Detox Time ?!
Our bodies detox naturally everyday; they work hard to eliminate and neutralise toxins in order to keep us healthy. Although this is a natural process, we often over load our bodies with chemicals and toxins.
We over load our systems by drinking too much alcohol; smoking; breathing in pollutants; consuming too much caffeine; eating refined carbohydrates and processed foods.
If our bodies detox naturally what’s the problem with consuming toxins?
The problem is the more we overload our bodies with these chemicals and pollutants the harder our body needs to work to detox; over time your body becomes tired and unable to work efficiently. Over a prolonged period of time the result of the body not working efficiently may lead to disease.
A few symptoms that may be associated with a stressed system can be:
Fatigue, Bloating, Feeling Anxious, Headaches, Depression, Rashes, Acne, Sinus Infections, Ear Infections, Joint Aches, Abdominal Pains, Food Cravings, Weight Gain
What to do?
There are all sorts of natural herbs and detox diets out there; before using any of them or before seriously changing your diet it is important that you consult your health care provider first.
If you’re simply looking to give your body a break, feel more energetic and even lose a few pounds then a few simple changes can have positive effects.
5 Steps to a natural detox
1) Water – Just as we use it to cleanse our bodies on the outside, we also need it to cleanse our bodies on the inside. Drinking enough water helps the body to flush out toxins. Drink 1.5-2 Litres a day. Sip this slowly throughout the day rather than drinking it all at once.
2) Fruits & Vegetables – Where do you think vitamins and minerals come from? Fruits and vegetables provide the antioxidants needed to prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals. Juicing is an amazing way of increasing your fruit and vegetable intake.
3) Fibre – Keeping your digestive tract clear is a key to good health. Fibre rich foods include: brown rice, lentils, barely, oatmeal, black beans, artichokes, peas; the list is endless.
20-35 grams a day is recommended for adults; too much fibre may have negative effects.
4) Avoid – Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, processed foods, red mets, sugar and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, white pasta). The easiest way to give your body a break is to not bombard it with toxins in the first place.
5) Exercise – Exercising helps blood circulate around your body carrying oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs. When you exercise you also sweat, this is a way of your body detoxing through the skin.
Note: Be aware of how you feel during exercise as you can suffer from symptoms such as headaches at the beginning of a detox. Listen to you body and don’t push it if you’re not feeling well.
To feel the benefits of these five steps stick to it for at least a couple of weeks; however you can incorporate them in to your daily routine indefinitely.
Remember: Over the counter detox products or extreme diet changes may not be beneficial and may even be harmful to you. Be sure to always consult your family doctor before embarking on a new programme.
Stay Fit, Strong and Healthy!
Personal Trainer
Islington, North London
