The colon is responsible for filtering out toxins, reabsorbing water, and preparing waste for elimination. It’s important to keep it running smoothly, not only so you can feel better in the short term, but also because keeping a clean colon may prevent more serious problems in the future.
Why You Should Detox
We wash our hands to prevent dirt and illness-causing germs and bacteria from entering our bodies, and we shower and apply lotion and sunscreen to keep our hair clean and our skin healthy. The benefits of doing so are well-researched and obvious. So doesn’t it make sense that we should apply the same quality of care to the inside of our bodies as well?
Here are some of the benefits of detoxing:
- Removes waste buildup and toxic chemicals (pesticides, preservatives, artificial colors) from the colon wall.
- Improves colon’s efficiency, which can get sluggish without enough water and fiber.
- Aids digestion by removing buildup from colon walls, which can cause gas and body odor.
- Energizes and fosters feeling healthier in general.
- May improve nutrient absorption and efficiency of body systems.
Preparing for a Detox
It’s important to prepare your mind and body for a cleanse instead of just jumping right in. Before you start, take some notes about how you feel in general, and not just physically, but where you’re at mentally and emotionally as well. This will help you track your progress as you start your detox journey.
Get rid of foods not permitted in your cleanse, and stock your kitchen with the foods and/or supplements that are. Not having the temptation readily available goes a long way in helping you stick to your guns.
Begin changing your eating habits before the detox actually begins. This helps your body get used to the new diet more gradually and is less of a shock to your system. Cut down on processed and fatty foods, refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, and focus on replacing them with fruits and vegetables. Try to make it a habit to drink a glass of water every few hours.
Develop better sleeping habits. Detoxing often has physical, mental, and emotional side effects, including insomnia, headaches, mood swings, rashes, and flu-like symptoms. Getting as much rest as possible can take the edge off these issues. They occur because the process of detoxifying frees up the toxic stores built up in your cells and introduces these toxins to your system. The effects should ease up after a few days.
Choosing a Detox Method
A quick internet search for “detox methods” will turn up any number of methods for cleansing your body’s internal systems. How do you know which is right for you? Usually, a combination of these cleansing guidelines produces the best results.
- Change your diet. Some foods that aid in the detoxification process are garlic, lemon, raw vegetables, and broccoli sprouts. Choose organic to avoid toxins. Juicing is a popular method for getting those fruits and vegetables into your body, but be sure it’s freshly made juice from real produce.
- Exercise regularly. Sweating is actually a great method for ridding your system of toxins, and what better way to sweat than to exercise?
- Drink more water. Water is possibly the best tool for detoxing, as your most basic bodily functions require water – sweating, saliva production, and excretion.
- Purify the air. The easiest way to do this is to get a few houseplants and space them throughout your house. Plants are natural air purifiers.
As you begin to prepare for your detox, take a moment to assess your health and determine which areas in your body you would like to focus on. Once you’ve identified your objectives for your detox, the more you can choose a cleanse that will better support your wellness goals.
Remember before beginning any detox or cleanse program to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional.
Author: Brooke Cade is passionate about health and wellness. She enjoys writing about all the things she loves in life, including yoga, hydrotherapy, and anything related to living life to its fullest.