich in sweeteners (especially artificial ones) and toxic metal poisoning (it's more common than we think!).

But how do we know if we are affected by toxins? Pay attention if you have multiple hypersensitivities, anxiety, dizziness, memory deficit, poor concentration, excessive fatigue, hair loss, weak nails, cellulite, altered cholesterol, headaches/migraines, thyroid disorders, difficulty losing weight and other symptoms/diseases. Important: always consult a qualified professional to be sure and assess the source of your problem.

In fact, for a detox to be effective, it's not that simple. True detoxification involves three periods in which various food groups are eliminated and others prioritized: gluten, dairy products, sugar, coffee, any processed food, red meat and, in a certain period, even oilseeds, fish and eggs. This process must last a minimum of 21 and a maximum of 30 days.

In our bodies, the detoxification process comprises two stages (all dependent on essential nutrients): phase I (biotransformation or bioactivation) and phase II (conjugation). The nutrients used range from vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, to probiotics, amino acids (glycine, cysteine, glutamine...) and some herbal medicines (such as silymarin, dandelion and artichoke) so that the two phases described above receive all the nutritional input they need to be successfully carried out by your body.

I'm sure you're wondering at this point: what to eat? Don't worry, because during the process of cleansing (“roto-ruter”) and eliminating toxins, we need to prioritize the consumption of vegetables (especially organic ones), resort to rice, quinoa or nut milks, whole grains, olive oil, fruit and fruit juice, teas, herbs and more. Creativity is a key factor at this time, as you can create many possibilities with these foods. I've already been through a detox this year, and I can speak for myself: it was great! And it was worth it!

Allied to this whole process, in order to increase our body's detoxification capacity and promote healthy and effective health and weight loss, it is also necessary to practice physical activity (always under the supervision of trained professionals and with medical authorization), lymphatic drainage, reduce the intake of over-the-counter medication and consume foods (preferably organic) that increase our body's detoxification capacity: kale, dark green vegetables, lemon, pomegranate, rosemary, propolis, turmeric, fruit, green tea. Let's not forget water, okay? Without it, all our efforts will be in vain.

Add these foods daily and follow the tips above, reducing your intake of chemical substances and see how your body functions better. Whenever possible, prioritize organic foods and consume lemon juice with mint, brown rice with turmeric, grain salad with kale drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, herbal tea...

Your detoxification system (and your body) will always be in full swing! Not to mention the fact that illness will be far behind you...

Good health to all!