Healthy seeds are often recommended as part of a detox diet but do you know why?

When people first hear about eating seeds they often remark that seeds are for the birds. It’s true, birds, squirrels and and other animals rely on seeds for survival during harsh winters but that is because they are so rich in vital nutrients.

Healthy seeds are full of fiber, amino acids, minerals and essential fats, the nutrients that are needed by the detox system. They are best eaten in their natural state, that is raw, unroasted and unsalted and even better when they have been soaked and sprouted.

Traditionally seeds have always been soaked and partially sprouted before they were eaten. This is because seeds and nuts contain enzyme inhibitors which can interfere with digestion if eaten in excess and phytic acid which can bind to minerals preventing them being absorbed.

Soaking for 3 – 12 hours helps to neutralize these substances and starts the sprouting process even if you are not going to sprout them fully.

Sprouts are very alkalizing and the precious nutrients in seeds are increased after soaking and sprouting by as much as 400%.

Here are some healthy seeds to add to your detox diet.

Pumpkin Seeds

In China the pumpkin is called the Emperor of the Sun which symbolizes fruitfulness. Pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acids, zinc, magnesium, and omega 3 essential fatty acids.

The green seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that help to keep levels of cholesterol stable, boost the immune system and fight cancer.

Pumpkin seeds are often recommended for prostate health as they contain curcubitacins, substances that prevent testosterone being converted into dihydrotestosterone which can cause enlargement of the prostate gland.

Because of their size and chewy texture they can be eaten as a snack if you get a bit peckish while following a detox diet. Add them to salads or sprinkle over a bowl of chopped fruit for breakfast.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in the B complex vitamins, Vitamin E, beta- carotene, the minerals magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese, selenium, phytosterols, amino acids and both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Vitamin E and beta-carotene are antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals that are produced as part of the detox process. Selenium and copper are needed by your body for it’s own antioxidant system.

Sunflower seeds could help protect the heart and and may help to boost the immune system.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds, also known as linseeds, are a good source of omega 3 essentail fatty acids, fiber, lignans, manganese and magnesium.

Flax seeds, are probably one of the better known seeds for colon cleansing because of their  particular effect on the bowels. The seeds are high in soluble fiber which makes them ideal for relieving constipation. 1 or 2 tablespoons of flax seeds either whole or freshly ground are often used daily to keep the bowels moving during detox.

When the liver processes toxins, one way they are removed from the body is through the bile it produces which carries the toxins through the digestive system and out of the body in the stools.

If your bowels slow down during detox which they can do if you are following a very restrictive diet,  the toxins can get reabsorbed into the body and end up having to go through the detox process all over again. This wastes both energy and vital detox nutrients.

The seeds are rich in lignans, the phytoestrogens found in other seeds, legumes and grains that are thought to have protective effects against breast and prostate cancer.

Sesame seeds

These tiny healthy seeds are regarded in the East as symbols of immortality. They are packed with protein, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and calcium, all nutrients needed for detoxification. Manganese & copper are needed for the body’s own antioxidant system.

They also contain sesamin and sesmolin, lignans which help the body to burn fat and to lower cholesterol. Sesamin heps to protect the liver from oxidative damage which can happen during the detox process.

Tahini is made from sesame seeds and is one of the ingredients of hummus the Middle Eastern chickpea spread that is oftern used a a dip for raw vegetables.

Hemp seeds

These tiny round seeds have been eaten for centuries and have kept people alive in times of famine. They are considered to be one of the most nutritious superfoods around.

Hemp seeds have a mild and slightly nutty flavor and are noted for their ideal balance of omega 3 to omega 6 oils.They are rich in Vitamin E and trace minerals and are good for skin conditions like eczema & psoriasis.

One of the best ways of getting them into your diet is to add them to smoothies.  Add a handful to your favorite detox smoothie recipe or sprinkle them on your salad.

The hemp plant is very similar to the marijuana plant because they are of the same family.  Hemp seeds are not allowed to be grown in the USA becaause of the concern that the seeds contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the ingredient  that gives people a “high” from smoking marijuana. The reasearch shows that you cannot get high from eating hemp producs!

Chia Seeds

This list of healthy seeds would not be complete without mentioning Chia Seeds. They have recently been making a comeback after being hailed as the newest superfood. Chia seeds have in fact been grown and used by humans for centuries.

Chia seeds contain the highest known plant source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, protein and fiber. These tiny mild tasting seeds are so highly packed with antioxidants that they don’t deteriorate as quickly as flax seeds do.

The other advantage they have over flax seeds is that you don’t have to grind them up to obtain their nutrients when you eat them. Chia seeds contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc, many of the nutrients needed for effective detox.

As Chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber you can use them for bowel cleansing in place of flax seeds. They may cause more gas and discomfort than flax seeds though because of their higher fiber content. It’s best to start on a teaspoonful and gradually increase the dose until you find the right level.

To get the best from using any of these healthy seeds as part of a detox diet they should be bought very fresh and stored in a cool dark place or refrigerator to prevent the essential fats from becoming rancid.  They are a very concentrated source of nutrients so you only need small amounts of them.

Here is a guest post from A. Vogel

When doing a detox, it is common to experience a period of discomfort on some level, whether physically as the exit routes start to open up, or emotionally as the diet is altered and certain foods avoided or lifestyle changes implemented.

People sometimes panic when symptoms appear, not understanding the cause. Outlined below is an explanation of the healing crisis.

A disintegration of health, following a time of worsening diet, little in the way of exercise, poor sleep patterns, high stress levels or repeated infections is called a disease crisis. This is a negative condition but, despite involving fatigue and depressive feelings, and indicating a worsening of general health, outward (visible) signs of illness may be reduced. This is because the pathway of disease is from outside in – the toxins have moved deeper into the tissues. An example is that symptoms of eczema may lessen as asthma develops – the toxins have travelled inwards from skin tissue to lung tissue, as the body is no longer strong enough to throw them out through the skin. Asthma can kill whereas eczema can’t – the condition has thus worsened.

On the other hand, if someone starts drinking more water, avoiding caffeine, taking remedies to improve their bowel function, and eating more fruit and vegetables, they may well feel physical effects such as bloating, digestive noises and wind, or skin breakouts. This is because the body is opening up the exit routes (the bowels, urinary tract and skin), as it is now strong enough to shift some of the toxins lying around in the tissues. This may feel uncomfortable for a while, but it is an indication that things are improving – better out than in!

When people start to get better they often rediscover their energy and enthusiasm and start clearing out old junk physically around them in their houses – this is just a reflection of what is going on inside: the body has got out its big brooms and is dusting and sweeping with vigour! This temporarily raises lots of dust and the house looks worse than it did before, but this passes and a clean, shining, sweet-smelling house emerges from the rubble!

The person detoxing may get a big, mucous-filled cold with a temperature and sweating. This is akin to a huge bonfire – dragging all the old rubbish out of the attic and garage and setting fire to it as the fastest and most effective way of breaking it down and getting rid of it.

All of these symptoms – when things become more visible or any of the exit routes become more active or the immune system kicks in – indicate a healing crisis and are an indication of improved health.

If you are detoxing and are finding the symptoms difficult to handle, make sure you drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest as well as gentle exercise in the fresh air to benefit your immune system. Your body is working hard on the inside to clean you out, so some tiredness is to be expected. Extra sleep for a short period of time will sort this out. You can add an iron tonic such as Floradix and ensure you aren’t drinking tea, which inhibits iron absorption and thus increases fatigue.

Women who have heavy periods may need extra iron quite badly, as they are losing a lot of blood on a regular basis. Periods are often lighter after a detox, as the body is then able to use the proper channels for waste removal (the bowel and urinary tract) instead of defaulting to the menstrual blood.

Drinking gently supportive teas such as Golden Rod Herbal Tea (good for the kidneys), Fennel (good for the urinary tract), and Nettle (good for removing uric acid) will help ease detox symptoms. A prebiotic such as Molkosan will often reduce bloating or gassy feelings. Eating bitter foods such as artichoke, chicory, rocket or watercress will stimulate the proper production of digestive enzymes to work on all that healthy food. Herbal bitters such as Artichoke, Dandelion or Yarrow can be taken for extra support if digestive symptoms are troublesome. Avoiding all refined carbohydrates and ensuring the bowel moves daily will shorten any period of discomfort. Herbs like Milk Thistle will support the liver, which sometimes eases symptoms such as feeling queasy as the body adjusts to a new dietary regime.

One last note – in naturopathic terms, the healing pathway travels outwards physically (so, whilst healing, someone with asthma may have less trouble breathing/coughing but may break out in eczema), but also emotionally. So someone’s symptoms may go from “I” to “my”: “I feel so low and depressed”, becomes, “my psoriasis has flared up (but strangely, I feel a bit more cheerful).” This is a good sign! I often find that clients tell me all the symptoms of their snotty, feverish cold, and then say that they feel surprisingly well and more energetic than they have for a while – this is a true healing crisis!

The story last week of Merlene Paul who had some bad reactions caused by the toxic chemicals from a packet of T shirts she had just opened caught my eye. This is a typical reaction of a person whose detox system has become overloaded.

Living in a chemical soup

We are surrounded by toxic chemicals in and out of the home but as most people can’t smell them or see them or have any obvious reaction to them they are rarely given a second thought. They get into our blood from the air we breathe as they are absorbed from the lungs.

They are then either processed by the detox system and eliminated or stored in the tissues until our bodies can figure out a way to get rid of them.

Formaldehyde is everywhere

Merlene discovered that she reacted badly to formaldehyde when she became ill 20 years ago while working in the interior design industry.  She was exposed to formaldeyde and number of other toxic chemicals given off by rolls of fabrics that had been treated with them for hours day in a day out.

Her detox system became so overloaded with the chemical or damaged by it that she became hypersensitive to it.  And the problem for Marlene is that it’s hard to get away from formaldehyde. It is found in mattresses, bedding, carpeting, ( carpeting is a major source of chemicals in the home), paints, furniture and in most of the clothes that we buy.

Your clothes are full of chemicals

Clothing manufacturers commonly use chemicals to prevent wrinkling and mildew and as flame retardants. Some experts believe that the chemicals on our clothes can contribute to a range of health problems from breast cancer to infertility.

Last year formaldehyde was described by the US National Toxicology Program as a human carcinogen. Several clothing manufacturers in the UK have said they are committed to removing hazardous chemicals from their supply chain by 2020. Seems like that’s too long to me!

In the 70′s many people discovered they were affected by formaldehyde when they had therir homes insulated with Urea Foam Formaldehyde Insulation. And more recently people were affected by the formaldehyde used used to make walls, cabinets, and furniture in trailer homes the government gave them after Hurricane Katrina

Some of the symptoms people complained of were fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, poor memory, brain fog, burning eyes and throat, cough and dermatitis.

We are all exposed to toxic chemicals every day so how come we do not all get reactions like these? It all boils down to how well your detox system works.

Your Detox System

Your body has a very sophisticated and complicated detox process which neutralizes toxins so they can safely be eliminated from the body. It relies on a number of specialized enzyme reactions which in turn all rely on certain vitamins and minerals being present in adequate amounts. If an enzyme lacks the vitamin of mineral it needs to work it becomes inactive.

For example, formaldehyde is an aldehyde that that is normally changed into an acid that can can safely be excreted in the urine. One of the enzymes that does this needs the minerals molybdenum and iron to work.

If you are lacking in any of the nutrients needed by the detox system your detox pathways will not be as efficient as they should be and the chemicals can build up. If you have a heavy exposure to a chemical like Marlene did then it’s easy to see that the nutrients needed to detox this chemical can easily become depleted especially if there was a deficiency in the first place.

When the chemicals build up you are twice as likely to react to chemicals in the environment.

Genetic studies have shown that some individuals have genetic differences in the Phase 1 or Phase II liver detox pathways which could prevent them from detoxing environmental chemicals adequately.

Rev up your detox system

Age, and diet has an effect on detox too but it’s not all doom and gloom though because it’s possible to get these detox pathways working again. By supplying the nutrients needed by the detox system both from food and nutritional supplements you can push the liver detox pathways so they function better.

You must of course also minimize your exposure to chemicals as much as possible. Use non toxic building materials and paints where possible. Choose natural fabrics for furniture and clothing. Use natural flooring and get new ]carpets cleaned using a non chemical method as soon as they are laid. Use natural personal car products. Make sure you have good ventilation both at home and at work.

There is still a lot to learn about how the detox system copes with these toxic chemicals and we are only just beginning to understand what impact they have on our health but it’s obvious that we do need to detox our bodies regularly if we are to prevent our detox pathways becoming overloaded.

My ebook the Definitive Detox Diet shows you how. The Definitive Detox Diet

The role of fruit and vegetables in our diet has never been more important. Our bodies have to continually detox a wide range of pollutants in our food, water and environment. A high fruit and vegetable diet helps support and rev up the detox system so helping to detox your body.

More and more research is showing that a high fruit and vegetable diet contains the nutrients that ward off all manner of ill-health and diseases from cancer, to premature aging.

It’s generally agreed by Functional Medicine Doctors and Naturopathic Doctors  that the underlying causes of most disease are toxicity and deficiency. We need to feed our cells with proper nutrition if they are to function and detox themselves properly.

Fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes that nourish the body, support the detox pathways and encourage the release of toxins.

Fruits and vegetables that activate the Phase I liver detox pathway are:

• Cruciferous vegetables – Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, bok choy, cress, mustard, horseradish, turnips, rutabagas (swede), kohlrabi, watercress, arugula (rocket)

• Vitamin C rich foods – peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, citrus fruit (not grapefruit which inhibits Phase 1)

• Oranges & tangerines,  lemons (but not grapefruit)

Fruits and vegetables that activate the Phase II pathway are:

An abundance of fruit and vegetables will ensure adequate glutathione a primary substance needed for detox. Specific foods that stimulate this pathway are:

• cruciferous vegetables, avocados, walnuts, asparagus, watermelon, orange peel oil, dill seeds & caraway seeds.

• Garlic & Onions

• Red peppers

• Green leafy vegetables

Organic Fruit & Vegetables

The vitamins and mineral contained in the fruit and vegetables come from the soil so it’s important to buy produce that that is grown in soil that has not been overfarmed or depleted of its precious nutrients.

Organic produce is better than conventionally grown because organic growers take care of the soil and you are not putting more toxins into your body from the pesticide residues on the food.

Sweep out toxins

Fruit and vegetables contain bulk and fiber which acts like a broom to sweep the intestines clean. Fiber helps to regulate the blood sugar keeping us balanced both physically and emotionally.

Talking of blood sugar, according to a new study eating mangoes regularly can help prevent diabetes and insulin resistence. Certain substances in mangoes act in a similar manner to dibetes and cholesterol drugs.

Apples and oranges contain pectin which helps to absorb fats and toxins from the digestive system.

Cleansers and Regenerators

Basically fruit are cleansers and vegetables are regenerators and builders. Researchers have shown that cells can regenerate themselves either by replacement with a weaker cell or by replacement with a stronger cell. A high fresh fruit & vegetable diet promotes healthy cell regeneration.

The best fruits for cleansing are:

apples, pears, oranges, watermelon, grapes and lemon.

The most valuable vegetable cleansers are:

beets (beetroot), carrots, celery, cucumber, spinach, chard, and watercress.

Green vegetable juices are rich in chlorophyll which helps with bowel cleansing.

Some good cleansing combination juices are:

Watercress and spinach
Apple, carrot and celery
Beets ( beetroot) and cucumber

Acid Alkaline Balance

The majority of people eat too much protein, fatty and processed foods which are highly acid forming. An acidic body has been linked to fatigue, a weakened immune system, arthritis and other degenerative diseases and even cancer.

A high fruit and vegetable diet helps to supply the minerals which have an alkalizing effect on your body and creates an environment that enables your cells to detox.

Eat a rainbow of fruit and vegetables for optimum health

Eating a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables suppies your body with a range of natural plant chemicals known as phytochemicals that have a host of health boosting qualities.

These phytochemicals are what give the fruit and vegetables their amazing colors. Different phytochemicals have different effects in our bodies so it’s important to eat as many different colored fruit and vegetables as you can.

Many phytochemicals are anti-oxidants which are needed in the detox process and to combat the free radicals created in the body during normal metabolism.

You can read more about the Rainbow Diet here:

Detox Diet: Eat A Rainbow For Optimum Health

Raw fruit and vegetables contain an energy and vitality that is destroyed by cooking. When you eat them the energy is transferred to your cells which helps them push out the waste products which if left to accumulate will internfer with its function.

Some health practitioners feel that a raw food diet is the only natural human diet and that cooked food is a major cause of disease and suffering. Yet research has discovered that some nutrients are better absorbed from vegetables when it is lightly cooked.

The best option then seems to have a diet that is high in both raw fruit and cooked vegetables.There is no doubt that whether you opt for cooked or raw a diet high fresh fruit and vegetable diet  will help you detox your body.

The body is exposed to toxins everyday through food, air pollution, medication and even stress. Processed, chemically enhanced and ready to eat food contain substances that are toxic to the body. These toxic agents weaken your immunity, stress the mind and cause fatigue so let’s look at some important detox tips.

Detox or detoxification is a cleansing process from within that gets rid of toxins, body waste and excess fats. It nourishes and renews the body from the inside to give an outside glow. There are different ways to detoxify your body. Here are 5 detox tips to get you started.

1. Start detox from where toxins start

Eliminate toxic substances that are found in sodas, processed foods, junk foods and pre- packed foods and vices like smoking and drinking alcohol. Food colors, food enhancers and preservatives found from these foods are removed from the body through the liver, kidneys and large intestines.

One of the most important detox tips is to avoid toxins that are in products you apply to your skin. Your skin is highly absorbant and will absorb a range of toxic chemicals from your personal care products. Look for natural products.

Use only chemical free cleaning agents in your home and and avoid using air freshners unless truly natural. Your liver turns these substances into water soluble for excretion through urine and feces.

Too many toxic substances make the liver and kidneys to work double time. This stresses the liver and kidneys and if this continues for a long period, it could lead to kidney and liver malfunction.

2. Add fiber to your diet

Eat plenty of fiber rich food and maintain a healthy diet. Fiber helps to absorb and flush out fats, cholesterol, processed toxins from the liver and the waste products that remain in the gut after digestion and absorption takes place.

Whole, gluten free grains such as buckwheat, red and brown rice are great sources of fiber. They are also rich in slow releasing carbohydrate that fuel the body with energy without turning energy into body fats.

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green peas, potato with skin, sweet potatoes, carrots and green leafy vegetables are fiber rich vegetables. They contain nutrients that nourish and repair damaged cells.

Fruits like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, cherries, plums, apples, kiwi fruit, guavas and bananas are immune boosting fiber rich fruits. They are rich vitamin C that strengthens the immunity and provides fast recovery from sickness and stress.

Almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios and walnuts contain high level of fiber. They also contain essential fatty acids that fight and eliminate bad cholesterol that can cause hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

3. Spice up your food

Anti- oxidants are detoxifying agents that fight free radicals and promote cell regeneration. Herbs like fennel, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, garlic and spices like cayenne pepper, dried chili pepper, ginger and turmeric are rich in anti- oxidants. They add flavor, color and aroma to the food while promoting healthy cells.

4. Drink plenty of water and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices

Water dilutes toxins and helps to flush them out through urine and sweat. Drink at least 1 liter of pure water a day. Freshly squeezed juices are healthier and more natural than concentrated or powdered juice.

5. Exercise to good health

Perspiration produced through exercise detoxifies the skin and removes toxins from the superficial layers.  It tones, firms and keeps the muscle look younger. Sweat pushes out excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells to keep the skin smooth and radiant.

Exercise improves blood circulation for better distribution of oxygen and nutrients to the body. Meditation and yoga are perfect for mind detoxification and relaxation. The deep breathing soothes the mind, promotes better sleep, supplies more oxygen and helps to clear out air pollutants from the lungs.

By following these detox tips on a daily basis you cannot but help to improvement your health. For more specific information on detox see my Definitive Detox Diet.

From time to time I get questions about detox and detox diet plans from my readers and detox news subscribers. I can usually send them some links to articles I have written that cover the subject they have asked about.

I got to thinking recently that it would be a good idea to make a list of some of the posts that I have made in the past that may now be hard to find. I have noticed that the search function on this blog does not always work that well. Also, some good posts that I wrote several years ago seem to now be hidden in the depths of the blog.

Here’s the list of my top 10 Detox Diet articles that will help boost your energy, make you feel and look younger and even help you lose a few pounds.

1. What Do Your Crazy Food Cravings Tell You?

If you have ever gone on a detox diet or had good intentions of starting the year by eating healthily but ruined it when your cravings got the better of you then this is the article for you.

This post looks at the most common food cravings and what they could mean for you.

2. How to Detox Sugar

While we are on the subject of cravings this is one one of my most searched for and most popular posts and it’s hardly surprising. Sugar is one of the most addictive food there is and that is why the majority of people have such trouble in giving it up.  It’s hard to find products in the supermarket that don’t contain it or a toxic sugar substitute that you are also trying to avoid.

This article gives suggestions of what you can eat instead of sugar and explains how to support your body through a sugar detox if you are finding it impossible to resist.

3. Lung Detox: The Complete Lung Detoxification Guide Review

Perhaps giving up smoking is one of your New Year’s resolutions or perhaps you have already given it up. Ehter way this post contains some information about your lungs that may surprise you.

If you are finding it hard to give up then this is a post you will want to read.

4. Cabbage Soup Detox Diet Plan

I was surprised to discover recently that this is also one of my most popular posts. It’s a good detox to do at this time of the year when the thought of cold juices and salads incold weather is enough to put off. Cabbage soup may not sound that enticing but you will change your mind when you taste these recipes.

The cabbage soup detox diet can help you shed a few pounds if you have gained over the past few months.

5. Will A Liver Cleansing Diet Help A Fatty Liver?

I get a lot of questions from subscribers about fatty liver and the best way to combat it. It s a condition that creeps up on you. Your liver can take quite a lot of punishment before it starts to complain so very often you only find out you have a fatty liver when you get a blood test for something unrelated.

This article explains what causes a fatty liver and what you can do about it. Don’t think that giving up fat in your diet is going to be the answer because it’s not.

6. How to Detox With Chlorella

This post contains a lot of information about why and how to use Chlorella. It is essentially a written interview with Nadia Brydon who uses Chlorella extensively in her work. As well as training in Western and Chinese herbal medicine she trained at the prestigious Hippocrates Institute in the USA where she saw first hand how powerful chlorella was for people with all sorts of health problems.

Chlorella is great for bowel cleansing and Nadia gives two excellent recipes for chlorella smoothies.

7. Heavy Metal Toxicity – How To Detox Heavy Metals

Some heavy metals are essential to health but in tiny amounts. Others such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic are toxic if they are not eliminated and build up in the tissues.

It would be very unusual to get a diagnosis of heavy metal toxicity by a mainstream doctor unless you have a known exposure to something like lead. Yet, Functional Medicine and naturopathic doctors look for it as it can lead to numerous symptoms and health problems.

Some people are better than others at eliminating them. If you have high levels they can be hard to shift with a standard detox diet and may need additional support. This article explores some of the things you can use to help detox heavy metals.

8. The Amazing Three Day Alkalizing Cleanse

Our bodies function best when our blood and tissues are slightly alkaline. But today’s eating habits and lifestyles tend to create acidity. Many health experts believe that acidosis is responsible for a lot of diseases that many people suffer with these days.

The 3 Day Alkaline Diet Plan that is outlined on this post will help to get you started on the Alkaline way of eating for health. Feel that boost in your energy and maybe drop a few of those extra holiday pounds.

9. Detox Your Body With A 7 Day Spring Detox

Although many people are more likely to be motivated to detox in January, Naturopathic doctors and many other health practitioner believe that Springtime is the ideal time to detox.

Try this one a little later in the year when the new season’s vegetables start to appear. Although you have to avoid certain unhealthy foods you don’ t have to starve yourself and go hungry all the time. Try out the tasty recipes.

10. 2 Day Apple Diet

This detox diet is another highly searched for and popular post. There was a lot of truth in the saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away but it is only recently that scientists have discovered why apples are so good for you.

It is an ideal detox to do over a weekend or when you don’ t have time for a longer one.

Well, that’s my list of top 10 detox diet posts. I had a hard job deciding which posts to include as there are now so many to choose from but I hope they will serve as a reference to help you with your detox diet plan.

The bowel is one of the most important systems for removing toxins from your body. Toxins that get into your body are processed by your liver and are eliminated from your body by the bowel or by the kidneys through the urine.

If you have decided to do a New Year Detox to kickstart your healthy eating resolution it makes sense to start with a bowel cleansing diet.

There are various schools of thought about the necessity for colon cleansing but there is no doubt that if your colon becomes sluggish or overworked it cannot function properly.

Toxins which remain for any length of time in the bowel can get reaborbed into your body. They get sent back to the liver where they have to go through the whole detox process again, overworking your liver.

So, it is important that you start any detox plan with a bowel cleansing diet. However well you clean your blood, lymph and liver if your bowel is not cleansed they will all become full of toxins again.

Do you need a bowel cleanse diet?

• Constipation or sluggish bowelsUnless you have at least 1 easy bowel movement a day you need to get them moving for a successful detox. Poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, lack of fluid and use of certain medication can all contribute to constipation.It’s estimated that 4 1/2 million people in the United States are constipated most of the time. And in the UK 1 in 3 people suffer with constipation.

•  Body & breath odorAlthough there can be other reasons for both any unpleasant breath or body odor  or a coated tongue can indicate a toxic bowel.

• Chronic health problemsA toxic colon can result in many problems such as acne, allergies, muscular aches & pains, recurrent bladder infections, headaches, fatigue, sore throat and frequent colds and infections.

There is a lot of controversy over the existance of so called mucoid plaque in the intestines and the need to remove it for health. Whether it exists or not a number of health practitioners such as Bernard Jensen have demonstrated that various symptoms in the body can be improved through bowel cleansing.

The Bowel Cleansing Diet

Fiber also known as roughage helps to cleanse the bowel naturally. If you increase high fiber foods in your diet fiber supplements are often not necessary. Fiber is essential for detoxification of the intestines. It helps to scrub your intestinal walls, absorbs water in the large intestine and makes the stools softer and bulkier and easier to pass.

Fiber shortens the time that toxins stay in the intestines and helps to prevent the absorption of toxins from the bowel. It helps to increase the excretion of bacterial toxins and products from putrefaction of undigested protein.

The fiber that comes from food is the best type of fiber to have. There are two types of fiber – insoluble fiber which does not dissolve and and soluble fiber which partially dissolves in water.

Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in fruit, legumes, oats, nuts and some seeds.

High fiber foods:

• Whole grains (especially brown rice but not wheat)

• Vegetables both raw & cooked

• Fresh Fruit with skin

• Dried Fruit

• Legumes

• Seeds

• Nuts

A high fiber diet has been shown to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, diverticulitis and obesity but the majority of people eat too little fiber. It slows digestion which helps to balance blood sugar levels, helps you to feel fuller longer. Soluble fiber lowers cholesterol.

When you increase fiber in your diet you may have some bloating and gas ( wind) at first. As your system becomes used to extra fibre the bloating or gas tends to settle. It’s best to increase it gradually.

Wheat

For a long time doctors and dieticians have recommended that people with constipation or bowel problems increase whole wheat, especially wheat bran, in their diets but wheat is difficult for a lot of people to digest. Consequently it tends to cause a lot of problems for many people.

Wheat and wheat products such as wheat based breakfast cereals, wheat bran and pasta are not recommended on a bowel cleanse diet. In fact it is best to avoid all gluten grains like oats, rye and barley as well.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are good for bowel cleansing. You can take them whole or ground. Whole ones work better for some people and ground ones for others. If you are going to try ground ones it is best to grind your own just before you are going to use them.

Add them to your breakfast, yogurt, sprinkle then on salads or add to soup and vegetable dishes when ready to serve.

Take 1 – 2 tablespoons of whole or ground flax seed a day.

Chia Seeds

As a change from flax seeds you can try Chia Seeds. These tiny seeds have been dubbed a superfood. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber and ounce for ounce more total fiber than Flax seeds. They are much softer than flax seeds.

The fibers trap more than three times the weight of the seed in water which keeps the bowel hydrated so the food and waste move easily through your digestive system.

Green Foods

One of the best substances for bowel cleansing is chlorophyll which is found in all green vegetables, especially the green, leafy vegetables. So, make sure you eat plenty of these.

Green algae are the highest sources of chlorophyll in the plant world and if you want to speed up the process of cleansing your colon then chlorella is a great addition to the diet. It does an  excellent job in removing toxins from the bowel and healing damaged tissue in the digestive system.

Fluids

Many people are constipated or have difficult bowel movements because they do not drink enough liquids. There is controversy over how much water you shoudl drink but 6 – 8 glasses of pure water a day is about average. It is important to drink enough water for detoxification.

You will increase your fluid intake by eating more fruit and vegetables , fresh vegetable juices and soups. You can drink green or herbal teas too.

Apple Cider Vinegar

To help digestion and stimulate the bowels drink a small glass of water with a little lemon juice and 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar before meals. Add a little apple juice to sweeten if you want.

Herbal Cleansing

You can also add some herbs for deeper cleansing. You can learn more about this in my blog post here:  How To Colon Cleanse

Foods To Avoid on the Bowel Cleansing Diet

As well as including the foods to help cleanse the bowel naturally you should also exclude these foods that can damage your digestive system and are bad for your health. It probably won’t come as any surprise that the following foods should be avoided.

• Refined sugar and food containing it

• Junk food and processed food.

• Red meat

• Fried and fatty food

• Dairy products except live yogurt or kefir

• Alcohol, fizzy drinks, sodas

• Reduce coffee and regular tea.

After following the bowel cleansing diet for a week or two and your bowels are working well you should make sure that you continue to eat plenty of fiber and avoid the foods that are no good for your health such as refined and processed food, deep fried food, all food additives and artificial sweeteners.

If you’ve had a spell of rich food, more alcohol than usual and late nights over the holiday season why not try this easy 2 Day Detox Diet to help restore your energy and vitality?  Although Spring is the traditional time to detox many people feel more motivated to do a New Year Detox Diet.

Instead of following a longer and more restrictive diet that may lower your immunity you can incorporate a few healthy diet changes into your life to naturally support your body’s detox system and kick start your health.  Following a 2 Day Detox Diet once a month will ensure you feel and look great and boost your energy

2 Day Detox Diet

Prepare

• Plan to do the detox over a weekend or when you are not working or have any other commitments. Arrange a a long weekend if you can so you can rest and relax.

• For a week before the detox ease into it by focusing more on whole grains, vegetables, fruit, wild fish, free range or organic chicken, organic eggs, beans, pulses, seeds and nuts.  Avoid fatty meat and fried food.

• Ensure your meals are 75% vegetables + 25% meat, fish or eggs. Try to have a variety of different colored vegetables. Steam or stir-fry them to keep the nutrient content high. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to make them tasty.

• Reduce your regular tea and caffeine in coffee, colas, and other beverages and drink green tea, clean water and fresh vegetable juices instead. If you normally drink a lot of tea or coffee take even longer to wean yourself off it to prevent withdrawal headaches during the 2 day detox diet.

• Stop drinking soft drinks with with high fructose corn syrup and and try to avoid alcohol.

• Look for alternatives to bread and other wheat based products. White bread, white pasta, white rice, cookies, and cakes trigger a rise in insulin levels and causes blood sugar balance problems which often results in sugar cravings and weight gain.

• Use brown rice, millet, oatmeal, quinoa or amaranth instead.

• Cut out processed foods, sugar and foods containing it and artificial sweeteners.

• Reduce dairy products but you can eat live natural unsweetened yogurt. Use rice or almond milk instead.

The 2 Day Detox Diet consists of mainly liquid meals for breakfast and dinner with a solid meal at lunchtime.

Day 1

On rising

Lemon Detox Drink:

Blend together the juice of 1/2 small medium organic lemon with 8 oz water, 1 tablespoon organic flax oil,  small piece of peeled and grated ginger root to taste until well mixed. Sweeten with a few drops Stevia or apple juice if you have to.

Breakfast

Wait at least 30 minutes after drinking lemon Flax Detox Drink and then sip a Green Smoothie.
Make it from 40 % fruit and 60% green leaves if you can.  Place diced fresh fruit in the blender and add a variety of green leaves and enough water to make the blades turn easily. Blend on high speed until very smooth in a high powered blender.

Snacks

Keep drinking herbal tea, green tea, or pure water throughout the day and eat raw veg, fresh berries, a handful of almonds or another green smoothie for snacks.

Lunch

Choose from:

• Steamed, low mercury fish with vegetables or large vegetable salad

• Stir fried vegetables with buckwheat noodles

• Bean or lentil dish with wholegrain rice and vegetables.

• Plain roast or poached chicken breast with large vegetable salad or steamed vegetables.

Mid afternoon

Snacks as above.

Dinner

Choose from:

• Raw soup

• Cooked vegetable soup

• Green Smoothie

• Fresh vegetable juice

You can find some tasty recipes for Cabbage Soup here:  Cabbage Soup Detox Diet Plan

And some Detox Soups here: Detox Soups for Winter Cleansing

For Green Smoothies try these: Tasty Recipes For Detox Smoothies

Day 2

As above.

You can follow this 2 day detox diet plan for longer if you like.

If you’re diabetic, pregnant or breast feeding you should get the advice of a health practitioner who is knowledgeable and experienced in detox before going on a detox diet.

Detoxification is not just about diet so here are a few things you can do to help.

Brush Up

Give your lymphatic system a treat and do some skin brushing. Your lymph system carries waste away from your cells. Using a firm, natural bristle long handled brush, starting at your feet, brush your body all over using long sweeping strokes towards your heart. Brush your abdomen with gentle circular clockwise movements.

Detox bath

Relax and ease tensions in a detox bath. Epsom salts helps to eliminate toxins from just under the skin.

Move your body

Spend half and hour each day doing some exercise. Yoga, stretching, rebounding on a mini trampoline or brisk walking will help to rev up your circulation.

Your energy levels may fluctuate during the detox so rest when you are tired.

A detox is a good time to kickstart healthy eating so once you have finished your 2 Day Detox Diet ease back into eating solid foods but stay on a healthy diet. Aim for eating at least 7 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day and eat a wide variety of colors.

It started early this year. It’s usually not until January that doctors speak out against detox. Last week a British doctor claimed that detox is pointless and and could be highly dangerous.

Writing in the December issue of The Biologist,  Prof David Bender, professor of nutritional biochemistry at University College London, argues that the term detox has gone from being applied to a chemical reaction involved in the production of urine, to “a meaningless marketing term”.

Meaningless detox products

Well, I have to agree with him about the meaningless marketing term. Manufacturers have jumped on the term detox to describe all manner of things. For example, Nicky Clarke, one of Britain’s best known hairdressers, has launched a hair dryer claims to help detox your hair. It’s stuff like this that brings the whole idea of detox into disrepute.

The basic fallacy, says Professor Bender, is that ‘large amounts of toxic waste accumulate in our bodies and must be eliminated by some kind of dietary regime’. In fact, ‘the human body processes and removes toxins very efficiently’

Is the body good at removing toxins?

I would like to ask him this: “If the body is so good at removing toxins why we all have numerous toxic chemicals and metals stored in our bodies?”

In a 2004 study funded by the European Union  and the World Wild Fund UK , the blood from 155 volunteers was examined for 77 different toxic chemicals. The number of toxic chemicals found ranged from 49 to  9 while the average number was 30.

In July 2005, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, published a 475-page report entitled, “Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals” which clearly indicates the growing number of chemical toxins present in all age-groups in the USA.

A number of other studies have shown that babies are being born with toxic chemicals in their bodies which they have received from their mothers while in the womb.

It doesn’t seem to me that the human body is removing these toxins very efficiently does it to you?

Over the counter Detox products

He is probably right in saying that many commercial detox products and devices have no scientific merit. Some commercial detox products are made up of a few herbs that act as laxatives. They are likely to have a drastic effect on your bowels but that is not the same as detoxing chemicals from your body which is the aim of a good detox diet plan.

Other over the counter detox products may contain a few herbs that are known to help support liver function but it’s doubtful that they contain enough of the right nutrients to enhance the liver detox pathways.

Is detox dangerous?

I haven’t read the original article so I don’t know what he was referring to as dangerous but the Daily Mail brought up the story of a woman who died at a detox spa last August. She and another woman were rushed to hospital in Canada after becoming severely dehydrated. They had apparently spent hours wrapped in mud and plastic intended to draw ‘poisons’ from their skin but not drunk any water.

Well, that goes against all detox principles. It is absolutely essential to replace fluids when doing any sweat therapies such a saunas or baths. All good detox diet plans will recommend that you drink enough fluids but not too much.

Enough water but not too much

The Daily Mail brought up the case of a woman who drank too much water and upset her body’s sodium balance and suffered brain damage as a result of her cells swelling up. She apparently drank 6 pints of water a day as part of a cleansing regime recommended by a nutritionist although the nutritionist had not advised that much and was cleared of any wrong doing.

Extensive research

Although many doctors say there is no scientific evidence that detox diet work, according to a report published by the Institute of Functional medicine entitled Detoxification a Clinical Monograph “there has been extensive research into an individuals ability to detoxify different xenobiotics” and references to published papers are given.

Detox Abilities

Researchers have noted that certain people with certain diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Parkinson’s Disease have impaired detoxification abilities. They have defects in their ability to detox sulfur containing xenobiotics which cause damage in their bodies.

In fact Joe Pizzorno, the well known Naturopathic Doctor tells the story of an event that changed his life forever. He was stunned by the fact that the woman who was married to his room mate was cured of Rheumatoid Arthritis (considered to be incurable by main stream Doctors) by a Naturopathic doctor who detoxified her liver.

Specific foods improve the detox system

Researchers have discovered which nutrients are needed by the various detox pathways in the body. By supplying these nutrients as food and supplements they have shown with specific tests that they can improve the detox pathways.

Effects of drugs detox

It’s also known that various drugs and chemicals have an inhibiting or stimulating effect on the liver detox pathways. Just recently I read a about a 25 year old fitness instructor who died of an accidental paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. The pathologist report concluded her death was due to liver failure caused by a paracetamol overdose.

If our bodies were so good at detoxing should this have happened?

Variations in Detox function

Studies of detox function have shown that the enzymes involved in liver detox can vary significantly from person to person. Differences in the detox capacity of individuals, their exposure to toxins and their nutritional status can have a profound effect on their susceptibility to a wide variety of diseases.

Many clinical studies done at the Metagenics Functional Medicine Research Center in Gig Harbor Washington have shown that symptoms of people with poor health can be vastly improved when they follow a properly designed detox diet and take supplements rich in the substances shown to support liver detox.

Does detox work?

In spite of the lack of double blind, placebo controlled, trials that the medical profession are so fond of many people will testify to the benefits that a specially designed detox diet with the support of some specific supplements brought them.

Almost everyone likes to eat and drink but if your eating and drinking habits are slowly killing you isn’t it about time you changed them? It’s not too soon to start planning your detox diet goals for health in 2012.

Your body is a wonderful but incredibly complex piece of engineering that must be maintained so that it doesn’t break down in the middle of your life. Who wants to suffer with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer, the biggest killers of our times, if they can be avoided?

Genetically our bodies are designed to last for 100 years or more. With the right care your body can remain fully functioning that long. I think you will agree that there is no point in living to a ripe old age if you cannot enjoy it.

How many times have you made a New Year’s Resolution that this will be year you will get healthy ? Or perhaps you have you promised yourself that you will start a detox diet in January?

It’s easy to make a resolution but not so easy to keep it. The decision to take responsibility for your health is a big challenge and needs motivation, planning and, will power and a certain amount of discipline.

Setting your goals

Resolutions tend to be vague and are hard to put into practice. You are much more likely to succeed if you have definite goals. Without having a goal in mind, the final result is not as clear.

For example, you might say your resolution for next year is to lose weight but that is too vague. Much better would be to say that your goal for health is to lose 50 lbs in 6 months. Then you set smaller target goals to help you reach that main goal.

If you want to follow a detox diet you need to plan out some time when you will be able to start. Most goals are reached in steps so write down all the steps that you will need to take before you start it.

Create a clear vision

If you are thinking about what you will have to give up to lose weight or how hard it will be for you to follow that detox diet program  then your are likely to fail before you start.

A much better way is to have a clear vision of how you want to look and how you want to feel. This method of visualizing is used by top people from all walks of life to create vivid pictures of themselves reaching their goals. When you have a clear vision and focus on what you want you will be able to achieve your goals much more easily.

As well as creating a vision in your mind you can create a vision board so you can remind yourself every day of how you want to look or what you want to achieve. A vision board is simply a collage of images that represent your dreams and desires. You can cut pictures or words out of magazines, use your own photos, draw or write them.

They can be easily created on special sites online for no cost. It is proven that the more you visualize and see yourself already achieving your goals and dreams, the faster they will happen.

Get support

Sticking to a detox diet plan needs some discipline and you will need to make some changes to the way you live. Let your family or friends know about your goal and keep them informed of your progress.

Having their support and encouragement can make a huge amount of difference to your success. Maybe you have a friend who has the same goal in mind and will agree to be your goal buddy.

Make an affirmation

You may not believe in affirmations or have ever done them before but it has been proven that if done correctly they can produce very positive results.

Sit down on your own and go through your reasons for wanting to follow a detox diet to improve your health. Pick out the things you want to change. Perhaps you want more energy, or to get rid of achy joints, or to stop binging on chocolate.

Project your mind forward two months from now and pretend the change has been made. See how you want to be in your mind’s eye.  Really feel what it would be like for you.  Describe that in one sentence. That is your affirmation.

Repeat the affirmation 10 times to imprint on your mind and feel the emotion that goes with it. Repeat the affirmation for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night as well as 5 minutes during the day as often as you can. You will experience results.

You deserve to have vibrant health. So take control of your life and start planning your detox diet goals for 2012 right now. For more on this you might like to read my post from last year New Year Health Resolutions:  Overhaul Your Health In 2011 and 5 Better Eating Tips For Your New Year Resolution.