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Discover the benefits of a detox cleanse, how it affects the mind and body, and what you need to do. The safe way!
With so many detox “diet” plans out there, you need to be wary of which one you choose. Just because a program says, “cleanse and detox,” doesn’t mean it’s a healthy one.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide a small commission to me at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase. You can read more in my disclaimer here.
After becoming a certified holistic nutrition and natural health practitioner, I explored several different detoxification programs. I wanted to dig deep into some of what was out there for the taking and I have to say, I was shocked. So many unhealthy options that claim to be healthy for the human body.
It’s so important to understand that a body detox can be dangerous. If not done with professional guidance.
A good detox will allow you to recharge, reset, and start back up on a clean slate. It’s a great way to rid the body of toxins and acid buildup that are causing you to slow down so you can make room for good health.
And if done in a healthy way, the health benefits are absolutely amazing! I break it all down for you below.
What is a detox diet or cleanse?
A ‘detox diet’ or ‘cleanse’ is a short term dietary regimen designed to eliminate heavy metals, harmful bacteria, and other unhealthy substances from the body. Ultimately, clearing the digestive tract from backed-up “garbage.”
It’s a quick and easy way to boost digestive health and help flush the lymphatic system from excess waste.
The primary goal of a detox diet is to remove harmful substances from the body. While at the same time, promoting overall well-being with a healthy diet.
Additionally, a detox helps the body undergo its natural detoxification processes for optimal healing. Allowing the kidneys and liver to do their job of elimination without the overload of unhealthy and fatty foods.
Different Ways to Detox (the most common)
- Juice Cleanse – Consists of replacing solid foods with fresh fruit and vegetable juices (predominantly veggie juices)
- Intermittent Fasting – Incorporates time-restricted eating patterns, like the 16/8 method where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window
- Whole Foods Cleanse – Predominantly focuses on whole, unprocessed fresh organic fruits and vegetables. All while eliminating processed, denatured foods, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and animal products. Some also incorporate herbal supplements as well as herbal tea, and lemon water for hydration.
The length of a detox is dependent on how long you want to go and what your goal is. It can range anywhere from 1 day, to 3 days, or even 30 days or longer.
However, I don’t recommend going more than 3 days on your own.
19 Benefits of a Detox Cleanse
Improved Digestion
While a single detox will not heal your body, it will definitely give your digestive system a boost. It will also set you up for healing and optimal digestive health should you continue with a clean, plant-based diet.
Increased Energy
As you cleanse and allow your organs to filter out the backed-up junk, you will experience a spike in energy levels. This is because as you detox and ‘unclog’ your digestive and gastrointestinal tract, you recharge your system.
Leaving you feeling more energized than when you started without the crash that comes from caffeine and refined sugars. If coffee and sugar are something you rely on to keep you ‘awake’ and ‘alert.’
Weight loss
Depending on how long your detox is, you can expect to shed some unwanted weight. Some experience rapid weight loss. This is due to a reduced calorie intake and giving your digestive system a break from the daily food overload.
Especially if it’s not in good food combinations.
When that happens, the body tends to work harder and exhaust energy reserves. Leading to a slower metabolism and excess weight gain.
Overall, a detox will position you for healthy long-term weight loss versus a “quick fix, gain the weight back” type of “diet plan.”
Mental Clarity
You can say goodbye to having a brain fog and expect to think more clear-headed as you detox those nasty toxins. All they do is clog you up, mind and body!
Clearer Skin
Improved hydration and the consumption of nutrient-rich foods help to clear the skin and bring back the glow.
I healed my own skin when I transitioned to a raw, plant-based lifestyle so I know firsthand it works.
What you may not know is that consuming raw living plant food on a daily basis is also a daily detox.
Eating raw living food is the ultimate hydration. Why? Because you are eating your water versus drinking it. Putting you in an optimal hydration state. As a result, leads to clearer skin.
Consuming clean, organic raw living food daily in addition to my bentonite clay face mask treatment, cleared my face from years of acne scars. And can do the same for you too if dull, acne-scarred skin is something you struggle with.
21-Day Raw Food Cleanse Meal Plan
Reduced Bloating
During a detox, you eliminate foods like processed carbohydrates, and dairy which typically leads to bloating in some individuals. You are also allowing the body to rest from all kinds of food combinations that make it work extra hard to digest.
Hence, leading to reduced bloating.
When the body is overworked from trying to digest animal proteins on top of poorly combined foods, it often times leads to bloating. That, in addition to fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Better Sleep
A detox that consists of nutrient-rich living foods without caffeine or processed junk, is the best way to improve your quality of sleep. Additionally, a good detox will incorporate mindful practices that will also enhance positive sleep patterns.
Something to keep in mind if sleep is normally an issue for you.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Allowing the body to heal, replenish, and hydrate the cells positions it to be able to better absorb nutrients. With a detox cleanse, you do just that.
Some may need a bit of a boost with dietary supplements like chlorella and spirulina, depending on current lifestyle practices. But it’s not something you would need to do long term. As long as you move forward with a nutrient-rich plant-based diet consisting of predominantly raw living foods.
The results will speak for themselves!
12 Best Chlorella Supplements Plus Benefits
Break from Unhealthy Habits & Cravings
Experiencing a detox is like pressing the reset button. It helps you break free from unhealthy eating patterns and addictions. Specifically to substances like sugar or caffeine.
It’s also a great way to kick those addictive cravings to the curb. When the body is fully hydrated and absorbing highly beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, it resets. Making you feel very different than you did before you started.
This means your body naturally readjusts and begins to “crave” the good stuff versus the bad stuff. Foods with refined sugars are the main culprit for cravings.
So eating foods with natural sugar, like fruit and dried fruit such as dates, eliminates the cravings.
Awareness of Food Choices
A major plus about doing a cleanse is that you expel years of “junk in the trunk” so to speak. You naturally begin to feel your best. And when you feel your best, you have no desire to go back to feeling like crap. Seriously!
The body does a great job of letting us know what feels good and what feels bad. It’s up to us to make better choices.
And with a detox, we are prompted to consume nourishing foods that lead us to feel our best. While at the same time making us aware of building healthier eating habits.
For me, considering I eat 98% raw (a daily detox), whenever I eat a cooked vegan meal, I instantly feel dehydration. In turn, I start to crave fruit, specifically oranges. For the reason that they are full of water and super hydrating.
I don’t necessarily feel bad, just dehydrated since my body is so used to being hydrated with raw food. It quickly reminds me why I stopped eating cooked food to begin with. The same will work for you in whatever way your body lets you know.
Balanced Blood Sugar Levels
If you struggle with low blood sugar or fluctuating sugar levels, a detox cleanse can help. Simply by clearing out the toxins, refined sugars, and carbohydrate intake.
Reduced Inflammation
Another major plus about a detox is that it begins the body’s healing process which includes several factors. For starters, it helps reduce chronic inflammation in the body.
It’s nearly impossible to rid your body of all the stressors in your daily life. However, with a good detox program, you can effectively reduce the toxic and acidic load that bogs it down.
As a result, it enables you to cleanse and naturally reduce inflammation. Including reducing joint pain.
Inflammation and Your Microbiome
The body’s microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, that exist in various parts of the body. With the gut being the most densely populated.
It also plays a role in regulating inflammation.
These microorganisms play a role in regulating inflammation. Also maintaining healthy digestion, regulating the immune system, synthesizing essential nutrients, and protecting against harmful pathogens.
The balance and diversity of the microbiome are essential for overall well-being.
However, poor food choices, stress, not enough rest or sleep, and ongoing use of medications can cause disruption. And as a result, can lead to chronic inflammation.
Hence why detoxing the body on a consistent basis is an essential practice. I recommend doing a detox at least once a month.
Improved Bowel Movements
When doing a healthy, whole foods cleanse high in fiber-rich foods such as fruits and veggies, it helps move things along. Resulting in the regulation of bowel movements and a happy gut!
Better Hydration
Increased water intake is often part of a detox program. For the reason that hydration is essential and plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and vitality.
Here are some reasons why:
- for optimal cell function
- for regulating body temperature
- for joint lubrication
- for cognitive function
- for physical performance
- for blood circulation
- for skin health
and so much more.
Stronger Immune System
The presence of toxic and acid buildup can lead to a weaker immune system. Putting you at risk for viruses, such as colds, flu, and covid. When you do a detox, your body breaks from the toxic overload while enabling your organs to function properly.
Ultimately, leading to a stronger immune system and improved ability to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Improves Liver Function
The liver is a vital organ that plays a major role in detoxification, metabolism, and digestion. It’s responsible for filtering out toxins from the blood and breaking down food and alcohol. When the liver is functioning properly, it is able to keep the body healthy and prevent disease.
A detox helps to support the liver’s natural detoxification process. And in turn, improves liver function.
After completing a liver detox cleanse, following it up with a healthy plant-based diet is ideal. This is in addition to regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and other toxins for maintenance.
There are also a number of herbs and supplements that can also be incorporated into your life to support liver function.
Healthier Hair
As your body eliminates toxins through a detox comprised of nutrient-dense foods and juices, you’ll start to see improvements in your hair. Including shine, growth, and luster.
Keep in mind, though, that this is dependent on how long of a detox you do as well as other consistent lifestyle practices.
Improves Sense of Well-Being
Along with health improvement, detoxing also helps improve your mood and overall well-being. You start to feel better about yourself, mind and body. In addition to feeling lighter and more present in your life.
Stress Relief
Stress is the underlying cause of almost all health issues. Whether it’s direct or indirect. It doesn’t just affect your health but also your physical state of being, mind and body.
It’s important to realize that toxins in the body can cause negative emotions and irritability. Further amplifying stress levels. When you undergo a detox, you help improve your ability to think more clearly. And as a result, reduces emotional turmoil.
A proper diet and detoxification of unhealthy foods, synthetic chemicals, and harmful toxic substances, leads to stress relief. Additionally, takes the burden off of the body and boosts physiological processes.
This includes reducing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.
Balances the pH of Your Body
The body is very powerful and goes beyond what we give it credit for. When it’s in a well-balanced acid/alkaline state, it works wonders for us.
But when it is in an acidic state and the body’s pH is off, it wreaks havoc on your health. This includes abnormal sleep patterns, high blood pressure, elevated stress, and can even affect your mental health.
Detoxification helps bring your body back to an alkaline state. Exactly where it needs to be in order to maintain health and wellness.
I highly recommend keeping pH test strips on hand for when you’re not feeling well. This will give you an idea of where you are on the pH scale.
How to Detox Safely
The body naturally undergoes its own detoxification process daily. Specifically overnight when your body is at rest. However, the following are ways to maintain and undergo a detox safely to aid your body in this process.
Ways to Help the Body with Detoxification
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is important for flushing toxins out of your body through urine and sweat. Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water a day.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support detoxification. Ultimately, stay away from inflammatory foods such as animal products, refined sugar, and highly processed foods.
Increase Fiber Intake: Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. This helps with colon cleansing and regulates bowel movements
Cut Back on Alcohol and Caffeine: Reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine consumption. Excessive intake places additional stress on the liver and other detoxifying organs.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress negatively affects your body’s ability to detoxify. It’s the underlying cause of health complications so protect your sanity! Implement self-care practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, spa days, or nature walks.
These things make a big difference in your well-being and help keep stress under control.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity supports circulation, which helps transport nutrients to cells. It also helps with the elimination of waste products from the body. Exercise daily in some form. Could be walking, running, biking, rollerblading, or in any way that feels good to you.
Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for the body’s repair and detoxification processes. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
Limit Exposure to Toxins: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins by using natural cleaning products and filtering your water. Additionally, be mindful of the products you use on your body such as facial cleansers, workout clothes, and sleepwear.
Consider Sauna or Steam Therapy: Sauna or steam therapy helps eliminate toxins through sweating.
Avoid Extreme Detox Plans: Be wary of extreme detox diets or fasts, as they can be harmful and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Listen to Your Body: Always listen to your body as it will never steer you wrong. If for some reason, you experience something out of the ordinary, consult your physician.
Remember that your body has the ability to detoxify itself naturally. Focus on adopting long-term, sustainable lifestyle habits rather than short-term, extreme diet or detox plans.
Last but not least, if you have specific health concerns, consult with your doctor for personalized guidance.
Detoxing the Body with a Healthy Detox Program
Detoxing the body is an essential first step toward achieving optimal health and vitality. With my 21-day Jumpstart Detox program, you can embark on a transformative journey that revitalizes your body and mind.
By nourishing yourself with wholesome, unprocessed raw foods, you’ll not only eliminate harmful toxins but also flood your system with vital nutrients. This program offers a structured and sustainable approach to detoxification. As well as promoting healthy weight loss, improved digestion, increased energy, and clearer skin.
I’ve designed this self-guided program to give you everything you need to get through this detox successfully. And also to help you as you move forward.
It’s a commitment to a healthier you. Giving your body the reset it deserves for long-lasting well-being.
Join me in embracing the power of a healthy detox and experiencing the remarkable benefits it can bring to your life.
FAQs about Detoxing and Cleansing
What do detox diet and cleanses involve?
Detox diets and cleanses are a variety of dietary practices designed to eliminate toxins from your body. Some of these include the following:
- Fasting: Involves abstaining from food for a period of time, typically 1-3 days.
- Juicing: Consists of drinking only vegetable and fruit juices and water
- Drinking specific liquids: Some detox diets consist of drinking only specific liquids. Some of these include apple cider vinegar, salt water, lemon juice, or herbal teas.
- Eliminating foods: This involves eliminating certain foods from your diet, such as processed foods, sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Taking supplements or herbs: Involves taking supplements or herbs that ‘claim’ to help eliminate toxins from the body.
- Colon cleansing: Some detoxes involve colon cleansing procedures, such as enemas or colon hydrotherapy.
Detox diets and cleanses are a way to improve overall health, lose weight, and boost energy levels.
However, some detox diets can be dangerous, especially those that involve dry fasting. As well as drinking ‘specific liquids’ for a prolonged period of time.
The idea of a detox is to promote a healthy lifestyle, not restrict you from one.
What are 5 signs your body is in need of a detox?
It’s important to note that while a detox is beneficial for the body, experiencing certain symptoms may require further attention. It may also be your body telling you to pay attention to your overall health and lifestyle.
That being said, here are 5 signs your body is in need of a detox:
- Fatigue: If you are constantly feeling tired and run down, it could be a sign that your body needs elimination.
- Digestive problems: Bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea can all be signs of a toxic buildup in your gut.
- Skin problems: Acne, eczema, and other skin conditions can be caused by acid and toxins in the body.
- Weight gain: If you are unable to lose weight despite healthy habits, it could mean your body is holding onto toxins.
- Headaches and migraines: Headaches and migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors. Including toxins and acidity in the body.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once any underlying conditions have been ruled out, you may want to consider a detox.
What toxins does a cleanse remove?
A cleanse typically allows the body to eliminate a variety of toxins and acid buildup. Some of which include the following:
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium)
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Food additives
- Environmental pollutants
The good news is, your body has its own natural detoxification system which includes the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. This extremely powerful system is very effective at removing acid and toxins from the body. Even if you are exposed to high levels of toxins on a regular basis.
However, after a while and years of accumulated garbage and junk, the body will slow down. While it is a powerful machine, there is only so much it can take over the years if a healthy lifestyle is not adhered to.
Are detox supplements and cleanse diets dangerous?
Depending on the type of detox supplements and cleanses, yes. They can absolutely be dangerous if not done right.
Sandra Campillo
Sandra Campillo is an eco, vegan lifestyle and travel blogger and entrepreneur. Join Sandra and her community of readers on SandraCampillo.com to learn how to live a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate way of life.
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