Me: “Hey Jane, coming for lunch? I’m starving!”

Jane: “No you go ahead, I’m doing this 14 day detox (sigh)”, and it’s just my 3^rd day.”

Me: “What?! Tell me all about it. I’ve been thinking of doing one for so long, and I hear spring is the best time to do it.
What are you doing? What are you eating? Or should I ask what are you NOT eating? Is it tough? How are you feeling?
Are you tired at all? Are you craving any foods?
Gosh, everyone in the office seems to be doing one- am I the only one not on a detox?!! (Panic)”

I was in awe of Jane for doing the detox.

I used to think think that people who detox are brave and have tremendous will power to
give up eating normally even if it was for a few days.

I distinctly recall this conversation from back when I was working in the corporate world. Come spring so many of my colleagues were talking about these ‘detoxes’ they were doing.
It was quite the ‘in-thing’ and all the lunch room and water cooler conversations were centered around them..

I used to feel quite left out, almost like I was from another planet since I had never tried a detox in my life!!
Can you believe it?!

And as you would have guessed it by now, no-I was NOT a nutritionist then 😉

But the common sense in me always questioned whether I actually needed a detox.

Spring is a very popular time for detox as we leave behind the warming and richer winter foods, and prepare for the lighter, fun and activity filled summer days ahead.

So today I’m going to share some important things to consider before you jump on the detox bandwagon.

Let’s first understand what detoxification means.

Detoxification is the process of clearing toxins from the body along with any mucus or congestion. It includes:

1) Dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the intake of toxins from the foods we eat or the products we use on our bodies and in our environments, and

2) Improving ways of elimination of the toxins from our bodies.

So then who needs a detox?

Well it actually depends on a person’s diet, lifestyle and overall health.

Detoxing doesn’t have to be about severe fasting, restrictions and expensive store bought detox kits!

And I’m not kidding you when I say that I’ve still not done a crazy store bought detox till date.
The idea never appealed to me.

Diet wise a detox may mean simple changes like:

• – Eating plenty of natural, wholesome foods and fiber rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
• – Cutting out or reducing consumption of processed foods, caffeine, alcohol and sugar.
• – Drinking more water, fresh juices and smoothies.
• – Reducing meat consumption specifically red meats.
• – Try this recipe of the Master Cleanser Detox Drink. It is a safe and effective gentle to start detoxing and to stimulate digestive juices for those with indigestion and a weak gut.
• – Or it could be about going on a very restrictive diet, eliminating lot of food groups, or only eating a select few things for a set number of days.

There are many ways to detox and it can be very confusing as to which one to follow.

But wait!

More importantly…..BEFORE you start any type of detox, make sure your digestive system is healthy and strong.

Why? Let me explain.

The digestive system is not just about the stomach and digesting foods, it consists of the liver, the gall bladder, the small and large intestines as well.

You see during a detox your cells will release unwanted toxins into the blood stream to be eliminated from the body. So if you have a poorly functioning liver, kidneys or excretory system your body is unable to expel the toxins and you may end up with rashes, breakouts or other harmful symptoms!

I see this in my nutritional practice all the time.

– If you are constipated, all the toxins that your organs/ cells are releasing have no way to make out of the body and are getting piled up inside you!

– If you suffer from diarrhea, your body is already weak and struggling to keep up with digesting nutrients from foods. There is no way it can handle the added stress of a detox, and you may end up with nutrient deficiencies.

– The liver is a very important detoxification organ in the body as it processes all the toxins and nutrients that we consume or are exposed to. It transforms many harmful substances into harmless agents. So if you have poor liver function a detox should be reconsidered.

Do you now see how having a strong digestion is critical before you begin detoxing?

While detoxing it is important to remember that your body requires a steady supply of appropriate nutrients to the body during and after a detox.

Ignoring this may end up making you feel worse.

So, if you are thinking of detoxing this Spring or anytime for that matter, then before you start, I highly recommend checking in with a certified nutritionist or your trusted health care provider specializing in detox.

Detox is meant to refresh the body and rejuvenate it, so that you feel vibrant and drive away sickness.

I’d be happy to chat with you and help prepare you for the summer months ahead, so that you have your best summer this year!

Just click here to schedule your complimentary phone in discovery session with me.

Or if you are interested in my 6 or 12 week Signature Digestion Intensive Program, find the details right here.

Lovingly,
Tanuja 

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