Detox? Maybe. But First, Check This Out!

mint ice water infusion detox Are you thinking of doing a cleanse or detox of your body? You’re not alone.

You may have heard that you could be carrying up to 20 pounds (9 kg) of excess waste due to toxin buildup. This is perhaps more than average, but perhaps it sounds to you as though getting rid of excess waste in your body, might be a good way to shed some unwanted weight.

There are many cleansing programs available, including water fasting, juice fasting, and making the switch to all-natural, organic foods.

However, before you start with a cleanse, it is important to determine if you are the right candidate.

Here are some important factors to consider – and at the end of this article, you’ll find some alternatives to a detox or cleanse, as well as some great resources!

Before You Detox – Are You Healthy?

If you suffer from any medical conditions such as diabetes or a thyroid condition, you should not start a body detox or cleanse without first speaking to your doctor. There should be at least one cleanse that is right for you, but others could lead to serious health problems.

Before You Detox – Are You Pregnant?

When you fast, your body receives far fewer nutrients than normal – and your unborn baby needs those nutrients. It’s the same if you’re breast-feeding.

Juice fasting and detox supplements do provide you with some nutrients, but not enough. Speak to your doctor certainly, but exercise and healthy eating are much safer for you and baby.

Before You Detox – Do You Have a Flexible Schedule?

While are detoxing, you will probably experience some side-effects such as headaches, and you will be going to the bathroom more often. Will you be able to continue your daily routine while on a cleanse? Consider this carefully.

Some cleanses last only a weekend or 3 days, but some detox products recommend a 10-day fast. Can you continue your normal schedule for that long?

Before You Detox – Are You Overweight?

If you are overweight, a detox may – or may not, help. Yes, some of that excess weight is probably waste, but healthy eating will probably cause you to lose weight – and keep it off, which is much more important.

Before You Detox – Can You Stay Focused?

focus for detox Most detoxes involve eliminating solid food. That’s tough. You’ll feel hungry. You will probably also have headaches and perhaps nausea.

Can you do that?

If you do not believe you can go without food for 3 to 10 days, look for other options of detoxifying your body.

It May Be Worth Trying

Unless you have health complications, it probably won’t do you any harm to at least try a detox for one or two days.

With that said, always listen to your body. Any pain and discomfort you experience should pass within one to two days. If not, seek medical attention.

Alternatives to Detox

There’s no nice way around it. Celebrities might say otherwise, but a fast or cleanse or detox is just plain tough. We’re used to eating solid food.

Instead of a full-blown detox, you might wish to try some simpler alternatives instead.

For example, you could:

Increase your water consumption
Increase the amount of fiber you consume – vegetable smoothies are great for this!
Eat clean, heathy whole food, eliminating convenience and processed food
Exercise more regularly
Do a one-day kidney cleanse – one day is easier to manage than a longer full detox.

Some very Cool Resources!

A great way to increase the amount of water you drink, is to make some infused water – it’s more tasty. And because it’s more enjoyable, you’re likely to drink more than if you only have plain water available. This article also has an insanely quick and easy way of instantly seeing if you’re dehydrated. Check it out here.
Smoothies are a delicious way of getting more fibre – but you have to be sure you drink the right ones! Find out here in this fun blog with loads of helpful suggestions.
Clean eating is not just a fad diet, it’s a lifestyle. Find out everything you need to know about Clean Eating here.
You may as well get the most out of your fitness routine. So, find out when is the best time to exercise?
A kidney cleanse can be done in one day. Perhaps over a weekend might work for you. Here’s how to do a kidney cleanse.

And finally, it’s obvious that juices and smoothies will form an important part of any detox program. So you’ll want to download this FREE guide which shows you how to use juices to get even more benefits out of your fitness routine – now that’s a win-win!