Detoxing has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many people are looking for natural ways to help their bodies recover and rebuild. One of the most popular ways to do this is by using superfoods. In this blog we look at why detoxing with superfoods is good, how it helps cells recover and rebuild, and what happens to the body during fasting.
Superfoods are foods that are considered particularly rich in nutrients, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Examples of superfoods include berries, green leafy vegetables, algae, and seeds such as chia seeds and hemp seeds. These foods can help improve health by increasing energy levels, strengthening the immune system, improving digestion and supporting the detoxification process.
When we talk about detoxification in the body, it is about supporting the organs that are responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. The body's main detoxification organs include the liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines and skin.
These organs work together to break down and eliminate toxins from the body. But when we are exposed to high levels of toxins, such as those found in polluted air and processed food, these organs can become overloaded and not function well enough. This is where superfoods come into play.
By including superfoods in our diet, we can provide our bodies with extra nutrition and antioxidants that help strengthen our detoxification system and protect our cells from damage. These nutrients can also help improve cellular energy production and support cellular recovery processes. A 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients found that a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are two factors that can contribute to disease and aging.
Fasting is another popular method to support the body's detoxification processes. There are different types of fasting, but the most common ones include water fasting, juice fasting, and intermittent fasting.
During a fasting period, one refrains from eating certain types of food and sometimes also drinks. During the fasting period, the body must use its own reserves of energy and nutrients to function, which can increase the ability to eliminate toxins from the body.
When we fast, the body enters a process called ketosis, where it starts using fat as an energy source instead of carbohydrates. This can have many positive effects on the body, including increased insulin resistance, reduced inflammation and improved heart health.Another benefit of fasting is that it can help restore the body's natural circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep and energy levels.
Here are 4 tips on superfood fasting & detox regimen:
- Green Juice Fast: During this fast, you drink only green juices made from superfoods such as kale, spinach, celery and cucumber. These green juices contain lots of nutrients and antioxidants, which can help the body cleanse itself of toxins and promote health.
- Berry and Nut Fast: During this fast, you eat only berries and nuts. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries and goji berries are rich in antioxidants, while nuts contain healthy fats and protein. This fast provides the body with essential nutrients while allowing it to flush out harmful substances.
- 2-day smoothie plan: During this fast, you drink only nutritious superfood smoothies containing a blend of vegetables, fruits and superfoods from Health Haven, Protein Power & Magic Mind. These smoothies provide tons of nutrients and help detoxify the body, recipes and shopping list you will find here.
- The 72-hour detox plan is designed to give your body a chance to recover by eating easy-to-digest and cleansing foods. The recipes consist of green drinks, smoothies, salads and our superfood mixes Detox Deluxe,Berry Beautiful andBelly Boost.with recipes and shopping list,read more here.
But it is important to point out that fasting is not suitable for everyone. People suffering from diabetes or other health problems should consult their doctor before undertaking any type of fasting.
In conclusion, using superfoods and fasting to help the body recover and rebuild can be beneficial. Superfoods can help improve nutrient intake and support the body's detoxification processes, while fasting can increase the body's ability to eliminate toxins and restore healthy functions in the body. But it is important to do this consciously and not on your own without having consulted a doctor or other dietitian health expertise if you feel unsure.
These sources provide additional information about superfoods and fasting, and their effect on the body. For example, the Swedish Food Agency provides advice on how to include superfoods, healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet in a healthy way.
Sources:
- Kim, H., et al. (2018). Antioxidant-rich diets improve cerebellar redox status and motor behavior in aged rats. Nutrients, 10(5), 635.
- Longo, VD, & Mattson, MP (2014). Fasting: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Cell metabolism, 19(2), 181-192.
- Tinsley, GM, & La Bounty, PM (2015). Effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and clinical health markers in humans. Nutrition reviews, 73(10), 661-674.
- The Swedish Food Agency: https://www.livsmedelsverket.se/
