WAYS TO DETOX

By Health Plus

Do you ever get chronic headaches, stomach bloating, uncomfortable gas or unwanted breakouts, aches and pains? If so, pay attention, your body might be trying to tell you something. Our bodies are incredibly communicative. They give us signs when they need help, or are not performing at optimal levels. Knowing what to look for and how to support your body is critical to your vitality and longevity. If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms, seasonal detoxing is a great way to reset your system and get back on the right track.

Detoxing with food & diet

There are many ways to detox, for example trying a raw food diet or juice cleanse, doing The Whole30 diet, or simply putting an emphasis on drinking water and excluding sugar, gluten, and dairy from your current diet.

A raw food diet consists of eating all raw fruits and vegetables, legumes and sprouts with nothing cooked over 118 degrees. 118 degrees is believed to be the temperature that holds the nutrients and food enzymes that our bodies need to properly digest. Anything cooked or dehydrated above 118 degrees would not be considered within the diet parameters. For some raw foods are harder to digest, this is where a juice cleanse or The Whole30 diet may be beneficial.

The Whole30 diet is a 30 day whole-food protocol that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and lean proteins and excludes dairy, added sugars, alcohol, grains and many legumes. More importantly it forces you to read labels - there’s a surprising number of sneaky ingredients, especially sugar, that are in many everyday foods. Look for the Whole30 seal of approval on labels when you buy salad dressings, breads, cereals and condiments. A surprising number of these have added sugars and wheat gluten.

supporting your detox with supplements

There are a lot of supplements on the market to support cleansing and detoxification. While some support elimination, others aim to ease symptoms and restore optimal organ function. At Health Plus we are proponents of natural ingredients that work with your body. Here are some ingredients to look for in a cleansing supplement:

Psyllium Husk - Psyllium Husk, also known as Ispaghula or Plantago Ovata, has been used centuries for its beneficial fiber content. Grown in the regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in India, Psyllium is harvested and milled to separate the seeds from their husks. It is the husk from the Psyllium seed that contains roughly 80% soluble fiber, supporting regularity and smooth elimination. It wasn’t until the 20th century that researchers discovered that Psyllium Husk may promote heart health as well as help you feel fuller longer for weight management.
Senna Leaf - Senna is a shrub-like herb from the flowering Cassia species. Most commonly found in the southernmost region of India, these beautiful yellow flowering plants are used in natural herbal digestive supplements for their active component known as Sennosides. The Sennosides help move waste through the digestive system by encouraging the colon to contract.* It is thought that Senna was used in tea’s as far back as 9th century A.D for the same purpose we use it today, occasional constipation.*
Papaya Seeds- Originating in Southern Mexico and Central America, these tiny black seeds of papaya fruit are rich in proteins, fat and fiber.* They also contain vitamins, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. As a good source of fiber, they may help to improve digestive health by promoting bowel movements and removing toxins to help maintain a healthy gut.*

preparing for a successful detox

Detoxing your body has countless health benefits, and over the years we’ve heard and/or experienced many of them: improved skin, more energy, less bloating, improved, better immunity, weight loss, improved energy levels, uces bloating, faster metabolism, improves mood, reduces brain fog - just to name a few.

Before starting any protocol set yourself up for success:

Do your research, follow a proven protocol and consult your physician.
Stock your home with quality foods and supplements, and get rid of anything that does not support your goal.
Manage your expectations. Cleansing is a process and it doesn’t happen overnight. You may feel a little worse before you feel better.
Enlist a friend or family member for support.
Carve out time everyday for movement and self-care.
Prioritize sleep and drink plenty of water.

Cleansing is not always easy, and what works well for one person may not work well for another. We recommend experimenting with a few different protocols to find the one that’s best for you. Over time it will become easier, and your body will thank you for putting an emphasis on your overall health and well-being.