- There are many myths about detoxing.
- For example, taking laxatives is not the same as detoxing.
- Experts say it’s not necessary to detox if you have a healthy liver.
Dr Deanna Minich has done extensive studies and published works on her Rainbow Diet, in which she takes a holistic approach to detoxing.
She offers the following tips to help reduce your toxin load through food, cooking and eating:
Plant-based foods: Eat at least seven servings of colourful fruits and vegetables daily. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, which can protect against chemical stressors.
Berries: Eat plants containing polyphenolic compounds such as raspberry, blueberry, strawberry or grapes, to protect genetic material from ionising radiation.
Spices: Use spices, like turmeric and rosemary, when cooking to offset the formation of unhealthy compounds when you pan-fry or cook meat over an open flame.
Containers: Replace cans and plastic with glass containers when possible.
Detox don’ts Don’t drink alcohol when you detox. It will slow down the detoxification process of other foods in the liver. Don’t take unsafe medication or laxatives to enhance detoxification. Don’t medicate. Flu-like symptoms is the body’s way of flushing out the toxins.
Was your detox a success?
According to Michelle Lewis, a Cape Town-based health and wellness coach, these are the four telltale signs:
- Clean tongue
- Clear mind
- Feeling refreshed and revitalised
- Feeling more energetic
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