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Detoxing or fasting which one is good for health
from: MathasDetoxing or fasting: The better deal? Of the two practices, which is beneficial to your health?
New ideas in health and lifestyle balance include the concept of detox diets.
Popularised by many celebrities, 'detoxification' or cleansing diets are the latest health fads. A plethora of detox diets are available to choose from, all of which claim to purge your bodies of chemicals and toxins while helping you to lose weight quickly.
But are detox diets really beneficial?
The premise behind cleansing
The belief behind cleansing through fasting or a detox diet is the need to get rid of the toxins that accumulate in our bodies from the range of substances that we consume in our everyday life. Toxins include alcohol, artificial sweeteners, sugar, pesticides or chemicals used in food, caffeine, tobacco and so on.
Proponents of detox diets believe that these very toxins are responsible for a multitude of problems, such as fatigue, nausea, headache and even disease. While this line of thought may seem logical, it is important to remember that the human body is capable of naturally eliminating toxins through the skin, liver, colon, and kidneys. So do you really need to go that extra mile to purge your body of toxins?
The fuss about fasting
Many religions have periods of fasting to signify faith and penitence. A stringent fast is one where you don't consume either food or drink, by mouth. Some forms of fasting allow water or fruit juices. A new fasting method in vogue is the alternate day fasting diet.
Research does support the beneficial effects of partial fasting, intermittent fasting and long-term calorie restriction on overall health. Some studies claim that partial fasting may provide benefits beyond simple weight loss and may positively impact the aging process. Though fasting has been used as a medium of spiritual purification since time immemorial, its role in the physical purification of the body is debatable.
Dr Vasant Nagvekar, consultant physician at Lilavati Hospital says, "Fasting can help those who are obese lose weight and may thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Besides, the rest it gives to the gastrointestinal system is also supposed to help in chronic autoimmune diseases. If done under medical supervision and properly nutritionally supplemented, fasting could actually contribute to longevity."
Cooking Food Healthy House Oxmoor News
Lemon-garlic grilled artichokes - Modesto Bee
Lemon-garlic grilled artichokes Modesto Bee ... garlic mixture and set, cut side down, on a grill over medium heat. Grill, turning once, until lightly browned, eight to 11 minutes. This recipe is from "The Sunset Edible Garden Cookbook: Fresh, Healthy Cooking from the Garden" (Oxmoor House, $24.95). |