Did you know that a full body, effective detox can set the stage for weight loss, enhanced performance and soaring energy levels?

The media makes us believe that certain supplements can remove buckets full of sludge. Bizarre ideas have us running to the shops, spending loads of money on the latest “wonder pill”. We imagine liters of these toxins being disposed of.

What about fasting to cleanse your body?

The truth is, even taking part in a 2-week juice fast, will set you back, health-wise. Not getting adequate protein for just 2 days, will send a red alert to some of your body systems. These strategies are very hard on your body and may leave you feeling worse afterward.

Fasting for even a day or two can shut down primary Phase 1 and Phase 2 liver detoxification function, which can stay impaired for months.

Omitting whole food groups can lead to a possible crash, as it is not sustainable for the long term. Although carbs have a bad wrap these days, we still need them. The choice of carb is what makes the difference.

Where do toxins come from?

Detoxification is important, but we need to understand the basics. Toxins are all around us. Even living on a farm has you exposed to pesticides and chemicals. Your body also produces toxic metabolites, which must be cleared. These toxins are more plentiful if you suffer from digestive or sinus problems, are under stress, not sleeping enough, fighting a bug or recovering from an injury or surgery.

Your body repairs itself when you sleep. How you feel upon waking will give you a good idea about how you are doing. There is nothing worse than waking up, having overslept and feeling that you partied all night. How long it takes for your energy to kick in is also a good measure of what your level of toxins is.

Learn how your body’s detox works

In general, there are 4 primary toxin removal systems that must all be working in harmony with each other. These systems tend to flow from one another. A problem with any one of these systems will cause a build-up of toxins in your body.

4 Body systems that are responsible for an effective detox:

The disposal of cellular waste products, especially lactic acid.
The removal of larger waste products through your lymph (smaller waste products go into your veins and are exhaled or sent directly to your liver).
The processing of toxins by your liver, most of which then go into bile and then into your digestive tract for final clearance(some are made water-soluble and go to your kidneys to be excreted in urine.
The final clearance of waste products is by your digestive tract.