Many of us hear the word
detox and shudder inwardly, thinking it means fasting, juicing and other extreme forms of deprivation. But what if you think of detox as more of a tune-up than an overhaul—a way to gently bring your body back into alignment? When done right, a
mild detoxification regimen provides a blueprint for mindful nourishment. It focuses on giving your liver the nutrients it needs so that it can mobilize and clear out all those stored toxins that can weaken your immunity and drain your energy.
What are these so-called toxins? Toxins come at us two ways: externally and internally. External
toxins come from environmental exposures such as the air we breathe, products we put on our skin, and the food we eat. Toxins in our food stem from low-quality animal products, dairy products and fish; produce sprayed with pesticide chemicals; and all sorts of refined foods high in artificial ingredients. The resulting toxic wastes do get eliminated through pee, poop and perspiration, but not without taking an extra toll on the body.
Detoxing is in fact a normal, albeit unappreciated, everyday function of the body. Our kidneys, livers, skin and bladders all work to remove toxins and waste. However, unless you eat the cleanest diet, the body can get overwhelmed by a toxic backlog. Detoxification, in the formal sense, is an invitation to optimize your body’s ability to rid itself of toxins. Too much excess and you’ve got a situation on your hands, like when trash collectors go on strike and don’t pick up the garbage on the streets. The result is a breeding ground for illness.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways we can enhance our innate ability to cleanse and renew, from
drinking more water to e
liminating refined sugar and flour. A moderate detoxification plan will rejuvenate your body’s inherent efficiency, establish a healthier baseline and enable you to maintain better wellness choices.
There are many
detox plans to choose from. I like a plan that eschews processed foods, is moderate, balanced, tapered, generous, and does not make you feel deprived. Opt for a sustainable plan (rather than a crash diet) that encourages a mild lifestyle shift, versus a radical, strict plan that encourages a fixation on righteous eating.
2 biggest detox benefits to consider
Reduces inflammation†
Inflammation is linked to nearly every chronic disease, since it damages healthy cells, arterial walls, joints, brain tissue and the digestive tract. A cleanse that includes a lot of
anti-inflammatory foods (like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, ancient grains, healthy fats and clean protein) can be surprisingly healing—and preventative.
More stable blood sugar (glucose) levels†
All the carbohydrates you consume turn into
blood sugar. The more refined carbohydrates you eat, the higher your blood sugar levels, which in turn impacts metabolic and hormonal functions, including how you store body fat and the level of stress hormones you produce. By skipping refined carbohydrates and sugary foods or beverages, you can better regulate blood glucose levels, allowing insulin receptors to work correctly and producing enough satiety hormones (like leptin) to maintain a healthy body weight.
Because of these two main goals, a cleanse, after the initial shock (read: withdrawal) wears off, can actually help you feel really good: light, energetic, steady, glowy and resilient.
Other detox benefits you're likely to enjoy
Your taste buds adjust†
Once you cut back on hidden sources of sodium and sugar, your body starts to develop a taste for unprocessed food. Reducing high-sugar and high-salt foods, can even altar your taste buds. Be patient, though. It can take 10 to 15 days for taste buds to regenerate.
You become more regular†
As you
eat more fiber, you may experience some initial gastrointestinal discomfort as your gut adjusts. Luckily, the GI tract responds quickly to these beneficial changes and your gut will be healthier, less sluggish and more regular very quickly.
You become more energized†
Whole foods contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than processed foods, which can contribute to increased levels of energy. You may also drop a few excess pounds, which can you a physical and emotional boost.
You have enhanced focus†
Processed foods may amplify
brain fog and focus issues. When you eat a whole-foods based diet, you might feel clearer.
Your skin gets a glow†
A cleaned-up diet means more vitamins, minerals and hydration, which will also show up in your skin, hair and nails. Fresh fruit and vegetables contain a lot of carotenoids (beta-carotene), which can also contribute to a literal “glow.”
You sleep like a champ†
Eating less sugar helps with hormone levels, which in turns helps with things like sleep quality.
You age better†
Since a large percentage of conventional diets is processed and stripped of natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes, nutritional deficiencies have become widespread. Including more fresh, real ingredients in your diet can combat oxidative stress, slow the aging process, and improve mental capacity
Ultimately, the idea of
a cleanse is that you feel so good on it, you will modify your eating habits and make it less a diet, more of a way of life. You might have the occasional drink or the occasional French fries, but you will have established a new healthy baseline that encourages you to make good choices, again and again.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
