If you’re interested in weight loss and have done your research, you’ve probably come across the idea of detoxing your body. But, like most things about weight loss on the web and in the media, the information can be confusing and contradictory.
There are two absolute, undeniable truths about detoxing your body.
There are Toxins in Your Body – Through different compounds, chemicals and other harmful agents are everywhere in the environment. You consume them in the food you eat, water you drink and air you breathe.
Your Body Detoxes Itself – Your lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines and lymphatic system all work to get rid of toxins from your body.
So Why Do You Need to Detox Your Body?
If your body detoxes itself, why is detoxing so widely recommended for its health and weight loss benefits?
Unfortunately, there are so many toxins in the environment, your natural detox defences can’t get rid of them all fast enough. They build up in your body and can cause a number of health problems, from weight gain to illnesses.
So, from eating a healthier diet, to using herbal detox supplements, you need to do everything you can to get rid of the extra toxins in your body.
6 Health Benefits of Detoxing Your Body
Just in case you’re still not convinced of the benefits of detoxing your body, here are just a few more health benefits.
1. Weight Loss & Weight Management
These two might seem like the same thing. But they’re not. Losing weight helps you get to your target weight. Managing your weight helps you stay there. Each one requires its own strategies and tactics.
In addition to the healthier consumption that detoxing encourages, it takes some of the toxin stress from your other systems, like your liver and digestive system. Without the burden of extra toxins, they can get back to helping your body function at peak efficiency, which helps it better metabolize the energy in the foods you eat.
2. Increased Energy
This is a benefit that can also help your weight loss. When your internal organs work more effectively, they use less energy. Some of that energy can be used by your body to get more active.
3. Fresh Breath
Didn’t think you’d see this one, did you? Not only are toxins bad for your body, they generally don’t smell very good either. Breathing is one of the ways your body detoxes itself. Bad breath is sometimes at least partly due to higher levels of toxins.
4. Healthier Skin
Instead of wearing more makeup or getting botox shots, try a detox to clear up your skin. It can reduce breakouts, wrinkles and even the visible effects of aging.
5. Better Brain Function
You know the afternoon crash you can get from sugar and caffeine in the morning? It happens to your brain too. Sometimes, even if you don’t have a physical crash, your thinking can feel ‘hazy’, or detached. Many of the same things that cause your body to lose its energy can slow your brain function too.
6. Enjoy Your Food More
One of the fears people often have about a detox is that they aren’t going to enjoy the foods must eat. Yes, a detox means eating healthy, whole foods with little or no sugar or salt. Yes, you might end up craving the lost sugar and salt. But what a detox really does is make you more mindful of what you’re eating. Eventually, the tastes you crave won’t give you the same satisfaction, and you’ll develop a taste for the healthier options.
Like we said, you might read contradictory or confusing things about detoxes. The only real way to find out if a detox will work for you is to try one.
But it won’t work so well if you just find something on the web or in a magazine. To be most effective, a detox program must be developed specifically for you. Check out one of our favourite Detox Products, Optimum D-Tox or call or visit your nearest Herbal One Centre and talk to a nutritional consultant to learn more.