How healthy do you feel? Most people would say "healthy" or “healthy enough” because they are a vegetarian or vegan or follow the recommended 2-3 meals/2 snacks/desserts a day guideline. Yet, they still feel lethargic, bloated, lack mental clarity or a number of other unwelcome experiences. Most do not even realize it could be from the foods they put in their bodies. The good news is a detoxification, for a limited time such as our 12 Day Detox, can reap enormous benefits within a short period of time. Simply said, detoxing is about removing harmful toxins from the body while allowing your body to regain what it's been lacking.
One of the main misconceptions about detoxing/detox eating is that you're depriving yourself of vital nutrients and calories your body needs to process into such things as energy and overall good health. However, that is not true. In fact, many people have stated they have MORE energy and clarity when on a juice fast or the Master Cleanse, for example. Additionally, there are detox programs that solely focus on “clean eating” or "eating more whole and natural foods” all of which the body needs in order to sustain itself.
Here are 9 benefits from detoxification/detoxification eating:
1). Increased Energy for Daily Activities
Many who detox report energy boosts, as well as more consistent mental, physical and emotional energy. It makes sense that replacing sugar, caffeine, refined sugar and trans and saturated fats with more whole and healthful foods, such as vegetables and fruits can result in steady energy levels. Even detox programs that allow beans, whole grains, specific meats and fishes such as Quinoa, organic meats and wild caught salmon, still gain all the benefits from a detoxification program. I highly encourage you to limit your meat consumption, even on a detox that allows it, as it takes more energy for your liver, the cleanser and filter for our bloodstream, to process it.
2). Curb Overeating and Food Addiction
There’s many reasons we overeat or become mildly or strongly addicted to certain foods. Some beneficial ways a detoxification helps: (1) Shockingly enough, most people eat less during and after a detox. Whether eating a healthy meal detox or a juice fast detox, caloric intake is often significantly reduced based on the quality of foods eaten. Even though the quantities are similar to your past eating habits, the elimination of foods high in sugar allows you to eat more healthy foods without the calories. Reduced caloric intake, according to several studies, produces measurable reductions in stomach capacity. (2) The foods allowed while on a detox allows you to focus more on healthy foods rather than foods that cause craving/addictions such as those with high sugar content since sugar is an addictive food. The mere shift of focus can influence your mind to stop a craving. (3) It encourages more planned meals and thoughtful food selections; (a) With planning and preparation of your daily/weekly meals, you will have healthy food/snacks available instead of reaching for the comfort or high craving foods especially when rushing or under stress, and less likely to overeat; (b) Having healthy snacks or vegetable juices readily available, for example, helps to alleviate long periods of hunger which leads to bad food selections.
3). Reset Food Choices and Help with Long Term Weight Loss
Most detox programs have ample healthy foods and snacks opening our minds and eating habits to more healthful, satisfying, nutrient-packed food choices. Alternatively, when we do a detox where we simplify our intake with more vegetable juices, for example, we experience nourishing, slimming and energizing effects that our mind remembers resulting in grabbing a juice verses a candy bar. Healthful, whole foods and exercise are encouraged on detoxes, and when we bring these healthy habits into our lives, it can significantly assist in weight loss results and a long-term healthy lifestyle.
4). Stronger Immune System and Lymphatic System Function
When we detox, we consume foods and beverages that are less taxing on our organs, allowing our organs to function normally and not have to over exert themselves. This allows optimal focus on their main function - the absorption of nutrients and vitamins which helps the lymphatic system function better. The health of our immune system is pivotal in our overall health. Raw foods and vegetable juices; exercise (of any sort); dry brushing the body; breathing exercises are all great ways to maintain a healthy body. They allow the circulation of lymph fluid through the body for better drainage. The importance of exercise and hydration is key for the proper function of the lymphatic system and cannot be stressed enough. Unlike the circulatory system that has a heart (pump) to help circulation throughout the body, the lymphatic system does not. If the lymphatic system is not working properly, the liver and kidneys will not drain toxins and chemicals as they should; therefore, they will remain in the body rather than be excreted properly. Aside from just being sick more often - which is often associated with a weak immune system, poor lymph system function can lead to digestive disorders, poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, to name a few.
5). Clearer and More Focused Mind
People who detox often report clearer thinking and better ability to focus. It is no surprise that when we choose nourishing whole foods and healthy beverages that our minds have the fuel to think clearer and better. Sugar and fat-filled foods cause the body and mind to be lethargic.
Toxins from yeast, bacteria and semi spoiled food can harm the liver and other organs including the brain which can cause brain fog symptoms. When food does not digest properly, it can actually rot, putrefy or ferment in the intestines encouraging bacterial and yeast (candida) imbalance dominating the probiotics or healthy bacteria. These effects can trickle to the health of our brain and the rest of our body. When we give our body's digestive system a break from processing "bad" food, through cleanse or detox, we're allowing our bodies the time to eliminate stored toxins followed by replenishing and nourishing it with nutritious healthy food.
6). Better Breath
It is purported that toxicity in the body, and specifically the colon, can have a high correlation or strong relationship to bad breath. For example, spoiled food left in your refrigerator for days does not smell good . . . Well, why should it be different for our bodies and breath? Foods selected for a detox program encourage proper bowel movements and may, in some cases, alleviate constipation. In fact, some detox programs even recommend a colon cleanse. Don't be alarmed if your breath worsens at the start of a detox, it is likely occurring because toxins are leaving your body and this will eventually improve. So, be patient.
7). Improved Skin
All organs can benefit from a detox, particularly our largest organ -- the skin. Some report acne worsening then clearing, while others find their skin feels smoother or clearer after a detox. Taking a sauna can additionally help the body sweat out toxins.
8). Lighter Feeling
Stop eating foods that bog you down! There's no question - whole foods will make you feel lighter. Cleanses focus on organic fruits and vegetables not only because they are nutrient-packed, but they leave us feeling less bloated and more energized.
9). Improved Sense of Well Being
No doubt, our bodies and minds feel the positive effects of a detox. We are left with an overall feeling of well-being that permeates to other areas of our life. Often used as a start to a healthy eating lifestyle, a detox opens one's perspective to the positive choices about the foods we choose and starting an exercise routine needed for our overall health, well-being and peace of mind.
