Why should I have detox days?

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word "detox" is a restrictive diet requiring many of our favourite foods to be removed. After all, the internet is littered with advice and studies telling us why they should be avoided and how they can harm us. While this may be true if done incorrectly or there is the existence of health issues that require greater management, there are benefits for detox and I would like us to have a look at that for a minute.

Many of the foods we enjoy are highly processed as they are often high in sugar (found to contain high-fructose corn syrup), contain unhealthy fats and chemicals which are linked to obesity and non-communicable diseases. Our bodies were never created to with the en masse of the chemicals we encounter and consume on a daily basis and it is not fully understood what the health implications may be for us over time.

Working with clients as they go through a cleanse, one thing becomes evident, as processed foods are eliminated from the diet the body seems to breathe a sigh of relief. Acid reflux symptoms subside, excess weight is shed, sinus issues resolved and so much more after the introduction of a clean eating plan. Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can help you maintain a healthy hormonal balance and feel and perform at your best.

Cleanse programs can be used as a break to get your diet back on track. A break for your tastebuds and your digestive system.

The main protocols of Cleanse and how these help you fight hormonal imbalance conditions are discussed below.

· Drink plenty of purified water (with lemon) and other fluids to ease abdominal bloating and remove toxins and other wastes from your body.

· Eat a balanced diet comprising plenty of vegetables and fruits and reduce sugar, salt, alcohol, and caffeine consumption to optimize your energy levels and overall health.

· Consume 20–30 grams of protein per meal to provide your body with enough amino acids for maintaining bone, muscle, and skin health.

· Reduce your weight to make your periods more regular and enhance your chances of getting pregnant.

· Do regular exercise to improve your mood, mental health, hot flashes, and reduce stress and weight as it helps improve insulin sensitivity.

· Take good quality, whole-food supplements like vitamin B-6, folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium to reduce cramps, mood swings, and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

· Engage yourself in a relaxing activity right before bed like meditation, yoga, or a warm bath to normalize your stress hormone (cortisol) levels.

· Sleep eight hours every night to prevent fatigue and stress.

· Consume healthy fats like MCTs found in palm oil, coconut oil, and pure MCT oil and avoid unhealthy trans fats. MCTs are unique fats taken up directly by the liver for immediate use as energy and help reduce insulin resistance in obese.

· Consume a high fibre diet, green tea, and whole eggs as controversial as they are, to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the hormonal imbalance symptoms. The quality of the egg we consume will determine the nutrients found in them.

If you are one of those who struggle to make much needed dietary changes, then perhaps you should give the juice detox a chance. I have created a 5-day juicing plan of mostly green vegetables, that can be consumed at breakfast, lunch with a sensible, whole foods dinner. I do not ascribe to juicing fruits and here is why -

• Losing the fibre which regulates blood sugar

• Fruits are best eaten whole to benefit from nutrients

Here are some benefits to doing a vegetable juice cleanse -

• It helps to reduce cravings

• Eases digestive issues

• Improves bowel movements

• May clear your skin

• Enhance nutrient intake

• Improves hydration

You don't need a juicer to get this done, a blender or a Nutribullet works just as well and you get to keep the fibre! If you don't like the taste, you can add a green apple, and berries are also very nutritious as well. Add herbs such as parsley, ginger, Tumeric, or even garlic, to improve your immune system.

Here is the link to my 5-Day Deep Dive Juice Fast. I challenge you to get this done before your Christmas festivities. This is the time of year of over-indulgence and a juice fast might be exactly what we need to manage any impulse to over-eat. I would love to hear your feedback and how you manage food cravings and digestive issues. You can email me at themoderationcoach@gmail.com if you would like to have some personalised support.

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