In just 14 days you can follow a routine that will rid your body of all the toxins that are making you unhealthy. Start by following a meal plan that promotes toxin removal. In today’s article, learn how to start and follow a 14-day detox plan.
Why should you do full-body detox?
It’s not something you “must” do, but it’s never a bad idea to cleanse your body from time to time. Every day you’re exposed to toxins, mostly from the food we eat, but negative emotions, bad habits, and environmental pollution can also contribute to the accumulation of these harmful substances.
If you don’t take the time to properly remove toxins from your body, eventually you’ll start having problems with your health. But by following a cleansing diet you can eliminate free radicals, which cause disease, and also help your body function more efficiently and perform its necessary functions at an optimal level.
Getting started with the 14-day detox plan
Before you begin, it’s important to keep some issues in mind. For example, you should remember that getting adequate rest is essential, and you also need to include plenty of protein and vitamins in your daily diet.
During this 14-day detox plan, it’s also a good idea to avoid consuming any of the following foods: gluten, grains, dairy, and sugar. You should also increase your intake of fruits and raw vegetables, as well as brown rice, nuts, sea salt, and olive oil.
Create a little variety in your meals to keep from becoming bored. How? Try different recipes and keep your fridge filled with healthy food options. When it comes to beverages, during these two weeks it’s a good idea to avoid drinking any coffee, milk, sodas, or alcohol, as well as sports drinks or commercially-produced juices. Stick to green tea, natural juices, and homemade smoothies to keep your body feeling its best.
Water deserves its own paragraph, as it’s your primary source of hydration. A lot of people underestimate the power of water and don’t consume adequate amounts of it. During your 14-day detox plan, try to increase your water intake to three liters a day. Furthermore, the first thing you should consume in the morning is a glass of warm water with the juice from half a lemon, to give your liver and kidneys the jumpstart they need to start eliminating fats and toxins.
Another important aspect of this full-body detox is to cleanse the intestines. To facilitate this, you’ll need to eat a lot of fiber: try whole wheat breads, bran, oatmeal, brown rice, and nuts.
It’s likely that during your first few days you’ll experience headaches, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle or joint pain, and even skin rashes. Don’t panic though – these are mild symptoms that merely indicate that your body is eliminating toxins in various ways. Just take it slow. At the end of the first day, or definitely by the end of the second or third, you should feel a lot better.
It’s also likely that you’ll notice you’ve lost some weight, probably between four to six pounds. This is mostly water that has accumulated in your intestines over time.
Foods that are essential to a full-body detox diet
In addition to following the above advice, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the quintessential foods for a full-body detox. Buy them from the start and keep them stocked around the kitchen during your two weeks of cleansing!
Watercress
Watercress is an excellent source of vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene and minerals. It’s great for your liver and kidneys.
Whole grain bread
This works like a “sponge” to absorb and then remove the toxins that build up in the walls of your intestines. You’ll pass them as solid waste, and the end result will be a better functioning digestive system and healthier looking skin.
Apples
The fiber contained in apples is another good one for your intestinal health. Drink a glass of all-natural apple juice every day to flush out toxins and reduce cholesterol levels. You can also eat as many raw apples as you want.
Grapes
Grapes contain tons of antioxidants, such as bioflavonoids. They help protect your cells and stimulate the cleansing process.
Parsley
Parsley is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. This amazing herb helps improve kidney function, making them better able to filter out toxic substances from the bloodstream.
Celery
Celery fights the buildup of uric acid and helps your body metabolize waste. It also purifies the liver and cleanses the urinary tract.
Lemons
Lemons also eliminate uric acid, reduce plaque buildup, and balance your body’s pH, reducing your susceptibility to disease.
Peaches
This delicious fruit helps to cleanse the gallbladder, regulate blood pressure, and remove any excess fluid retained in the body thanks to its content of vitamin C and potassium.
Brown rice
Brown rice contains phytin, a substance that helps remove toxins that have been stored in the body – even for years.
Fruit and vegetable recipes to consume in the 14-day detox plan
For the respiratory system
Make a juice using the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (300 ml) of pear
- 2 cups (400 ml) of melon
- 1 ½ cups (300 ml) of cucumber
For the kidneys and the circulatory system
Drink a smoothie that’s made with:
- 2 cups (400 ml) of celery
- ½ cup (100 ml) of parsley
- 2 ½ cups (500 ml) of pineapple
To detox the cardiovascular and muscular systems
Make a juice from:
- 2 cups (400 ml) of mango
- 1 cup (200 ml) of celery
- 2 cups (400 ml) of cucumber
For a digestive, intestinal, and liver cleanse
Try blending:
- 2 cups (400 ml) of plums
- 1 ½ cups (300 ml) of papaya
- 1 ½ cups (300 ml) of carrots
For the central nervous system
Prepare a smoothie with:
- 1 ½ cups (300 ml) of lettuce
- 2 cups (400 ml) of grapes
- 1 ½ cups (300 ml) of celery
To target the skin
This final detox recipe consists of:
- 2 cups (400 ml) of watermelon
- 2 cups (400 ml) of apple
- 1 cup (200 ml) of pineapple
Via: StepToHealth
