Do You Need to Detox? Is It Safe? Your Questions Answered – PLUS the One Detox Everyone Should Do!
First, let’s answer some questions.
Do You Need to Detox? Really?
There’s a LOT of confusing information out there.
- Some people will tell you that you need to detox several times a year.
- Others say a quick cleanse doesn’t help, you need to detox for at least a week and preferably two.
- Still others tell you that you don’t need to anything, because your body does it all for you, automatically.
So, do you need to detox?
Here are my thoughts, based on a lot of research.
Your Body Naturally Detoxes
Yes, it’s true. Your body – mostly (but not only) your liver – removes toxins from your body every day. (Your body really is truly amazing).
And that’s great!
But even if you eat a really healthy diet, you’ll still ingest toxins –
- pesticide residues and heavy metals from some food
- some toxic chemicals from products you put on your body like make-up, sunscreen, deodorant etc.
- and then there’s air pollution and other environmental pollutants…….
And then, well, most of us don’t always eat as healthily as we should.
All things considered, we have a LOT of toxins in our world today.
A lot of stuff that your body needs to get rid of.
And a detox or cleanse is certainly one way to do that.
But is it safe?
People Who Shouldn’t Detox
Medical recommendations are that the following people should NOT undergo a detox routine:-
- If you are breastfeeding
- If you have cancer
- If you have tuberculosis
- And children should not detox.
When you’re ill is generally not the best time to detox either – although sometimes it MAY help, with full medical supervision.
Is a Detox Safe?
It’s surprising what food people can survive on – but personally, I’m NOT a fan of big, long detoxes.
(Apart from anything else, I simply don’t know how people have the willpower to carry on drinking only celery juice all day, every day for 2 whole weeks!).
More importantly though, while it can be a good idea to occasionally reduce the strain on your digestive system and your liver, regularly eating a balanced diet is really important for your health.
However, I think a short, focused but gentle detox or cleanse can be helpful for most people.
Let’s look at some safe and healthy detox options – and also, the detox that everyone should do, now!
One Detox You SHOULD Do
Here’s one thing that I believe EVERYONE should do (and it’s probably not what you’re thinking!).
A hypoallergenic detox is where you focus on clearing and cleansing contaminants and chemicals from your home.
Why? Because many lotions, shampoos, perfumes, sunscreen, and other personal care products contain toxic chemicals which can build up over time and eventually be absorbed by your largest organ, your skin (and from there into your bloodstream and organs).
Your home also probably contains many toxic chemicals. There might be toxic paint on your walls and nasty chemicals in your carpets and mattresses, and of course in your cleaning products.
Cleaning products are probably the easiest to replace. But don’t be fooled in the supermarket by their “natural” or “plant extracts” labels – many still contain chemicals!
The simplest methods are the best – use bicarbonate of soda / baking soda together with lemon, vinegar, water and essential oils – they will clean almost everything in your home
Another Really Useful Detox
Here is another one that is really, really good for your health. Be warned, however – it’s not always easy.
If you’re seriously considering a detox – for example, drinking only juices or smoothies for a day or two, there’s one thing you need to remember. For a detox (of any type) to work, you first have to give up the nasties.
By nasties I mean stopping alcohol and smoking, as well as eliminating added sugars and saturated fats in convenience food, fast food and junk food.
So in fact, one of the safest and healthiest detoxes you can do, is to completely eliminate the nasties, and eat fresh whole foods instead.
You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to eat whole foods!
It’s great for your health, you’re not going to feel deprived, and it will bring you all the benefits, without needing to decide which detox to choose.
And right now, I’m putting together a great program on Clean Eating – chock full of information on how to get it right, it also includes checklists, food planning tips and more. I’ll have more information for you soon!
Next Time
Next time, I’ll write about smoothie cleanses and juice fasts – again, from a common sense point of view, without all the hype.
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What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your FREE recipes for yummy smoothies that will keep you feeling full! Click here.
