Both the magazines and the internet are full of articles on detox and detox concoctions, whether homemade or very expensive unsustainable sachet products on offer. Opinions vary about the merits of different detox programs, whether they’re effective, and whether there’s even a point in detoxing at all.
Resetting your system can be beneficial when done properly and in a healthy way. “Detox” does not have to mean a crash diet or quick-fix weight loss concoctions. We now know that these types of major, restrictive changes are neither healthy nor sustainable. Our bodies are amazing the liver, our kidneys, and colon are amazingly good at doing their jobs. However, I am all for giving your body a boost every once in a while.
The goal should be to support your natural elimination system. It’s about changing what you put into your body, in order to shift excess toxins, so that you feel your best. Your other goal should be to gather information on how to do it in a healthy and sustainable way.
A detox can be helpful if you’re feeling a little low on energy. The change in seasons is also a popular time to do this. Many traditions like in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda recommend this as a great time to embark on resetting your body by supporting it with pure, nourishing meals.
Be wary of programs that would require extreme changes in your lifestyle and require a very specific set of guidelines and rules about when to eat. You really will not enjoy the experience.
Look for a program that is going to fit your lifestyle. For instance, you wouldn’t want to do a fruit juice cleanse if you have a busy fast paced lifestyle. You also want to take extra care to be as gentle and supportive with your body as possible during a cleanse.
While you’re detoxing, I highly recommend you keep really hydrated keeping a check on your electrolyte levels. I also recommend eating clean by removing common allergens, like gluten, dairy, and added sugar, and ensuring that protein sources are as clean as possible. It is okay to include plant-based protein powders, and eating food that’s as unprocessed as possible. This also a good time consider including ingredients that will support the process like, nettle tea, magnesium, and turmeric.
Listen to your body! Sometimes you feel worse better you feel better.
Post-detox, you’ll want to keep the positive effects going. Too often people are prone to going back to their old ways in record time, which will quickly undo all the good things. This can be done, by slowly integrating the tips and recipes you may have used during detox, as well as good nourishing foods into your normal routine. It is a good way to ease into a new good habit!
Natalia Jones
