Do Detoxes Actually Work, and How can you Start?

If you’ve been trying to become healthier but you’re not sure what actually works and where to begin then a detox could be a good option for you. There are many different types of detoxes to try out and it’s important to keep experimenting to discover how your body reacts to different methods and products – remember that what might work for others might not work for you.

Detoxes vs Cleanses

Understanding the difference between detoxes and cleanses can help you personally identify what your body needs to become healthier. Experts over at Detox Wholesale | MWI say detoxes can use specialised products or natural methods to help promote the body’s natural process of removing toxins from the body. Whereas cleanses tend to focus on digestive health through healthier eating of ‘better’, less-processed foods. Detox is literally short for detoxification so this is thought to cleanse your body on a deeper, more cellular level than a standard cleanse.

Types of Detox

Removal of a ‘toxin’ in the context of detoxes is anything within the body that could be negatively affecting your health. You can take different approaches to detox and often combine several different methods to target different areas of the body that may be causing you more trouble.

Below are some examples of types of detox:

• Fasting
• Consuming only juices
• Use of herbs
• Colon cleanses with the use of laxatives
• Using a sauna
• Limiting alcohol intake

Let’s take a green tea detox as an example. The health benefits of green tea and using it as part of a detox is a well-researched area, unlike a lot of other types of detox. It has cancer-preventing qualities, fights heart disease, and can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

There are also things like special shampoos for detoxing the hair follicles on your head, and mouthwashes for removing contaminants in the mouth.

Do Detoxes Work?

There are studies with varying results on the effectiveness of detoxes. A lot of results conclude that there is a distinct difference between short-term and long-term results. Whilst many report a loss of excess body fat, this is short-lived after the detox ends. So like anything to do with your body, there’s no quick fix. It’s still important to pair detoxes with a consistently healthy diet and frequent exercise.

Detoxes have also been said to be amazing for identifying potential allergies, so you can overcome them. By eliminating certain foods from your diet you can systematically work out what may not be agreeing with your body Listening to your body is the number one thing when trying a detox. Trust your guts – literally – whether it’s learning that something makes you feel great, or that something just isn’t working for you. There’s no shame in not following through with a detox if you’re not feeling right.

Potential Benefits

Whilst the effects reported differ from person to person, many people have claimed to feel some great benefits following a detox. It is unclear whether this is actually from expelling toxins from the body or if it’s just from eating healthier (such as eliminating processed foods from the diet) and obtaining more vital vitamins and minerals. You may find that a detox:

• Decreases frequency of headaches
• Improves energy levels
• Leads to weight loss
• Relieves constipation
• Helps with muscle aches

How Do I Start?

It’s important to speak to a medical professional before making any major changes to your diet, especially for diabetics and people with other health conditions or diseases who could be affected by a change in diet. But once you’ve been given the all-clear then you can follow the below steps.

Find the Right Detox

As mentioned before, detoxes are all about experimenting. Start small and slow, to begin with, and don’t rush into anything you won’t be able to maintain for a few days. If anything feels wrong then stop the detox and consider speaking to a medical professional.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Source some products, special ingredients, or even equipment that you need or that will help you on your detox journey.

Also, remove anything that may tempt you during your detox. If you’re going to stop drinking alcohol or eating processed foods then remove them from your home so you don’t have easy access. Have you ever been grocery shopping and stopped yourself from stocking up on something sweet? I bet you were rummaging through your cupboards later that night trying to find something – your plan worked (much to your dismay)! The same concept applies here.

Stay Hydrated

The easiest way to keep your body healthy and functional during a detox is by drinking water. You’re made up of 60% water so it plays a vital role in a lot of bodily functions, such as regulating body temperature, and excretion of wastes and it can even help you lose weight. Remember, if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated!

Write a Diary

Keep track of what you’re eating, how much you’re drinking, and how the changes are affecting your moods, bowel movements, energy levels, and anything else you feel the detox might be having an effect on.

It can also show your progress and how far you’ve come on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Journaling also has many major mental health benefits too.

Phase Out the Detox

As studies have shown, snapping in and out of detox doesn’t really lead to many long-term effects. This is why introducing the elements of a detox slowly may be more useful to your body so it doesn’t ‘shock the system’ and when you decide to stop the detox, introduce foods back into your diet slowly.

Overall, detoxes can be an effective method in prompting the body into healthier habits but it shouldn’t be relied on as an occasional method for a quick fix. Experiment with different products, methods, and detoxes until you find something that feels right for you. Tracking the effects you feel can be a major help in finding the right balance and can subsequently make you feel a whole lot better!