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Holi is a vibrant and colourful festival, but its aftermath can be uncomfortable. There is such a delicious range of dishes to eat at the festival, from malpuas to pakoras, that it is impossible to say no to a plateful of these treats. A day of Holi celebrations can wreak havoc on your stomach and diet plans. So, how do we give our bodies a well-deserved rest after Holi? Here's a list of foods that can help you detox and feel lighter after Holi.
1. Stay hydrated
It is important to hydrate your body well, even more so after you consume sweetened beverages. We frequently sip on sweet drinks during celebrations and forger to consume water. Drinking adequate water ensures the better elimination of waste.
2. Consume cruciferous vegetables
Eating veggies like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli can boost the production of detoxification enzymes in the liver. These vegetables possess secondary metabolites and act as a catalyst for the detox process.
3. Increase your protein intake
Start the next day with eggs or a protein shake. Protein can help with the betterment of our bodies. According to Dr Mark Hyman (American Physician), it is advisable to have protein for breakfast. It stabilizes blood sugar and insulin, hence satisfying all your unhealthy cravings and keeping you full for a longer period, preventing over-eating. Some examples of protein-rich food foods are nuts, seeds, fish, chicken, and meat.
4. Eat naturally fermented foods
Include fermented foods in your diet as these will help to promote a healthy gut. Fermentation refers to the breakdown of carbs by bacteria and yeast. Fermented foods have many nutritional and functional properties. The bacteria help in pre-digesting the food, making it more beneficial in terms of purifying the body and the digestion process.
5. Include more berries in your diet
Treat yourself with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries as they have anthocyanins. These compounds have antioxidant properties that protect the body from free radical damage. These powerful berries also contain natural aspirin which helps to lower chronic inflammation.
7. Lemon water to the rescue
According to Dr. Thomas C Volck, (DDS, Vandalia, Ohio), the chemical structure of lemon juice is the same as that of the digestive juices found in the stomach. It motivates the liver to produce bile, which helps in smooth digestion. It also helps to preserve the liver’s natural ability to detoxify. NCBI studies also support the effect of citric acid in lemon in the treatment of toxic and inflammatory conditions of the liver. Drinking lemon water also helps to keep our body hydrated. Since it is a diuretic, it helps clean the urinary tract effectively.
8. Eliminate alcohol and sugar from your diet
Alcohol and sugar are the most dangerous items to consume on your detox journey. These food items create addiction and tempt us to binge, creating a situation of guilty pleasure. The intake of alcohol leads to toxicity in the body, majorly in the liver; while sugar increases inflammation and insulin resistance. As a result, there is a higher toxin load on the body. Be mentally strong and give up on these two items for a successful detox.
9. Embrace green tea
Green tea is one of the most trusted and research-backed ingredients for detox as well as for triggering weight loss. It helps in purifying the body from harmful toxins, providing a plethora of health benefits. However, excess consumption can also result in damage to the liver cells, hence affecting digestion. So, it is advised that green tea should only be consumed twice or thrice a day.
10. Let’s not forget turmeric
It’s time to sip on turmeric tea. You can also add lemon juice to it. This fantastic golden herb curbs inflammation and helps to regulate the immune system. NCBI research suggests that due to its therapeutic properties, turmeric not only supports detoxification in the liver, but also eases several health conditions including gastrointestinal disorders.
11. Give ginger-garlic juice a chance
According to a study published in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, ginger and garlic both have many therapeutic values. These spices, mixed with some nutritious vegetables, can result in a magical syrup that not only helps in triggering weight loss and detoxifying the body, but also protects against many dangerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and other inflammatory diseases. However, you should consume this juice in a limited quantity.
Do not stress post-Holi. Just relax and rejuvenate your body correctly.
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