Should You Be Detoxing?

The global detox product market is continually growing in size, but should you be part of it?

The idea of a quick fix product that promises to help you lose your ‘holiday’ weight and purify your body after indulging on festive treats sounds great. But, detox diets can end up doing more damage to your body than good.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy and lose weight, but it is important you do it in a sustainable way.

What is detoxing?

The basis of a detox is the action of removing built up toxins in our body. However, if toxins did accumulate, we would feel very ill, such as drinking too much alcohol and having a hangover. Our bodies, especially your liver and kidneys, gut, lungs and skin work continuously to cleanse your body, and no quick fix diet or juice cleanse can ever take these roles away. In fact, detox diets and products can be damaging to your body. Below are some points to consider before embarking on a detox this January.

Detox products and diets:

Are often extremely restrictive, which can cause a lack of energy.
Can lead to obsessing over food and creating an unhealthy relationship with food.
Can cause rapid weight loss, which is often followed by a more significant weight regain.
Do not contain adequate nutrients for a balanced diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies if followed for too long
May cause gastrointestinal issues and irregular bowel movements.
Do not provide results that are sustainable and can cause unhealthy binge eating
Are expensive, especially when you consider your kidneys and liver are free.

What should you do instead of a restrictive detox?

Nourish your body with a balanced diet packed with a variety of veggies, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and protein.

Here are 5 healthy tips to help your body’s own detoxification processes:

Fix your gut. Did you know that 70 percent of your immune power resides in your digestive tract? Eat real food rich in antioxidants and fiber, take probiotics and stay away from pesticides, preservatives, refined sugar and antibiotics.
Hydrate. “Drink enough water!” You’ve heard it before – and with a good reason. We’re made up of over 70 percent water and that’s why we need to drink enough fluids in order to help acid wastes flow out. And not just any fluids – drink water, filtered water, where possible.
Get moving. Your lymph system doesn’t have a pump and needs body movement to work. Move your body daily.
Sweat it out – get sweaty from exercise, and if you can jump in the sauna!
Detox your mind and spirit. Detoxification is not just about what you drink or eat – it’s about what you think, too! Put some time aside to relax deeply every day to inhibit your stress response. Try meditation and deep breathing and replace online surfing with real-world activities. You’ll feel more focused and enjoy a steady supply of energy.

In short, move, unwind, and sleep.

Together, nourishment, movement, and relaxation are the best way to keep your body and its organs functioning optimally.

How we can help?

If you are considering going on a detox or purchasing detox products, please speak to a qualified professional beforehand. Our team of qualified dietitians, nutritional therapists, and functional medicine practitioners provide 1-1 nutritional support. We look at your overall diet and lifestyle and work with you to make changes to fit with your way of life to sustainably achieve optimal health and wellbeing in the long term.

If you would like more information on how we can help you, book a free discovery call with our friendly and experienced team today. We will listen to your story and explain how our services can best support you.

Let us help you feel better.