Discover how to supercharge your health with the ultimate body detox.

Spoiler: it doesn’t involve fasting or juice cleanses!

Most of us are familiar with the basics of good health. We know to eat well, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
But what about eliminating toxins from our bodies?

Modern-day life means that we’re constantly inhaling, consuming, and applying substances that, over time, are detrimental to our health. The good news is that we have the ability to remove these toxins, all thanks to our detox superhero — the liver. 

However, when we are overloaded with toxins, the liver’s detoxifying function becomes compromised. This is why a detox is in order to allow time for it to recover.

What is detox?

Although it’s a popular buzzword, you may be wondering what it actually is. A detox cleanse typically involves a specific diet, special supplements, or certain lifestyle changes aspects to flush out harmful substances from the body.

The aim is to essentially “unclog” the build-up of toxins to allow full recovery of bodily tissues and organs. The result? If carried out correctly, detoxing over a period of time strengthens the immune system, aids weight loss, and boosts overall energy levels.

But detox has become a dirty word in the world of wellness.

There is some recent controversy around the topic of detox. Critics argue that there is no need to intervene with our body’s natural detoxification process, as it is more than capable of expelling toxins on its own. And they’re not totally wrong — the liver does a great job of cleansing the body. However, they fail to recognize that the toxin load in our bodies is too much for the liver alone to process. 

While our bodies are naturally equipped to deal with the toxins created internally as a by-product of metabolism, they aren’t able to process the high level of toxicity caused by chronic stress, contaminants in food, and exposure to pollutants. For that reason, we must take some of the strain off our liver once in a while so it can function optimally.

Juice cleanses are only fueling the controversy around detox.

When we mentioned following a detox diet, juice cleanses probably sprung to mind. Hailed by Hollywood celebrities and fitness buffs as a quick fix for weight loss and a way to flush out toxins, these liquid-only diets often do more harm than good. 

Their restrictive nature means that they deprive the body of nutrients it would get from different food groups (and try to overcompensate with sugar!) — leading to headaches, hunger, and fatigue. 

NEWSFLASH: This isn’t how you should feel during or after detox, and it’s won’t be doing your liver any favors. The dangers of juice cleanses don’t stop there, but we’re going to focus on the right way to detox.  

Fasting isn’t a foolproof plan either. This method is even more limiting than juice cleanses, starving the liver when it needs the energy the most! This detox superhero needs calories, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbs to thrive and function.

So, what is the right way to detox?

It all depends on the person. It’s about learning through a process of elimination to uncover the best diet for you as a biochemically unique individual. 

That said, you can boost the body’s natural detoxification process with a diet of antioxidant-rich whole foods and heaps of hydration. It’s also crucial to restrict your alcohol, caffeine, salt, and sugar intake and to focus on sleep and exercise. 

Although you’re limiting your consumption of things your body may normally rely on for energy and satisfaction, it’s far from restrictive and you can still enjoy up to 3 meals per day! The only rule is to eliminate foods that irritate the gut lining, and this often includes processed meat, dairy, and gluten (depending on the individual). 

The duration of your detox depends on how you’re feeling. If you feel fit and healthy and the moment, you might want to just do a short burst of 1-3 days. But if you’re suffering from any of the symptoms listed below, you could benefit from a 7-day plan.

What are the warning signs your body needs to detox?

The following symptoms could indicate that your hardworking detoxifying organs need a helping hand: fatigue, brain fog, muscle aches, menstrual disorders, sinus congestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, trouble losing weight, skin rashes (like eczema, psoriasis, or acne), canker sores, and bad breath. 

And while you may be coping with these complaints on a daily basis, studies suggest that they may lead to some of the following diseases: fibromyalgia, digestive diseases, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and cancer.

As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. So, now you’re aware of the preliminary signs of ill-health, you can use detox as a tool to keep your body functioning optimally in order to ward off disease. 

What’s more, you’ll feel much more refreshed and energized afterward!

The Ultimate Guide to Detox

Ready for your full body cleanse? You can learn more about the science behind detox as well as discover more tips on how to detox your body naturally in the full version of this guide. Gain free online access by joining the Healthspan to Lifespan Facebook group, managed by Dr. Brown — a holistic health coach and certified nutritionist.