What Foods Should I Avoid on a Detox Diet?

Exclude These Foods

A detox diet is a focused, short-term diet to promote the elimination of unwanted chemicals and environmental and dietary toxins from the body. Although detox diets vary, here is a list of foods often avoided.
Dairy Products and Eggs
Eggs and all dairy products are avoided, including:

• milk
• cheese
• cottage cheese
• sour cream
• yogurt and kefir
• butter
• ice cream and frozen yogurt

Wheat
Wheat and products containing wheat, such as pasta and bread.
Sweeteners

• refined sugar
• any white sugar
• any brown sugar
• high-fructose corn syrup
• evaporated cane juice
• artificial sweeteners

Gluten
 
All gluten-containing grains, including wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut, couscous, bran, and farina
Soy

• tofu
• soy milk
• soy yogurt
• soy sauce
• soy protein powder
• tempeh

Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soft drinks      

Animal Products

• beef
• pork
• veal
• sausages and hot dogs
• deli meats and cold cuts
• shellfish

Condiments

• ketchup
• relish
• soy sauce
• teriyaki sauce
• non-dairy creamers
• barbeque or steak sauce
• salad dressings not made with allowed ingredients
• mayonnaise
• spreads not made with the allowed ingredients
• similar condiments

Other Foods to Avoid

• yeast
• alcohol
• food additives and preservatives
• high-fat foods
• corn
• shortening
• margarine
• canned coconut milk