If you’ve finally had enough, and are ready to take control of your health and start making some changes for the better, a safe detox regimen may be a good way to jumpstart your new healthy lifestyle. You’ve probably heard or seen news about several different kinds of detox diets, but how do you know which ones are effective, or would work best for you?
Here are some common reasons people choose to start a detox diet, and what types of detoxes and cleanses will help you achieve your goals.
Choosing The Best Detox Diet
For Increased Energy
Many people would tell you that they don’t have the energy they used to, and often feel sluggish or fatigued throughout the day. To help improve energy levels, a detox that involves replacing simple carbs and refined sugars with complex carbs will be helpful. In addition, drinking more water will also help with energy by preventing dehydration.
For Improved Digestive Function
One of the most common reasons for doing a detox is to improve digestion. The average American diet is full of refined sugar, saturated fats, and lacking fruits, vegetables, and adequate water intake. This combination interferes with the natural digestion processes of the body. To improve digestion, consider a cleanse that rids the body of all of the agents obstructing proper digestion. Instead fill your body with more fiber-rich foods, more water, and if appropriate, consider juicing to add more liquid to your system to replenish nutrients and assist the food along its way.
To Boost Your Immune System
If you’ve suffered from one too many colds this year, maybe it’s time to take a look at how you treat your body. Your immune system’s ability to fight off disease and infection depends on the strength of its organs and systems, which require proper nutrients and care to work effectively. To this end, you could design a detox that incorporates antioxidant-rich foods, especially leafy greens and plenty of fruit, taking a probiotic, and drinking more water. Many people interested in boosting their immune system also opt for drinking 1-2 cups of green tea per day.
To Replenish Nutrients
When you take a look at your regular dietary habits, you may come to the realization that it’s seriously lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients. If it’s time to start giving the body what it needs in terms of these, consider cleansing the body with substantial amounts of fruits and vegetables, whole grains,nuts and seeds, and lean meats. Many people opt for a liquid cleanse with pure fruit and vegetable juices to help their bodies rid themselves of toxins and impurities and replace them with nutrients and vitamins.
For Losing Weight
Regardless of the type of detox or cleanse you choose, you will likely find that weight loss is a side-effect of all of them. If your goal is specifically weight loss, a detox that incorporates plenty of fruits and vegetables and eliminates refined carbs and sugar is a good start, as well as replacing sugary or unhealthy drinks with water. Increasing your fiber consumption can also aid in weight loss.
A cleanse doesn’t always have to be centred around food and beverage intake. It can also involve your physical habits, and for weight loss a cleanse involving exercise is a great change to make. When you focus your day and mind around moving your body, you will find several benefits including but not limited to weight loss.
To Change Unhealthy Habits
All of the reasons listed above will help you to establish good habits, and a good, safe detox is a great way to launch yourself into a new lifestyle of healthier habits. While a cleanse or detox can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, the end goal is to establish a lifelong attitude of healthier habits that will improve your overall health and quality of life.
Before you begin your detox or cleanse, be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure the changes are safe for your body and health.
