Losing weight may be one of the main reasons why women embark on a detox program, but there are so many other benefits that you may not yet have realised. Detoxing affects every organ in the body – if not directly, then indirectly. Sure, weight loss is usually a most welcome outcome, but what other results will you discover? Here are a few examples of the benefits of a detox program:
Reduced bloating and improved digestion
Do you feel bloated and sluggish? Is your digestion all over the place, sometimes too fast, sometimes too slow? A good detox diet is full of fibre and healthy oils, which will help your digestive system get moving again. Most detox diets also eliminate potential food allergens like wheat and dairy. When you avoid these foods, your digestive system will find it easier to get back into a healthy rhythm.
Improved liver function
Do you skip breakfast because you’re not hungry in the mornings? Do you feel hungover after just one or two drinks? Does your body find it difficult to digest fatty foods? These are all signs of a liver that’s under the weather. Most people know that coffee, alcohol and prescription medications can all add extra strain on the liver, but did you know your liver function may also be affected by eating processed foods, being exposed to chemicals commonly used around the house, and long term emotional stress?
Skin problems
Detoxing can help a load of skin conditions, including acne, eczema and psoriasis. When the liver and bowel are not working at optimum levels, the skin picks up some of the slack when it comes to eliminating toxins, hence the breakouts. By sorting out the liver and bowels, you give the skin the opportunity to rest and recuperate.
Low energy levels
After a few days of detoxing, you should notice a gradual increase in your energy levels and a greater feeling of vitality. Detoxing helps our bodies to recharge and repair as less overall strain is placed on our organs. When done properly, a detox should leave us feeling fantastic!
Recurrent headaches and migraines
So many headaches are caused by dehydration, poor nutritional intake or blood sugar fluctuations. These factors are all addressed during a good detox program. Although you may experience mild headaches in the first few days of the program (usually due to caffeine or sugar withdrawals), this initial phase should pass quickly and you can look forward to a clearer head and fewer headaches.
Hormonal imbalances
This can take a couple of cycles to become apparent, but detoxing the liver helps to process excess hormones and clear them out of the body more efficiently. As the liver starts to function more efficiently, it can have a positive impact on PMS and menopausal symptoms.
The fantastic part about doing a detox program is that the benefits continue to be experienced for months to come. Each week you will be faced with new improvements and welcome surprises. And the best news is that you don’t have to do it alone! Read more about Emma’s Community Detox program here
by Jules Galloway
Hi, my name is Jules Galloway and I’m a qualified naturopath, food and wine lover, beginner surfer and recent seachanger, living just 10 minutes from Byron Bay. My goal is to educate and motivate you to explore a variety of foods, to help you to make small, achievable changes to increase your wellbeing, and to spread the word that it’s easier than you think to feel awesome again! Connect with Jules on Facebook, Twitter or her website.
