Are you considering a detox but unsure if it could actually benefit you? When done in a controlled and healthy way, a detox can have many benefits that can improve our bodies and quality of life. With this in mind, we’re exploring the different types of detoxes available and why you should allow your body to detox from time to time.
What is a detox?
A detox diet is designed to eliminate the toxins in our bodies that can build up from the increasing number of chemicals we are exposed to in our food supply, the air we breathe and even common daily products such as cosmetics. It is a chance to cut out processed junk food, caffeine, sugar and alcohol that can all have negative effects on our bodies.
What are the benefits of detoxing?
Remove toxins from the body
Exposure to toxins such as preservatives, chemicals, heavy metals and pollutants can affect our bodies and be stored in our tissue and cells.
Lose weight
By ridding our bodies of toxins that stored in fat cells, metabolism can increase and improve our natural ability to burn fat.
Increased energy levels
Detoxing is said to improve energy levels both mentally and physically, as well as helping people to sleep better.
Prevent disease
Toxins can be responsible for many diseases, and while our bodies have a detox function naturally, they are overloaded by the constant influx of environmental toxins. Choosing to detox will support our bodies natural function.
Clearer skin
Environmental toxins can affect the texture and appearance of our skin. However, detoxing can help to improve skins texture and even acne, while also giving a healthy glow for the inside out.
Balance our bodies inner workings
When we overload our body with toxins from the environment around us and unhealthy food choices, our digestive, hormonal and nervous systems cannot work together as well. By detoxing, you can help to balance these functions.
What are the different types of detoxes?
There are different ways to detox and working out what is best for you will come down to your lifestyle and goals. In general, the healthiest way to detox is by incorporating more fruit and vegetables into your diet, while cutting out processed junk foods and alcohol. There are many different detox diets that include everything from fasting for 1-3 days and taking supplements, to drinking only liquids and using colon cleanses.
Intensity and duration of a detox diet can also vary, so it’s important to do your research to understand the benefits that the detox can offer you. Here are some examples:
Juice Cleanse
A juice cleanse involves drinking fruit and vegetable juices usually lasting between 1-3 days. There are many juice cleanse packages on the market, or you can even choose to make your juices from home using a juicer or blender. The nutrients and antioxidants from all of the natural ingredients will be easily absorbed in liquid form, and it is recommended you drink a juice or smoothie every few hours throughout the day.
We like: 5 day detox by Nikki Sharp; Jason Vale Detox
Eating raw foods
Raw food detox diets are based around eating fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains and more. With high fibre and low saturated fat levels, this type of detox is said to help with many bodily functions such as digestion, cholesterol and heart disease.
We like: The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss, by Natalia Rose
Detox and cleanse powders
A detox or cleanse powder is a form of laxative that will clear the bowels and release toxins and colon waste. Some people believe that this form of detox can support the immune system, allow for healthy bacteria to grow and cleanse the body of toxins.
We like: Nature’s Secret 5 day fast & Cleanse
The Seven Day Brown Rice Detox (personal Favourite)
Even though this detox is based around brown rice you are allowed to also eat fruits and vegetables, making this detox less restrictive than its liquid cousins. This nutrient rich detox assists the body in eliminating toxins, improving digestions, decreasing disease symptoms and controlling cravings. Proteins are reintroduced after a 7-10 day period, but these must not be consumed together with the complex carbs.
The advantage: We like to chew! This detox leads organically to straight forward healthy eating!
If you have any comments on detoxes you have tried or plans that you would like to share, we’d love to hear from you!
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