Here’s some more foods to avoid when you’re detoxing. Some of these may not be so easy to exclude from your detox diet, but stick with – it will definitely be worth the effort.

Alcohol

Alcohol should definitely be given a wide berth while you are detoxifying. The reason is that alcohol is a cell toxin. In the liver, alcohol is broken down to acetaldehyde – a toxin – which harms liver cells, the brain and muscles. It increases free radical production and destroys and uses up B vitamins and vitamins C and E. Alcohol acts like a diuretic, making your kidneys excrete more fluid as well as vital minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium.

Salt

Do not add salt to any foods during cooking or at the table. Instead, flavor your food with spices, freshly ground black pepper, fresh herbs, lemon and lime juice, or cider vinegar. You should avoid all processed food that contains salt. These include crisps, salted snacks, ready meals, ready-made sauces, condiments, stock cubes, breakfast cereals, soups and foods canned in brine.

You get enough sodium (salt) from foods in their natural state. Fruit, vegetables and grains contain potassium, which helps to rebalance the sodium in your body and to flush out excess salt. High salt intakes can cause fluid retention, bloating and dehydration. Over a period of time, excess salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure in people who are susceptible.

Dairy products

Try to avoid dairy products on the detox diet. This includes milk, cheese, yoghurt, cream and butter. Many people find dairy products difficult to digest because of the lactose (milk sugar) content. This can cause bloating, discomfort and flatulence.

Dairy products can often create excess mucus in the sinuses and nasal passages. So having a break from dairy products may help reduce symptoms such as a persistent stuffy or runny nose, or congested sinuses. A little organic goat’s or sheep’s milk products may be tolerated but it is best to re-introduce these foods after you have completed the 28 day detox diet.

Meat and fish

Meat and fish are best avoided on the detox diet. That’s because they create added work for your digestive system. Cutting them out encourages any old mucous build-up in the gut to pass out and helps your gut regain its normal healthy functioning.

Processed food with artificial additives

Most ready meals, biscuits, cakes, desserts and spreads contain artificial additives (such as artificial sweeteners, colors, flavorings and preservatives), which may accumulate and produce harmful effects in your body in the long term, Any food containing additives should be avoided during a detox diet program.