GUEST BLOG: Detox 101 – What You Should Know Before You Start

Everywhere you turn people are talking about detox diets. People seem to being doing some sort of detox or cleanse all the time, but are they really as beneficial as they say? When done correctly, detoxes can help your body remove toxins and ‘reset’ itself for a healthier year.

If you’re considering a detox diet, or have been curious about them, there are some aspects to keep in mind. Before starting a detox, take some time to understand what a detox diet actually is, which detoxes are available (there are a lot to choose from), and which detox is the best one for you.

Detox 101

Our bodies are designed to heal themselves. One way our bodies restore themselves is by neutralizing and eliminating toxins which enter through our foods and the environment around us. A detox diet assists in helping your body restore itself by eliminating highly processed foods, those with solid fats and added sugar, which can help improve your body.

As you decide which detox diet is best for you, pick one that is high in fiber and water. This will help to flush out your system. In addition, through being more selective of what you’re eating, or not eating, you can provide your body with the necessary nutrients and vitamins it needs.

Before beginning any detox or cleanse, speak with your doctor, nutritionist, or health professional to decide which detox is best for you.

Benefits of a Detox

Even if you’re a fairly healthy eater, chemicals and other toxins can still be ingested through the foods, liquids, and outside influences. These toxins can build up in your cells and tissues which can lead to more serious health issues down the road. A detox helps to remove those toxins and assists in restoring your body.

When done right, a detox is an excellent chance to help your body restore itself. This is the time you avoid all those high sugar, high fat foods from entering your body so it can work to restore itself. Remember, as you move forward in your detox, they should never last longer than 10 days. If you’re new to detoxes, never go longer than 2 days.

Your Personal Detox

Each of us are unique and so are our bodies. As you decide which detox fits you best, take into consideration what types of detoxes are available. During your research, you’ve probably noticed there are a lot of options from fasting to liquid diets, organic to whole food detoxes. As you learn more about the types of detoxes, and which is right for you, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Liquid Diets. These types of diets assist in helping the body through eliminating solid foods from your system. If you choose to go this route, limit this to just a weekend. Also, when participating in a liquid detox, pick organic juices and smoothies that will ensure your body is still getting the nutrients it needs. Make some lemon water (aka Master Cleanse) to help with those hunger pains. When doing a Master Cleanse, I’ve noticed most sites suggest cayenne pepper in a powder form, but I’ve found 2-3 drops of liquid cayenne to work better. You can find the liquid form at any health store.

• Fruits and Vegetables. For a more organic, whole food approach, dried fruit and raw vegetables are an excellent option for making sure your body has the nutrients it needs. Choose green vegetables (broccoli, kale, or peas) to add more fiber into your diet which is a great way to support your body.

• Seeds and Nuts. Another great food to add to your diet, especially to stop the tummy from growling, are raw, unsalted nuts. Nuts are a great source of protein and you may be surprised to discover which nuts are good for you.

• Exercise. During this time, avoid any strenuous exercise program. Instead, incorporate a low-impact exercise routine such as tai chi, yoga, or walking the neighborhood. This is a great way to still stay active and develop healthier habits in your life.

Keep in mind, as you move forward with your detox, if you’re looking to lose weight, a detox should not be a one stop solution. A detox can be a great tool for starting fresh and making healthier choices to support your weight loss goals. If you’re interested in learning more about losing weight, your doctor or health professional can help you decide which fitness program is right for you and provide any additional health tips.

Author Bio: Brooke Cade is passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys writing about all the things she loves in life, including yoga, hydrotherapy, Nature’s Sunshine products, and anything related to living life to its fullest.

Note:  All views expressed in this blog post are the personal opinions of the guest blogger. mySkin.com doesn’t favor any particular skincare brand or take advertising from any of them. Our scientific algorithm is entirely unbiased and based on your skin profile.