"You're skin is so pretty", I said to the esthetician as she performed an amazing pain-free sugar wax to remove hair on my eyebrows. I asked her what products she use being that she was an esthetician. She must have some secret creme. The beautiful Indian woman with olive colored skin responded was this. She told me every Tuesday she performed a cleanse as part of her religious practice. She boiled a large pot of coriander seeds, turmeric, and water and drank this magic yellow potion all day. That evening she ate only vegetables. She attributed her religious cleanse to being the number one reason her skin was so clear, bright, and vibrant.
Amazed, I went home and researched what it was about coriander seeds and turmeric that made this every Tuesday spicy cocktail a must have weekly cleansing regiment. This is what I discovered. Turmeric and Coriander Seeds are natural anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidants. Scientists now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. The antioxidants found in both Indian spices attack free radicals that are known to cause aging which explains why her skin looked so clear and bright.
I immediately added this one-day detox to my practice over 15 years ago. In addition, every season, I engage in a three day cleanse to "reset" my body and my mind. While our bodies, naturally detox, I have found these practices to be so beneficial in clearing my mind and revitalizing my body.
There are benefits in detoxing/cleansing our bodies. Some of the benefits include:
Improved energy.
Clear skin.
Weight loss.
Relief from constipation.
Resolved headaches, muscle aches and fatigue.
Clear mind and reduced brain fog.
Sounds great, right? As I mentioned before, our bodies naturally detox. Our digestive tract, liver, kidneys and skin are responsible for breaking down toxins which we eliminate through urine, stool and sweat. Isn't our body amazing? So you may wonder, why I am suggesting a detox or cleanse if it is not needed.
The purpose of a detox is both mental and physical. While it may remove stubborn toxins, free radicals, and inflammation in the body, I have found that it can heal the mind. It is great for those seeking to shift their thinking, reset, or recommit to improving your life and your health. It also takes discipline to complete a three-day cleanse which is a trait needed to successfully reach your long term wellness goals.
How does a detox work?
The theory behind cleanses is that, by eliminating solid foods or specific food groups, you are eliminating toxins. Foods such as meats, processed foods, sugary foods and beverages, and dairy should be avoided during a fast. A cleanse gives your digestive system a break, allowing it to heal and better absorb nutrients in the future. Solid foods are often replaced with drinks like water with lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper; green tea; or freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. Cleanses can last from a day to a month. It can also help those having problems such as bloating, upset stomach, or other gastrointestinal issues, identify food allergies or foods that do not agree with your body such as gluten.
Are detoxes effective?
The truth is, there is no conclusive medical evidence that your digestive tract will heal from skipping solid foods (unless you have a digestive disorder such as Crohn’s disease.
The fiber found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, slows digestion, helps with nutrient absorption and removes toxins via stool. Your digestive tract uses probiotics from fiber to nourish your intestines with beneficial bacteria, which helps maintain immune health.
Cleanses are not effective for long-term weight loss. I repeat, Cleanses are not effective for long-term weight loss. The weight you lose from a cleanse is a result of losing water, carbohydrate stores and stool, which can return after you resume a regular diet. However, it is a great way to kick off your 2021 wellness goals by reseting your mind and body and making better meals choices afterwards to aid in permanent weight loss.
For athletes, losing carbohydrate stores means losing your body’s preferred fuel source during exercise. So a cleanse isn’t appropriate while engaging in an exercise regiment. If you choose to do a cleanse or detox, do so for no more than three days during a recovery week when you are doing little to no exercise.
What are the pros and cons of detoxing?
Pros:
You’ll benefit from increased intake of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.
It can help you identify food sensitives by eliminating certain foods for several days, then gradually reintroducing potential trigger foods.
Cons:
Detoxes are low in calories, which will leave you with little energy to exercise and may disrupt your metabolic rate and blood glucose levels.
You may experience gastrointestinal distress and frequent bowel movements.
Detox diets are low in protein.
Why I Detox?
I personally conduct a one-day cleanse/detox each weekly and a three-day cleanse once every season to reset my body mentally and physically. It helps clear my mind and leaves me feeling refreshed, renewed, and actually stronger in mind and body!
How Do I Detox?
I usually engage in a three day detox consisting of the following:
Early morning Green Tea Detox consisting of green tea, turmeric, ginger, lemon, and honey (I drink this every day first thing in the morning).
My main meals are either a Detox Soup, steamed or roasted vegetables, or salad.
I drink lemon water throughout the day or the Detox turmeric/coriander seeds magic concoction.
I limit fruit intake to 1 to 2 pieces as needed each day during the detox - mainly eat as mid-morning/mid-afternoon snacks if energy is extremely low to control sugar intake
Earlier bedtime to rest my body and prevent the release of gherlin late at night
I refrain from consuming meats, dairy, sugar, and processed foods during the three days of the detox.
I would love to hear detoxes you have tried or if you tried the cleanses listed in this post. Want to find out other ways to "Cleanse Your Life" by removing the chaos, clutter, and toxic relationships? Click here to contact me or email at info@aprilsmithwellness.com.