Time to get a detox plan

Warning 
 
Not everyone can hop on the detox wagon.

"Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and those diagnosed with thyroid, liver and kidney problems should not go on a detox diet." 

Meanwhile those on multi-vitamins can avoid their medication while on detox. 

"However, one should not detox for long term without medication. And medicines for diabetes, hypertension, thyroid and heart problems need to be continued while on detox. In such cases, it is best to consult an expert, so that a detox diet can be modified to meet the needs of the patient."

Time to get a detox plan

If you love your body, learn to listen to it. Because if you've been feeling stresses or lethargic, or have an irritated skin or bags under the eyes, it's probably time to go on a detox diet. In fact it is recommended once every three months, "After all, we breathe polluted air, and consume food derived from farms treated with pesticides."

Though our body is somewhat protected from toxins by barriers like our skin, lungs and gastrointestinal system, the foreign compounds that cross these barriers are shuttled to the body's detoxification system." Yes, our body has a mutlilayered mechanism to keep harmful elements at bay, and even flush those, that make their way in. And a detox diet helps put the latter mechanism to better effect by helping flush the chemicals that make their way into our system. 

"In fact the idea of fasting in many cultures helps to cleanse the system of the toxins. For those who aren't comfortable with fasting, an easy alternative is to eat right." 

Including today and the next four days i will be providing you with a detox plan...

Diet plan
A good detox plan should contain 60 per cent liquids and 40 per cent solids, according to experts. Rule number one is to hydrate your body. Drink lots of juices of fruits like watermelon, papaya, even cucumber. "However, avoid grapefruit juice, as it contains certain compounds that act as a blocking agent to body's detox mechanism."

And for the solid constituent,most advises to concentrate on a menu of veggies. 
 "Dark green leafy vegetables and the varieties from the cabbage family. Also include berries, onion and seeds like flax, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin. Some of the essential herbs like Angelica root, birch leaves, chamomile, parsley and red beet root help detox the liver." Among the fruits, pineapple and payaya are great for cleansing.

Indian foods that cut fat

 

Cinnamon and cloves:

 Used extensively in Indian cooking, the spices have been found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

Indian foods that cut fat

Millets : 

 Fibre-rich foods such as millets - jowar, bajra, ragi, etc - absorb cholesterol and help increase the secretion of the bile that emulsifies fats.

Indian foods that cut fat

Moong dal : 

The bean sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is recommended as a food replacement in many slimming programes, as it has a very low fat content. It is a rich source of protein and fibre, which helps lower blood cholesterol level. The high fibre content yields complex carbohydrates, which aid digestion, are effective in stabilising blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Indian foods that cut fat

Honey : 

It is a home remedy for obesity. It mobilises the extra fat deposits in the body allowing it to be utilised as energy for normal functions. One should start with about 10 grams or a tablespoon, taken with hot water early in the morning.

Indian foods that cut fat

Buttermilk : 

It is the somewhat sour, residual fluid that is left after butter is churned. The probiotic food contains just 2.2 grams of fat and about 99 calories, as compared to whole milk that contains 8.9 grams fat and 157 calories. Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients and does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss. 

Indian foods that cut fat

Mustard oil :

This has low saturated fat compared to other cooking oils. It has fatty acid, oleic acid, erucic acid and linoleic acid. It contains antioxidants, essential vitamins and reduces cholesterol, which is good for the heart. 

Indian foods that cut fat

Curry leaves : 

Incorporating curry leaves into your daily diet can help you lose weight. These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body, as well as reducing bad cholesterol levels. If you are overweight, incorporate eight to 10 curry leaves into your diet daily. Chop them finely and mix them into a drink, or sprinkle them over a meal.

Indian foods that cut fat

Garlic :

 An effective fat-burning food, garlic contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats.