Proteins in the Diet

When detoxing at home, remember that proteins and starches (next section) produce the most acid by-products in the body after they are digested. This is a scientific fact. These acids make detox more desirable, as the body is naturally slightly alkaline - the opposite of acidic.

Meat and fish consist mainly of protein; nuts and seed contain a mixture of protein and fat; beans and lentils contain a mixture of protein and starch; vegetables (and mushrooms) contain small amounts of protein; fruit contains tiny amounts of protein.

Protein is essential for the structures of the body - eg cell walls; also for making the enzymes which enable millions of reactions which keep us alive. Excess protein can be broken down and used for energy.

A combination of protein and salad or protein and vegetables is the best meal - probably for lunch and dinner.

Examples: a choice of protein - fish, chicken, beans (eg lentil dahl, bean casserole, humus), aubergine dip, egg, cottage cheese, nuts - with salad or vegetables.

Starchy Food

Starchy food includes the sugars - sugar itself, honey, maple syrup - as well as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, and anything made from grains, including wheat, corn, barley or millet. Beans and pulses are also fairly high in starch, but not as high as the grains.

Grains are about 80% starch and 10% protein. Beans about 70% starch and 20% protein.

Though we have eaten starchy foods - particularly grains - for centuries, it is interesting to reflect that, prior to the agricultural revolution (when we started growing grains) the amount of starchy food we ate was very much less. The problem with starchy food is that it is nearly 100% sugar. It doesn't taste sweet, because it's not simple sugar. Nevertheless it is still sugar once broken down in the stomach and intestines. Thus, if you wish to detox, cut down on these starches.

Sugar creates massive challenges for the body - especially when eaten in large amounts. This increases the need for detox; but also, some of the major problems caused by excessive sugar include;

• Obesity
• Glycation - the formation of wrinkles in the skin and throughout the body
• Generalized inflammation - which makes you more prone to heart disease among other things
• Metabolic Syndrome - that combination of obesity and diabetes, as well as other ailments, which is affecting millions in the developed countries.

The above linked items will give you more detail about these vitally important issues.

Suffice it to say that for good health, and a great detox at home, all dietary sugar - from all starchy sources - should be minimized in the diet.

There is already a fair bit of starch/sugar present in food - beans are around 10% starch, fruit is very high in sugars, any sweet fruit/vegetable is obviously high in sugar - think of carrots, peas, sweet corn. So, to reduce starch/sugar intake to a minimum, it is easiest to avoid rice/bread/pasta/potatoes except occasionally.

This is a huge change in diet for most people; but if you read the evidence of the harm caused by a high intake of starchy food in the diet I think that you will reach the same conclusion.

A diet based on protein and vegetables - preferably raw - is extremely tasty, and easy to make. It is also quite easy to find suitable food at most restaurants if eating out.

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