Post-Easter detox: everything you need to know

Easter period may be over, but the swelling, indigestion, as well as the feeling of heaviness that we have all been experiencing during the last days still remind us of it. Holiday relaxation has also whetted our appetite, leading it to… food “craziness” rich in fats, sweets, in addition to increased alcohol.

We may not have been able to resist ourselves to the attractive smells and delicious flavors of Easter dishes -justifiably- but is it high time that we started detoxifying, enabling our body to overcome the consequences?

And… to avoid any possible misunderstandings, detoxification does not necessarily mean deprivation! In fact, it is a qualitive upgrade of our nutritional habits, to “cleanse” our body. It is achieved through short-term dietary interventions that help us to eliminate our body’s accumulated toxins more effectively.

– What are toxins?

Toxins are the substances that have neither nutritional nor other value to the human organism. They enter our body through food, smoking, alcohol, environmental pollutants, etc. Toxins, however, are also produced by our organism itself, as by-products of various metabolic processes that occur in our body.

– How is detoxification achieved?

Detoxification is the continuous process that is performed naturally in our body through the liver, kidneys, and bowel, to eliminate toxins. Of course, after periods of “overindulgence”, our organism needs assistance to eliminate toxins more effectively.

– Act instantly!

To subserve the proper functioning of these important organs that carry out the natural process of detoxification, a set of health behaviors is required. Start a detox diet that not only will help your body, but will also give you energy and a feeling of well-being!

Do not forget to drink water

Water helps always, and in any case! Adequate hydration contributes to the proper functioning of the organs. By drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily, you will maintain the necessary moisture levels in your body. Besides water, you may consume green tea or herbal drinks, that have rich antioxidant properties.

If not salt… then what?

Salt contains large amounts of sodium, which may lead to water retention in your body, causing discomfort. Therefore, you can limit the amount of salt you consume daily. Though, is it possible to eat without salt? A “flavorful” alternative is the spices (the variety is wide), which will give a rich flavor to your food and will compensate for the lack of salt.

A few fruits and vegetables per day take toxins away

Surely, fruits and vegetables must not be missed from your detox diet menu. Vegetables ensure an adequate intake of most vitamins and nutrients, while fruits are a rich source of minerals. Among others, add avocados, beetroots, artichokes, blueberries, grapefruits, oranges, and apples to your diet.

Prefer foods rich in fiber

Fiber helps the bowel to function properly, contributing to constipation relief. Some foods rich in fiber are fruits (dried mainly), vegetables in all their forms, unprocessed cereals, and legumes.

Say goodbye to processed foods

Processed foods are considered those to be including additives, such as salt, sugar, or fats that give flavor, in addition to preservatives. This category also includes foods with changing composition during their processing, such as white wheat. Toxins enter the body through processed foods. For this reason, we should replace them with fruits that contain natural sugars, as well as with whole wheat products.

Good… fats!

Plant-based fats help our body to detoxify. Consume without “fear” -always at reasonable quantities- raw oil and nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and peanuts, as they contain a high level of vegetable fat!

Start dynamically, aim at the result, and remember that the first step is always the hardest!