Detox 101 Detox has been a buzzword in health circles for a while. But what is it exactly? And should you try it? By Mischa Franco
DOES the thought of skipping meals and shunning coffee, bread, chocolate and sparkling wine fill you with terror? Then you’re probably not ready to go on a detox. But celebs are giving detoxes glowing reviews.
Beyoncé is known to be a fan of The Master Cleanse, an extreme liquid detox that involves living on a concoction of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days; Salma Hayek has joined the trend by launching The Cooler Cleanse, a cleanse using detox juices. But there are many other, less extreme ways to detox.
Here is the lowdown from nutritionist and blogger Cara-Lisa Sham of caralishious.com.
What's a detox?
In these fast-food times, we’re subjecting our bodies to more toxins than ever. And by toxins, we’re talking about the usual suspects – alcohol and caffeine – but we’re also talking about preservatives, heavy metals, medications and pesticides.
“A mindful detox is a great way to encourage your body’s natural elimination mechanisms to remove excess toxins,” explains Cara-Lisa. “Your lymphatic system includes the lungs, skin, liver and kidneys, which break down toxins, purify blood and remove unwanted substances from the body,” she says.
“But sometimes, they’re hindered by stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep or insufficient exercise. When your body struggles to remove toxin build-up, you may feel sluggish, tired, bloated or constipated, and a good detox helps you recharge.”
How does a detox work?
“Think of detoxing as a way to help your body become more efficient by cleansing it from the inside out,” advises Cara-Lisa. “It helps your system remove unwanted toxins more efficiently, making you feel more energised,” she says. The added bonus? You'll feel less bloated and your skin will glow.
What’s the best way to do it?
There are many ways to cleanse your system, and the simplest method of detox is to eliminate processed foods, additives and caffeine from your diet.
Exercise routines like hot yoga encourage the release of toxins through perspiration and, similarly, time spent in a sauna or steam room can help to detox your body. Some experts even recommend going to the spa for a purifying massage.
And how often?
The experts agree: there is no one plan that works for everyone. “Listen to your body,” says Cara-Lisa.
“We become fixated with set time frames, methods and diets, but this stops us from tuning in to our bodies to understand what they really need. Your body will tell you when it’s time for a cleanse.”
So, what are the signs to look out for? “Low energy levels, poor digestion, fatigue, bloating, gas, acne, unexplained weight gain, high levels of stress, and a lack of concentration,” says Cara-Lisa.
The key is to get to know and work with your body, and the best approach is to eat well in general, so that you get optimal results when you do go on a detox.
Should I speak to my doctor before trying a detox?
“If you have high or low blood pressure or blood sugar levels, get your doctor to approve the detox and help monitor you through it,” advises Cara-Lisa.
“I also recommended talking to your doctor if you’re planning on doing a cleanse for anywhere between 3-5 days, as this can cause major fluctuations in your blood pressure and in your blood sugar levels,” Cara-Lisa explains.
What should I do post-detox?
Detoxing is often thought of as a shortterm activity. But, as with anything in life, you need to implement permanent IT DOESN’T have to be extreme. Detoxing means mindfully nourishing your body with the correct nutrients to remove unwanted toxins. Apply these guidelines. DON'T eat many processed foods. Refined carbohydrates, caffeine, carbonated beverages, store-bought sauces, dairy and heavy meats are the key causes of toxin accumulation. DO go for organic fruit and vegetables. Include organic steamed vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, wholegrains and lean chicken and fish in your detox plan.
DON'T only have liquids. Starving your lifestyle changes in order to experience longlasting benefits.
Is juicing the way to do it?
“Juicing is extremely popular,” says Cara-Lisa, “but I wouldn’t recommend prolonged juice cleanses. When high-GI fruits are juiced, the fibre is removed, leaving only sugars, vitamins and minerals. While the vitamins and minerals are beneficial, the high quantities of sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, and this can lead to hunger pangs, lightheadedness and cravings,” she explains. And, even if you are prepared to put up with this in the hopes of losing weight, know that juicing could have the opposite effect to what you want. “You may drop water weight while you're on a juice cleanse, but the minute you introduce solid foods back into your diet, your weight will return to normal,” warns Cara-Lisa. body of protein and fibre will not benefit you. DO drink the right things. Water and herbal teas promote detoxification. But don’t add sugar and milk to that tea. DO remember: it’s not only about what you eat. To be truly effective, a detox should be partnered with rest and appropriate exercise. It won’t work properly if you’re highly stressed and exhausted. HERE'S a guideline for a general detox that will make a big difference to how you look and feel. And it's not as extreme as many other trendy detoxes. Remember that the celebs who follow extreme diet regimes have professional nutritionists and trainers, and their careers often depend on their looks so they are more motivated than the rest of us when it comes to radical eating plans. If you're not Gwyneth Paltrow, try this!
Eat nourishing wholefoods (unprocessed, unrefined foods that are free from additives and artificial substances). Don't eat processed foods. Drink water to flush out toxins. Experts recommend drinking 1l water for every 20kg of your body weight daily. Exercise regularly. Avoid buys with added sugar.
Opt for grass-fed, freerange or organic meat, dairy and eggs, and organic vegetables.
Switch to ecofriendly house-cleaning products.
Choose natural hair and skincare beauty items.