Why on earth would I want to do a detox?

No!   Please no!  It can’t be here ALREADY?!

Yes…the holidays have arrived.

In just a few short weeks we’ll be gorging ourselves on whipped carb delight and sugary shortening shenanigans.  How will we make it through?

It’s realistic to assume that you probably won’t make it through the season without sneaking a piece of pie–or two–or having a second helping of mashed potatoes.  What can you do to at least know where the right track is so you don’t fall off of it completely?

A good way to begin the season is to incorporate a short-term detox or a cleanse.  Long enough that you begin to lose cravings and desires for unhealthy foods but not so long that you feel you are depriving yourself.  For me, I know that 10-14 days is most effective.  I also know that my detox works best when I eat food–no starvation detoxes for this lady!  Note:  People will have varying philosophies regarding these points.

Detoxes will often change your taste for foods, and you’ll naturally begin to make better food choices.  That way if you steer off track for a moment, you have complete certainty about how to resume your course.

What does detox really mean?

Toxins are lipophilic = fat-liking.  Thusly, they like to hang out in your fat.  Detoxing is the process of freeing the toxins stored in the fat (most often by freeing the fat) and turning them into water-loving little entities so that you can easily free them into the Porcelain Receptacle.  And who is the powerhouse responsible for this process?  That’s right, the LIVER.  A majority of your metabolic processes take place here…so BE NICE TO IT!

Generic Equation of Detox——-

Amount of toxins going in < Amount of toxins going out

What do you have to gain?

• Improved mental clarity
• Improved sleep
• More energy
• Clearer skin
• Improved bowel regularity
• Improved digestion

General Guidelines for a Detox/Cleanse:

1) Make sure you drink enough water.  Drinking enough water will help to flush the toxins more quickly from your system

2) Ensure proper rest.  Continue with exercise but reduce the intensity.

3) Incorporate proper supplementation.  Appropriate vitamins, minerals, and herbs can help with “detox symptoms” and make the process easier.

4) Ensure sufficient elimination.  To put it bluntly, if you’re not peeing and pooping enough, the toxins will just stay in your body.

5) Examine mental and emotional toxins.  It wouldn’t be a comprehensive detox without it, right?

6) ALWAYS consult your health care practitioner before beginning a detox.  Symptoms indicating the need for a detox (fatigue, muscle pain, indigestion, poor sleep) can often be indicators for something more serious.

Next week:  Metabolic Activity and Your Hormones