During a detox cleansing period, you should avoid ingesting foods that work against you. Here are a few foods to avoid when you’re doing a detox.

Over time, the foods you eat and the drinks you consume will begin to weigh down on you. You may feel lethargic, your stomach may start to hurt, and you can become disinterested in the activities you usually partake in. You might decide to begin a detox period to combat these effects. But what is a detox, and is it safe?

Detoxification is the natural removal of toxins in the body, usually in the lymphatic system. This system consists of the liver, kidneys, and intestines, which move fluids out of the body. You must avoid certain foods and drinks to go through detoxification successfully. But what are these things you shouldn’t have? Here are foods to avoid when you’re doing a detox.

Meats and Dairy

When you’re taking on a detox, you want little to no interference along the way. You ideally want to remove any bulk and have consistent movement. Meats are some of the most significant foods to avoid when you’re doing a detox. Meat slows digestion, clogs up the bowels, and helps bacteria breed in your gut.

Dairy is another category of food that can slow your detox down. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are acidic to the body, leading to poor cell function and inflammation. So put your ice cream aside for now.

Gluten and Pre-Mixed Salads

Surprisingly, fiber-rich foods like wheat and gluten often lead to a slower detoxification process. Wheat is harmful to the lining of the intestines and leads to poor nutrient intake. It can also irritate the gut and cause bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

Pre-mixed salads are additional meals that can interrupt the detoxification process. They can contain dressings, dairy, meats, and salty nuts that increase blood pressure and slow down cellular function. Additionally, spinach can contain E. coli and produce negative symptoms if not washed properly, so make salads at home.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Since you’re avoiding specific foods, you should avoid beverages, as well. It’s no surprise that many juices and drinks contain sugar. But keep an eye out for caffeine and alcoholic beverages. They can often do more harm than good during your detox.

Alcohol is toxic to the liver and reduces levels of detoxifying minerals, such as zinc and magnesium. So stay away from beers, wines, mixed drinks, hard ciders, and seltzers. As for caffeine, it can lead to increased toxins in the body while constricting blood vessels. Instead of taking in alcohol and caffeine, remain loyal to water and tea for the time being.

Speak to your doctor before you can commit to a detox diet. If you have any underlying ailments or conditions, you may not want to go through with detoxing. If you get the go-ahead, though, we wish you good luck. Take things slowly so that you can experience the benefits of this process.