As you leave summer behind and start settling into the colder autumn months, you may find that you feel bloated, unenergetic, cranky and just plain blah. You think to yourself: I wonder if it’s time for a detox or an emergency session with my therapist? Well, we’re here to help! While you may think a detox is just what the doctor ordered, we want you to make the most educated decision possible when deciding to start one. We’ve put together the pros and cons of detoxing so that you can make the right decision for your mind, body and soul.
What is a Detox All About, Anyways?
If you’re one of many who is confused by the whole “detox” craze, don’t you worry! A detox, also known as a cleanse, is a change in your diet for a specific period of time with the purpose of ridding the body of toxic or unhealthy substances. There are many different detox options on the market that target different organs or parts of the body.
The Pros
There are many valid reasons why people undergo detoxes or cleanse diets, even when they involve some very difficult changes like only drinking cold-pressed juices abstaining from sugar or caffeine. Some of the benefits of detoxing include:
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Improving kidney and liver function
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Increasing energy and sense of vitality
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Revitalising mind and spirit
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Jump-starting weight-loss program or new diet
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Improving immune system
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Cutting out bad eating habits
The Cons
But…like any drastic change, detoxing comes along with some potential risks. Beware of these potential cons from your cleansing diet:
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A sudden change in your diet, like the consumption of fiber-heavy fruit, can lead to bloating, gas and diarrhea as your body adjusts.
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Detox diets are not always recommended for teenagers, pregnant women or those with health conditions as there is the risk of consuming insufficient calories and proteins as you adapt to your new diet.
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Detoxes and cleanses are not intended for long-term weight loss, but rather a short, jump-start to healthy eating and exercising habits.
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Detoxes are not proven to rid the body of toxins better than your body’s own natural mechanisms.
Top Detoxes and Cleanses
If, after reflecting on the pros and cons of detoxing, you decide that a cleanse is right for you, consider these top detoxes:
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10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: As outlined in JJ Smith’s popular book, the 10-day green smoothie cleanse will take your body on a journey of blended fruits and veggies for a boost in weight-loss and a boost in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
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Wild Rose D-Tox: Requiring an alkaline diet to cleanse candida in the body, the Wild Rose D-Tox package is a 12-day herbal cleanse that is said to assist in weight-loss and energy levels and kick-start a healthy change to your long-term diet.
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Optimum Colon Cleanse: A 14-day colon cleanse will revitalize your digestive system and rid you of all of the toxins in your body, getting you back on track.
The ability to pick and choose your detox or cleanse, whether in the form of a new diet or supplements, allows you to make your detox as pro as possible. Make sure you’ve examined all the options out there when deciding how best to recharge your batteries this fall.
Source: HB Fit
