The Dirty Truth About Detox

Hey friends, we need to talk about the dirty truth about detox. Spring is the perfect time to cleanse your system. It's a season of renewal following the long winter months, when we most likely didn't eat the greatest foods. While an annual cleanse can be good for the body, mind and soul, what most people won't tell you about doing a cleanse, are the symptoms of detox. And boy can they be UGLY!

As your body first starts to cleanse itself of harmful toxins and chemicals, you may experience symptoms such as headache, diarrhea (yes we're talking about poop in here), acne, irritability and fatigue. This happens to all of us for the same reasons a drug addict experiences detox and withdrawal symptoms. It's our bodies natural reaction to toxins being flushed out of our system.

The real work happens, and the true ugliness comes out, as you get deeper into a cleanse. This is the point that you start to rid your body of heavy metals that have accumulated in your cells over time (we all have heavy metals in our bodies no matter how healthy or "clean" we eat). These metals include but are not limited to; Mercury from vaccines, fillings and consumption of fish; Lead from exposures in our drinking water and cosmetics; Fluoride in our tap water and dental products; Chromium, Manganese, and Cadmium from cosmetic and beauty products; and Aluminum from our antiperspirant (that's right, the leading preventable cause of breast cancer is found in a product applied right to our lady lumps DAILY!!!)

At this point you are likely to experience worsening of the symptoms listed above in addition to flu like symptoms, fever, rash, and an extreme emotional response once the adrenals start to cleanse. You may even experience irregular menstrual cycle (another way your body cleanses itself), yeast infection as your body adjusts to an imbalance in the pH, extreme temperature changes, hot and cold sweats, and extreme body odor. YUCK!

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In addition, once the lymphatic system starts to cleanse itself, you'll likely experience cold symptoms such as runny nose and cough as mucus expels from deep within your respiratory system. DOUBLE YUCK!

Sounds horrible doesn't it??? So why bother with a cleanse if it is so brutal and the symptoms so severe? Because our bodies need it and once you push past the ugliness, your entire body will function much better. This means better immunity, more energy, less inflammation, an increased metabolism (aka weight loss), better brain function and overall better health and wellness.

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Not to fear, there are ways to support your body during this ugly time of detox. One way is to drink plenty of water and avoid diuretics such as coffee and black tea. Eating a clean, organic diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables will also help to support your body, just make sure not to eat too many fruits due to their sugar content. Of course avoiding sugar, alcohol, dairy and wheat is also important at this time as to not overburden the digestive system as it cleanses itself. Make sure that you also get plenty of sleep as this is the time that our cells rejuvenate themselves.

If you're looking to do a cleanse, and not sure where to start, I'd love to chat with you and find ways that best fit your busy lifestyle. And if you're still reading this, know that I love you, appreciate you and that your health matters.