|
Detoxification Expectation
After the busy (and delicious) Christmas season, how are you feeling? Refreshed, energetic, and light as
a feather? If so, keep up the good work! More likely, though, you’re feeling tired, sluggish, and bloated.
Sound more accurate? Thought so.
It’s January, which means it’s time to get a fresh start and work toward those goals you’ve set for yourself.
Now is the time to get clean, get fit, and get healthy. What better way to start accomplishing these things
than doing a detox? It’s a way to rid your body of waste and toxic build up, without which it is able to
function much more optimally (in other words, you feel so much better!). It’s also a great way to kick start
weight loss. And, if you stick with the proper diet afterwards, you’ll continue to shed those extra pounds
throughout the year. The following outlines what to expect (and what to do) during a cleanse.
- Drink lots of water (at least two litres per day)
- Allow yourself time to rest, and aim for eight hours of sleep each night
- Exercise lightly (don’t over-exert yourself, but do work up a sweat… you release even more toxins this
way)
- Consume whole, nutrient-dense foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, cold-water fish, freerange
meats)
- Avoid dairy and wheat products, as these can contribute to digestive issues
- Avoid sugar, as it is detrimental to your health (for 146 reasons why sugar ruins your health, ask for our
Sugar handout in-store)
- You may feel tired and low in energy during a cleanse, and headaches are common. Relax; your body is
releasing toxins and you’ll feel better soon. Stick with it!
Keep in mind that every detox is different; some are gentler, some are more intense. Therefore, some
individuals may experience no symptoms while others would. This is also very dependent on the
individual; no two bodies are alike. If you do experience uncomfortable symptoms, understand that
your body is simply releasing stored toxins, and those symptoms will pass. If necessary, you may reduce
the dose of the detox you’re taking until you feel better. Whatever you do, please do not cover up your
symptoms with various medicines; this counteracts the cleanse and adds to the very things you’re trying
to get rid of. You absolutely can take natural remedies for any symptoms (example: ginger capsules or
tea for nausea or feverfew for a headache).
So, get rid of those cookies and leftover holiday treats, and let’s get started!
Laura Stokoe is a certified and registered holistic nutritionist. She is the manager of the Supplements and Personal Care department at Goodness Me! on Upper Gage.
|
