Our environment introduces toxins into our bodies that affect our well-being. Toxins are present in our air, water, and food and are virtually unavoidable. For optimal health, we occasionally need to set our bodies and minds right again through detoxification.
According to Gaiam, here are the top warning signs that you may need to consider detoxing:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sluggish elimination
- Irritated skin
- Allergies
- Low-grade infection
- Puffy eyes or bags under the eyes
- Bloating
- Menstrual problems
- Mental confusion
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to consider a detox plan.
Reasons to detox
If your brain has been feeling foggy or you’ve been craving lots of sugar or salt, it may be time to detox. Here are a few additional benefits of detoxing.
Detoxing removes toxins from the body. Toxins can lead to disease and are often stored in our cells and tissue for years. A cleanse can help rid some of these disease-causing toxins and restore our bodies to better health. Likewise, detoxing can prevent disease, including chronic disease.
Detoxing increases immune function. Detoxing can help our bodies’ immune function improve, helping to ward off common colds, influenza, and other viruses.
Detoxing ups your energy levels. It may seem counter-intuitive that a strict cleanse would up your energy levels, but that’s exactly what detoxing does.
Detoxing helps you burn more calories. Many people detox in order to jump-start weight loss. Because detoxing increases metabolism and decreases the amount of toxins in the body, your body will be able to burn more calories and fat post-cleanse.
Detoxing restores balance to our body, mind, and soul. By realigning your body’s natural abilities, all systems work better together, restoring your physical, mental, and emotional health.
How to detox
There are different types of detox cleanses. Eliminating alcohol, coffee or other caffeinated beverages, cigarettes, refined sugars, and saturated fats is the first step to ready your body for detoxing.
Some detox cleanses involve fasting completely, others call for juices or smoothies only for 3-10 days. Sugar detoxes are also common. Choosing a detox plan or recipes depends on your individual needs and goals.
Don’t be unrealistic
While the goal of detoxing is to set your body right again for continued increases in immune function, energy, and health. However, moderation is key in any successful diet plan. If you find yourself craving a Big Mac, working this “cheat meal” into your week is acceptable and encouraged. Big Mac is only about $4.29 so you’ll probably end up saving some money too. Detoxing should lead to an overall lifestyle change, but be careful not to overhaul your routine too much, or else you will be less likely to stick with the positive, healthy changes.
The bottom line
If you are feeling fatigued, sluggish, or generally unhealthy, consider detoxing, but choose a detox plan that fits your individual needs. The goal is to feel and be healthier afterwards, but don’t get discouraged if the first few days are hard. Your body will be going through withdrawal from the foods, caffeine, sugars, and salts it has gotten used to. Remember, no pain, no gain!