Why Skipping the Detox is a Good Idea
By Genevieve Cunningham
Detox is such a hot word in today’s world of health and fitness. We see things such as: “Eat this food to detox your body,” or “Try this special drink to clean out toxins.” And most of us interested in losing weight or improving health have, if not given it a try, at least thought of it. But is it really necessary? Is there really a special food or drink that can clear our bodies of harmful substances and do all of the dirty work for us? If you’ve been teetering on the fence about whether or not to try a detox, take a look at these reasons to skip it.
The Body Has a Natural Detox System
The thought of buying a magical system that clears out toxins is tempting, but the truth is that our bodies are designed with this in mind. Our kidneys and liver are the perfect filtration systems. They clean out the blood, and then send any toxins that are found out through waste. If you have poorly functioning kidneys or liver, it might help to see the doctor to get some tips for how to improve them. But if you’re of average health or better, chances are good that these organs are doing a fine job on their own.
It’s All in the Terminology
Most cleanses are meant to do one thing: clean out digestion. They’ll generally have you running to the restroom throughout their duration. But if they were to market these items as “digestion enhancers” or “laxatives,” no one would buy them. Essentially, they’re all similar. It’s all in the terminology, so do adequate research about how exactly a cleanse is supposed to work before diving in.
Slow and Steady Plans are Longer Lasting
Cleanses play to the idea that you can lose weight quickly as the toxins leave the body. While cleaning out the digestive tract will probably cause some weight loss and even make you more comfortable, that bloat will come right back unless more positive, long-term changes are made. Instead of buying a cleanse or detox, most people can simply improve their diet. This method brings about the same results more slowly, which generally means more lasting results as well.
If you want to give a detox a try anyway, just make sure that you do so safely and with permission from the doctor. But if you’re on the fence, seriously consider these reasons to skip it. With a little research and some patience, you may be able to find the same results in a much healthier way.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
