What happens when you do a detox or cleanse?
Detoxification or cleansing increases the body’s ability to eliminate used wastes, impurities and toxins. Cleansing or detoxing is a valuable and healthy process to re-establish balance in the digestive system, strengthen immunity and reduce the burden on the body.
The body is exposed to numerous toxins daily that over-time build up to cause inflammation, impaired digestive and immune function. Toxins come from:
Alcohol Nicotine Car fumes Food additives
Pesticides Pharmaceutical medications or drugs Cleaning products
Bacteria Radiation (phones, TV, computers) Make up/skin care products
Dietary choices Stress = oxidative damage to cells Heavy metals
What actually happens when you detox?
The liver, kidneys, digestive system and skin are essential organs involved in a detox. The body does have several mechanisms to naturally protect and remove toxins however often the body becomes overworked (by intake of medications, alcohol, caffeine, poor food choices and environmental exposure) and toxins get clogged or stored in our bones and fat tissues.
Feel worse to feel better
Feeling crappy about 3 days into a cleanse or detox is common. This is called the healing crisis and usually means the detox is working. Your body is communicating to you that it’s readjusting to the changes happening.
Headaches, frustration or short-temper, lacking energy, restlessness, smelly excretions (urine, sweat, stools etc), constipation, nausea and flu-like symptoms are all part in parcel with a detox. This happens as your body withdraws from the toxins and eradicates the impurities. So don’t give up, persevere as round the corner is pure health bliss.
You'll know the toxins are gone when the odour disappears, your head feels clearer, you sleep better, and your energy levels improve.
What’s involved
A three step process is involved in a cleanse - remove + replace + release.
Remove
Stressors from your day by slowing down, getting plenty of sleep and cutting out the crap in your diet (caffeine, stimulants, sugar, wheat, dairy, alcohol, processed and starchy foods)
Replace
Remove the starchy processed and refined foods and replenish your body with fresh wholefoods that are high in fibre and antioxidants (berries, capsicum, broccoli, oranges, oats, quinoa, brown rice, fish, eggs, spinach, kale, tomato and raw nuts).
Release
Effectively release toxins more effectively and support your with therapeutic supplements.
Not only will these products prime your digestive and immune system, they will support and nourish your body to combat the stressors during the detox.
Probiotic (containing lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis). You want a dairy and wheat free option here
Zinc
Glutamine
Antioxidants (vitamins A, E and C)
Liver support herbs (Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Dandelion Root and Globe Artichoke are great)
How long?
It’s not going to happen overnight. To be most effective and safe I recommend doing a cleanse or detox for several weeks. Specific therapeutic and supportive supplements are also essential to ensure safe and accurate removal of toxins.
To get the best results I recommend guidance and total support from an experienced practitioner.
Tips to improve your cleanse experience
Drink plenty of filtered water to help flush the toxins and speed along the detoxification. Water also assists with balancing your acidity and make your body more alkaline. I recommend at least 2 litres of water daily.
Sweat it out – through exercise, visiting a sauna, spa or hot springs.
Don’t starve yourself. If you’re hungry, eat!
Eat clean - fresh and seasonal produce (bright and colourful = vitamins, minerals and antioxidants).
Avoid starchy, refined foods and processed meats including salami, ham, bread, pasta, cakes, dairy products, sugar and starches like potato or chips.
Recharge with at least 9 hours of sleep a night. If you are feeling fatigued or tired your body is telling you to rest. There’s nothing wrong with cozing up on the couch.
Nurture yourself - a massage or a having bath might be helpful to relax and rejuvenate.
Get started today
Work with me one-on-one and learn how a cleanse can increase your energy, improve how you feel and get you back to your vibrant best.