The decision to detox is a great way for your body to naturally rid itself of toxins and free radicals that accumulate over time through our diet. However, speculation surrounding detoxification have surfaced as many often question its effectiveness and safety. Its reputation suffers further with every detox fad that fills health stores with various teas, shakes and pills, leaving one frustrated, fatigued and hungry.
However, if approached correctly and while giving your body time to adjust, detoxing is a great first step to feel renewed and revitalized. Gifting yourself with a longer and healthier life.
Purpose of detoxing
The purpose of a detox is NOT to drastically lose weight, though that may be a side effect. But it is to remove toxins from the body, primarily within the colon. This is necessary as it is extremely difficult to achieve a diet comprised of 100 percent natural ingredients. Common ingredients that go unrecognized by the body and thus creates build up in the colon include, high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, hydrogenated oils and large doses of salt and sugar.
The build-up of these toxins over time may cause prolonged health issues. Such as chronic fatigue, constipation, gas, abdominal pain, general aches and pains, stubborn belly fat and potentially even develop into inflammation disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. To effectively remove these toxins and reset your system, a cleanse lasting a duration of 7 days is a good place to start. This allows your body time to adjust to the cleanse. As you become use to cleanses and start craving the health benefits, it can be stretched out for as long as three weeks.
What is a natural detox?
The healthiest detox is comprised of raw fruits and vegetables followed by lots of water and herbal teas which flush out your system.
To keep a certain level of protein in your diet, hemp protein is an excellent choice. Foods to avoid include dairy, meats, processed foods, sugar and salt. As the calorie intake is significantly lower than what your body is accustomed to, it is not advised to engage in strenuous activity. Side effects during cleanses may include headaches, fatigue, frequent urination and flatulence for the first few days as your body adjusts.
The result of healthy detoxing
Detoxing overtime creates a ripple effect as other organs, such as the liver, gall bladder and kidneys begin to feel the benefits and become more proficient at fighting diseases. After about a month, you will notice vibrant skin as blemishes begin to fade, lessened pain in your joints, better sleep and mental clarity just to name a few. As you continue to incorporate detoxes as a healthy habit, the body will continue to rebuild and repair, increasing vitality each time.
How often?
Listening to your body is one of the best ways to gauge when you may be due for a cleanse. Stay in tune for signs such as, disrupted sleep, achy muscles, indigestion, bloating, fatigue or mental fog. These are commons signs that it’s time to re-calibrate.
Doing a detox should be under the care of a professional as much as possible! At Forum Health Clarkston let us share our expertise and tailor a detox plan that is based on your history and your health and fitness goals. Whether trying it out for the first time or seeking an approach that suits your specific needs, let us customize a plan for you.
References
Axe, Josh (2010, December 27). The Best Way to Detox. Retrieved from: https://draxe.com/the-best-way- to-detox/
Detox and Body Cleanse.(no date found). Benefits of Detox. Retrieved from: http://www.detoxandbodycleanse.com/detox-essentials/benefits-of-detox/
Detox and Body Cleanse (2012, December). Introduction to Detoxification. Retrieved from: http://www.detoxandbodycleanse.com/detox-essentials/introduction-to-detoxification/
