To know if you need a detox, listen to your body! Various signs can sound the alarm, such as feeling less fit and difficult digestion. Plants and trace elements will boost you effectively in your quest for well-being, if you opt for lower fat meals at the same time.
Chronic fatigue, dull complexion, cellulite, early morning nausea, migraines, dry mouth, difficult digestion, mood swings, bloating, water retention... All these discomforts appear when there are excess toxins in the body. The body is naturally programmed to eliminate these toxins thanks to the emunctory organs (liver, intestines, kidneys etc.). However, these organs do have limits. If overloaded, they cannot work as effectively at eliminating waste.
Whilst nutrition is essential in a detox diet, plants and trace elements can effectively help the process. Some plants such as artichoke and milk thistle, activate hepatic detoxification phases. Diuretic plants stimulate the filtration function of the blood. They help to eliminate waste or deactivated water-soluble waste and toxins by the biliary or urinary tract (meadowsweet, blackcurrant, lime sapwood). Some plants are highly versatile and therefore act at many levels.
In order to optimise these reactions, vitamin cofactors such as vitamins B9 and B6 and catalytic trace elements are required: manganese, copper, zinc and selenium in particular.
Detox menus are essentially made up of fresh vegetables and plant proteins, white meats and fish are also tolerated. Priority should be given to green leafy vegetables rich in chlorophyll (kale, watercress, spinach, chard, artichokes, etc.) and red fruits rich in antioxidants (blackcurrants, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.) depending on seasonal availability. Favour the consumption of organic or sustainable farming products to limit the intake of pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.).
Give up processed foods, dairy products, red meat, fats, refined sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
It’s common sense: cooking with fats should be avoided. Steaming vegetables is the best way to retain goodness and flavour.
You should drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day while indulging in vegetable juices and draining herbal teas.
The main emunctory organs are the liver, kidneys and intestines, backed up where necessary by the skin and lungs.
The liver is without doubt the first beneficiary of a detox. Its role is vital for the body. Actually, its specific enzymatic system makes it able to neutralise and then break down water-soluble toxins.
The liver, kidneys and intestines are interdependent. For example, any intestinal dysfunction will have an impact on the liver, which in the long term will affect the kidneys.
Nathalie Jarrige, dietician, training manager.