During this time of the year – with our post-holiday pounds and the promise of new beginnings – the word ‘detox’ seems to come up everywhere…Whether its Gwyneth Paltrow’s New 3 Day Detox or Dr Hyman’s new detox book – the news is abuzz with this often mysterious and misunderstood word.
And you will find all kinds of weird and wacky ways to detox out there– from fasting to coffee enemas to companies trying to sell you powders and products that are apparently intended to magically rid your body of all toxins. So, what’s one to do?
Step one would be getting to know the basics. If you’ve never followed a detox plan and you’re thinking about trying one, please take note of these five tips before you begin:
- Eat – A safe and effective detox should have a meal or food plan – many people’s bodies are not well suited for fasting.
- Go Natural – while some additional supplementation and probiotics may be necessary, there’s certainly no reason for you to spend your hard-earned money on ‘miracle’ powders or pills. Traditional communities have been detoxing for centuries before these products even came onto the market place – nature provides us with the perfect products, in the form of natural, whole foods.
- Prepare – if you want to minimize withdrawal symptoms you want to make sure that you allow yourself the time to physically and mentally prepare for your journey ahead.
- Protein – insufficient protein during a detox can be dangerous. Your liver needs those amino acids during the conjugation phase of detoxification. Plant or animal based forms of protein must be added to your detox meal plan.
- Hydrate – you need to drink enough water to flush out those toxins and to replenish your body. In addition, when you increase your fibre intake it is important to increase your water intake so that… um, how do I say this …so that you can effectively form stool and eliminate waste – rude, but true!
Following a safe detox program could be a wonderful asset to your health, well worth investing in. But, be safe, be critical and chose the right program for you and your unique body.
Stay tuned to learn more about why following a detox plan may be beneficial to you and also to learn more about the IMUA Detox Program, to see if it might just be the right fit for you.
None of the information provided herein is ever intended to take the place of medical advice – these tips are purely of informative and educational value. You should always consult with your doctor before starting a detox program.
Thanks for reading and have a happy and healthy week!
