Detox diets…body cleanses…colon cleanses…bowel cleanses…
You’ve probably heard all of these terms used in reference to “ridding your system of unhealthy toxins” — but what do these terms actually mean?
Do you really need to be on a ‘detox diet’ or ‘cleansing’ your body?
What IS the difference between a Detox Diet and a Cleanse?
Generally, both detoxes and cleanses are methods that people use to clear or flush toxins out of their body.
But, there are some important differences…
Detox Diet:
Requires you to be on a very restrictive diet that only allows you to consume a small selection of food. Food that some consider to be “detox foods”, and usually for a specified amount of time, often several days to even several weeks.
Some detox diets actually involve fasting for a period of time. As a result, your body might not get the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly, and your energy level could be negatively impacted – sometimes dramatically, and can even be accompanied by “detox flu” symptoms.
Cleanse:
Typically involves consuming some sort of herbal or supplement product (pills, powders, tinctures) intended to flush out your digestive tract – namely the large colon or bowel.
What you should understand is that these products could cause undesirable side effects, and may contain chemicals that might not be healthy or safe, thus defeating the purpose of performing a “body or bowel cleanse” in the first place.
Some cleanses also involve being on a restrictive diet for at least a short period of time – usually the number of days that the cleanse supplements have been recommended for.
Why do people feel they need to ‘cleanse’ their bodies?
Besides getting rid of an accumulation of toxins in their system (known or suspected), there are other reasons why people may wish to try detox diets and cleanses, including the following:
● They want to lose weight and look/feel slimmer & healthier
● They think it will make them healthier, i.e. there may be a perceived “health halo” that accompanies a cleanse program or product
Our body has its own built-in detox system that works on its own every day. One of the main functions of the liver is to remove toxins from our blood.
Tips to help you naturally support your body’s own detoxification processes:
You can also make the switch to more natural bath & beauty products in your daily routine, as well as natural, chemical-free cleaning products for your household. Your skin is amazing at absorbing much of what you put on it, so be sure to give it good stuff only!