All-Natural Detoxing: 4 Reasons Why You Should Start
By Ryan Light, Running/Anxiety Coach
Over the years detoxing has become a lot more popular. There are tons of different detoxing options and methods out there. You won’t have to search long before you are overwhelmed with the many different options. However, what exactly does the word “detox” mean? What is it? Many people feel hesitant to pursue a detoxification program because it just sounds so extreme. However, it doesn’t have to be. Detox doesn’t have to involve strange foods, deprivation or starvation. It can be all natural, healing and wonderful. In this post, learn four key reasons to try an all-natural detox program.
Your Immune System Will Thank You
Unless you are already a devotee of a clean, organic, all natural food plan (think no sugar, no simple carbs, low salt, no processed foods), your immune system is likely struggling under the weight of toxins you unknowingly introduce into your body every day. As Mind Body Green points out, some of the biggest culprits include processed sugars and flours, food preservatives, caffeine, alcohol and sodium. These quick “go to” energy producers can build up in the body over time, causing a reduced immunity to germs and toxins.
Stop Feeling Like Crap
Dr. Mark Hyman, best-selling author and medical director at Cleveland Clinic, calls this “FLC,” or “feeling like crap syndrome.” Built-up toxins in the body can over time materialize as chronic headaches, stomach aches, body aches and pains, allergies, mental dullness and sleepiness. You don’t have to detox for a very long time to begin feeling more alert and healthy, either. Programs range from just a few days to 10 days, 14 days or 30 days, depending on your goals and the overall state of your health.
Jump Start Your New Year’s Weight Loss Resolutions
According to Time magazine, losing weight and getting in shape regularly top the list for most people who set New Year’s resolutions. Yet the vast majority of those resolutions fall by the wayside within a month or two. Unfortunately, many foods labeled “diet” or “low fat” are actually full of toxins that will do your body more harm than good, setting up food cravings and metabolic yo-yoing that will ensure you never meet your get-slim-feel-great goals. Starting off the New Year with a short detox plan can help you adopt a more realistic healthy eating plan that is based on consuming whole, real, healthy foods that give your body adequate daily amounts of proteins, good fats, carbohydrates and nutrients. As a side benefit, if you regularly struggle with cravings (especially for sugar, fat or carbs), a detox will help you kick those too.
You Will Have More Energy For Life
Just imagine you decide not to shower for a year. At the end of the year, you will probably feel pretty dirty! You may be moving slower too because of the weight of built-up grime, dirt and toxins on your hair and skin. However, many people never do a single detox in their whole life, which is like giving your internal organs and systems a shower. So you can just imagine how weighted down everything inside your body is right now. Even a short detox program will “shower away” many of the toxins trapped inside your body (and especially inside your digestive system). So you shouldn’t be surprised when you notice a natural boost in your energy levels soon after starting your detox program.
By investing in an all-natural detoxification program for your body, your mind, emotions and spirit will also benefit. Everything will feel lighter, cleaner, freer and healthier for your efforts. Best of all, you will feel quite proud of yourself for taking such good care of your body!
Ryan, you may have advice for me. My 16 yr old daughter suffers from same diagnosed as you did. Plus IBS. Plus joint probs. She’s had 9 months of gastro probs resulting in 20 lb weight loss. Now at 80 lbs, docs will not help because they think it’s intentional. It’s not. I believe in the mind body connection. So my ? Is do you know if preservatives can build up in your body and become toxic? We are trying to go all natural fresh food.
Thanks for your opinion..Stephanie