Detox and Diet ~ Nutritionist's Column Vol.40

The rainy season is here and summer is almost here.
As summer approaches, I think many people will be taking a fresh look at their bodies.

I think many people think of dieting as detoxing, such as "to lose weight" or "to detoxify," and eating vegetables to get a lot of dietary fiber.
Of course, there is no wrong answer as each person has their own interpretation, but detoxing not only helps you lose weight, it also has a variety of positive effects on your body.
This time I would like to talk about them.

In the first place, detox means "detoxification" in Japanese.
From a physiological and medical perspective, it is the expulsion of harmful toxins that have accumulated in the body of an organism, but when you hear the word ``poison,'' it sounds a bit scary.
However, it seems that humans tend to store up some unnecessary things in their bodies, i.e. toxins.

In our daily lives, chemicals and harmful metals are unknowingly stored in our bodies through the water, air, and food we consume.
Toxins lurk in every corner of our lives, from alcohol and tobacco to pesticide residues, pollutants and insecticides.
In particular, people who tend to consume excessive amounts of alcohol are more likely to suffer from swelling, abdominal bloating, and insomnia.
This may also be due to the increased amount of toxins your body has to deal with.

Also, for those of us living in a stressful society, the active oxygen that is produced when we are stressed is also a poison produced in the body.
Some active oxygen has a certain degree of benefit to the body, but if the amount increases or accumulates, it can cause various physical disorders. Oxygen is necessary for life, but some of the oxygen taken into the body by breathing becomes active oxygen that is more activated than normal.
Reactive oxygen reacts with various components in metabolic processes in the body, and if present in excess, can cause cell damage.

It is said that the amount of active oxygen increases with age, and that causes include stress, food additives, tobacco, strenuous exercise, excessive drinking, and ultraviolet rays.
When active oxygen accumulates in the body, it causes the body to rust and age, resulting in increased wrinkles and gray hair, and making you more susceptible to illnesses such as cancer and lifestyle-related diseases.

It is important to "excrete as many of the toxins that have entered the body and been produced" as possible.
You want to detox and reset your body.
It is said that the essence of detox is to provide the body with the proper support.
Here are some specific ways to incorporate it into your lifestyle.

1. Dietary foods that are useful for detoxification include burdock, konjac, lotus root, and agar, which are rich in dietary fiber.
In addition, apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers, and seaweed, which are high in potassium, have a diuretic effect and increase excretion.
In order to follow a detox diet, it is very important to maintain a healthy intestinal environment.
Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy intestinal environment. Dietary fiber not only improves bowel movements, but also serves as food for beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, which have a beneficial effect on the body, thus improving the intestinal environment.
Recently, it has been discovered that it boosts immunity by stimulating immune cells in the intestines.
Detoxing also boosts your immune system.
In addition, sulfur compounds found in garlic, leeks, and onions, and chlorophyll found in spinach and parsley are known to enhance detoxification. It is important to be aware of these when making a diet.
Foods that you should avoid are those that contain a lot of alcohol or caffeine, and processed foods that use food additives.

2. Regular exercise It is said that moving your body can improve your body's ability to excrete waste.
Sweating makes you feel refreshed.
Exercises such as running, walking, and stretching can improve your metabolism, and by using your muscles, they can increase blood circulation and help eliminate toxins.
In addition, warming the body through hot springs, saunas, mugwort steaming, half-body baths, etc. also promotes circulation, relieves muscle tension, and helps balance the mind.

3. Mental care It is no exaggeration to say that stress is like a poison that builds up in the mind.
At times like these, you need a mental detox.
Try to create a relaxing state or space by feeling nature, exercising, meditating, listening to music, or incorporating your favorite scent into your room.
The key is to find a stress management method that works for you.

4. Stay hydrated. Water is very important for humans.
It is also essential for detoxification.
When you are dehydrated, blood flow is reduced, nutrients do not reach the cells, and your metabolism slows down.
Furthermore, detoxification may not be carried out properly.
It is said that the amount of fluid needed per day is about 1 to 1.5 liters, and it is recommended that you drink a glass of room temperature water several times a day when you wake up, before and after bathing or exercise, and during meals.
Avoid fluids such as energy drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, and choose hard water, soft water, unsweetened carbonated water, and hydrogen water.

Detox eliminates harmful substances and waste products from the body, restores the body's natural circulatory function, and activates the metabolism.
It improves blood circulation and is expected to relieve problems such as chills, stiff shoulders, and swelling.
Living a detox lifestyle will improve your mind and body and also give you the opportunity to reassess your lifestyle habits.
It is also expected to improve the intestinal environment, which will also lead to improved immunity.
Why not try detoxing within your limits?

A great protein blend for detoxing is GRØN's Green Monster .

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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara

A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.

With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.

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