There is a great trend of “detox” prevalent today.
I am very sure you must have heard this term a lot.
The term ‘Detox’ stands for ‘Detoxification’ and it originally referred to a program used to help people get rid of a drug or alcohol dependence.
However, this term is also being popularly used with reference to following a diet program to remove dietary and environmental toxins from our body.
There are different types of Detox diets such as:
- Those which reduce foods rich in chemicals and substitute them by eating organic foods
- Those that emphasize eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that are required for detoxification
- Fiber-rich foods and foods are high in water content which increase urination and bowel movements therefore increasing quantity of toxins flushed from the body.
Most people resort to detox diets to shed weight fast and there have been reports that people had improved digestion, more energy, and clearer skin after following this diet.
Hollywood stars, spa retreats, and TV hosts proclaim this as the best way to promote weight loss, eat healthily and get rid of harmful toxins.
Most people will lose weight for all diet plans under a ‘Detox Diet’ are low in calories.
However, they may also regain their weight when they stop this diet and suffer from muscle loss. Most of the weight loss is usually due to loss of fluid and not fat.
Most nutritionists and dieticians say that if the type of Detox diet you follow is sensible it could benefit you.
Hence, instead of going on a crash diet like a prolonged juice diet, you can detox sensibly by eating more natural foods and less processed foods.
Such a sensible diet should contain foods like whole grains, fruits, lean protein, vegetables – especially green leafy varieties – low-fat dairy products and fiber.
This kind of diet provides the right balance of all nutrients and is a healthier option to a radical Detox diet.
Aloe Vera Detox Diet
Aloe vera is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions.
This succulent plant contains a clear gel that is made up of 99% water and 1% glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Aloe vera also contains vitamin A, C, B12, and E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, amino acids, lipids, and sterols.
Aloe vera is available commercially as creams, lotions, cosmetics, capsules, gel ointment or tablets. Anyone who has an aloe vera plant at home can just break off the leave, scoop out the gel and use it for minor cuts and burns and make juice, etc.
There are many gentle detox diets and following these could be beneficial.
This could include the right foods, herbs, supplements, colonic hydrotherapy, and exercise.
Oral aloe vera is often used in detox diets for it has laxative and cleansing properties. Aloe vera does have many benefits due to the nutrients found in it and could be used as part of a sensible diet plan.
The naturally occurring vitamins, amino acids and minerals found in perfect proportion help to heal and repair our body cells.
This is why many proponents of a Detox Diet recommend using aloe vera juice as a natural aid to ease the strain and stress of daily life.
Aloe Vera Detox Diet Products
The best way includes aloe vera as part of a detox diet is to drink the juice. Aloe vera juice has mild laxative properties, can cleanse the colon and help with cell regeneration.
Along with wheatgrass and spirulina powder, it is considered an essential superfood that could form a part of any detox diet.
The ‘Clean 9 Weight loss and Detox Program’ is purported to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and burn off excess fat in an effective manner. One of the items in this program is aloe vera gel.
Aloe vera gel has essential amino acids that can help break down and help with the quick dispersal of all residues found in our digestive tract.
It also contains natural bowel regulating abilities and detoxification benefits. It can reduce the accumulation of harmful yeast and bacteria in the bowel and increase absorption of proteins.
‘Lily of the Desert’s Aloe Herbal Detox Formula’ is said to be a safe detoxifier. It contains various natural herbs and certified organic aloe vera.
This diet is said to help with healthy digestion, reduce harmful toxins, help with colon cleansing, ease symptoms of an upset stomach, increases optimal absorption of nutrients and supports the healthy functioning of the urinary tract, liver, and gallbladder.
Some of the herbs in this formula include milk thistle seeds, dandelion leaf, spearmint leaf, burdock root and more. Mix 4 tbsp (2 ounces) of the formula in your favorite juice. You can consume up to 8 oz a day.
Precautions
Taking aloe vera is generally safe but be careful if you are on diabetic medication.
Those with heart or kidney disease, liver problems or electrolyte imbalances must be careful when taking aloe latex for laxative purposes.
In most cases, aloe vera related issues occur because of overdose and not because ‘aloe vera’ is bad.
Anyone with a known allergy to plants of the Liliaceae family like onions, tulips or garlic must avoid aloe vera. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult a physician before going in for a Detox Diet.