Is A Detox Program Right For You?

What is a detox?

Your body is amazing. It can be pushed to the limits and the only noticeable consequence is that you wake up the next morning with some mild aches and pains or lower energy than the day before. Yet even with this impressive ability to bounce back under normal circumstances with a healthy body, everyone has a limit. Our colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin are the organs responsible for daily detoxification and elimination of nasty toxins that would otherwise interfere with our ability to function properly.

A detox is a way to enhance the detoxification system that is already there; giving these organs a chance to rest while driving out the bad stuff and simultaneously refueling the body with healthy nutrients. There are many types of cleanses and detoxes out there. Each type has different goals ranging from stimulating weight loss to helping allergies or decreasing fatigue.

Are you due for a detox?

• Do you feel tired, sluggish or lethargic?
• Do you have difficulty concentrating or staying focused?
• Do you catch colds easily?
• Do you tend to get congested, stuffed up or postnasal drip?
• Do you have unpleasant body odors when not using deodorant or perfume?
• Do you often have bloating, gas or indigestion after eating?
• Do you have allergies?
• Do you have eczema, acne or psoriasis?
• Do you go for more than one day without a bowel movement?
• Are you a current or former smoker or spend time regularly around other smokers?
  Answering “yes” to any of these questions suggests a greater need for a detoxification cleanse.

How does a detox cleanse work?

First, an effective detox will begin by decreasing the amount of toxins going in. This means eliminating the foods that often cause allergic reactions or inflammation. The obvious things to avoid are nicotine, alcohol and sugar; but it is just as important to avoid potential allergens like dairy or wheat products, so you will have a chance to heal un-irritated.

Next, you want to support the organs that are responsible for breaking down and flushing out the bad guys: the liver and gastro-intestinal tract. This is already accomplished by decreasing the amount of toxins and bad foods, but the function of these organs can be improved by adding supplementary nutrients that you may not be getting in your diet such as fiber, digestive enzymes, vitamins, herbs and minerals designed to boost the function of these organs.

Although going through a detox cleanse does take determination, the rewards are great. For optimal health benefits, it is recommended that a detox cleanse should be done one to two times a year (think of it as a “spring cleaning” for the body). You don’t have to do it alone! The best way to have a successful detox cleanse is to partner with a friend and your healthcare provider for accountability, motivation and ideas on how to get the most out of this.

Common results of a detox cleanse program include:

• Weight loss
• Increased energy
• Better digestion
• Skin improvements
• Increased resistance to illness
• Improved concentration
• Decreased inflammation and pain

Some programs are more effective than others, while some can be dangerous if it causes an unhealthy balance if done incorrectly or for too long a period.

There are many ways to detox. Fasting is an effective way to detox, but patients often struggle with hunger, weakness and fatigue with fasting on only liquids or water for long periods of time. Sometimes we don’t’ recommend fasting forms of detoxing for people because of the medications they are on or the fact that they have issues like hypoglycemia. Other reasons that liquid only fasting may not work for people is that they are just too busy physically with work and life and are not able to fuel themselves enough with fasting to be able to do it all.

One reason why many of our patients have avoided detoxing in the past is the thought that it would take a lot of work and prep and it’s too overwhelming to know what to eat, when to eat, etc. As a result of hearing this from patients time and again, Dr. Steph designed an easy to follow and effective 21 Day Paleo Detox program. She created it to include meal replacement shakes and supplement packs to be taken that gently detoxify while making it easy to be compliant. The shakes taste good and need only be mixed with water for a full meal. Dr. Steph also included an easy to follow instruction booklet to explain what foods to avoid or eat and how, along with some recipe ideas. The detox can be done for 1 week at a time (i.e. 1 week a month for 3 months, 1 week a quarter, etc), or for the full 3 weeks, so it can easily be fit into anyone’s lifestyle and schedule.

Many have completed the detox and have reported the benefits listed above and many more health improvements. One of the staff members, Jillian, has completed the program and she has documented her journey. If you want an inside look at her journey so you know what to expect while detoxing, look at her blog post.

If you are ready to take a step towards a healthier you, check out the Living Health Integrative Medicine 21 Day Paleo Detox by CLICKING HERE. A detox program is a great way to revitalize the body, clean out the toxins and improve your health. Let us know the results from your detox and if you feel you need a little help let us know. We would be happy to help you successfully complete your detox program. We can be reached at 410-216-9180 or email us at info@mylivinghealth.com for an appointment.