There are 3 times a year that are fabulous for taking the time to focus on yourself - body and mind - through detox. That's 3 times a year to set aside a week, two weeks, or even a month to do a self-check-in and love the body up!
1) The New Year! This is a time to reevaluate ourselves, our lives, and our goals for the future. We shake off the old and make way for the new! We regroup, settle the mind from the chaos of the last few weeks and work to shed a few of those possibly added pounds due to travel and the holidays. A good detox plan can strengthen your immune system for the winter months to come.
2) Spring! After the slow, cold, stagnant winter, it’s a great time to assess whether your body could benefit from some detoxing. Spring a great time of year for a detox - we say goodbye to winter and open ourselves up to a cleansing rebirth! Now that the days are longer and the weather is more desirable, it’s time to love our bodies up with a cleanse that will boost our mood and energy while preparing us for the warm sunny days ahead.
3) Fall! Our energy begins to lull as we flow from the hot summer days to the colder and darker days of winter. It's a great time to support our body's natural processes and boost the immune system during this transitional phase.
So, how do you know if you need a detox?
Everyone has their own threshold in which the body can handle and naturally detox depending on nutritional status, genetics and lifestyle. However, if your threshold has been met and you are not giving your body the tools or nutrients it needs to function optimally, issues can arise.
When our own threshold of accumulated toxins is crossed; then, the body is unable to clear these toxins quickly or efficiently enough causing symptoms to emerge.
You know it’s time for a detox if you are experiencing any of the following:
Weight gain
Fatigue
Allergies or sensitivities
Mood swings
Anxiety/depression
Headaches or head congestion
Foggy brain
Gas or bloating
Constipation
Burning or itchy feet
Skin peels on the feet
Yellow eyes (sclera)
Bitter/metallic taste in the mouth
Blurred vision
Dark circles under the eyes
Weakness or dizziness
PMS symptoms
Easily intoxicated / hungover
Hemorrhoids / varicose veins
Sensitivity to chemicals
Sweat or feet have strong / bad odor
High pulse after eating
Acne or skin rashes
Symptoms of cold or flu are more extreme than others
This list covers a lot of ground, but it is your body communicating to you in a myriad of ways that it needs support!
More importantly, long term conditions are signs of the need to relieve the toxic burden:
Erectile Dysfunction
Cancer
Obesity
Type II Diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome
Infertility
Behavioral or mood disorders
Cognitive difficulties
Parkinson’s
Alzheimer’s
Swollen lymph nodes
Hormonal imbalances (uterine fibroids, menopausal symptoms, endometriosis)
There are three main factors causing this toxic body burden:
Both internal (bacteria/yeast overgrowth, etc.) and external (pesticides and other food additives, household and beauty products, etc.) sources.
Your body’s own unique ability (or lack of ability) to produce enzymes for processing these internal and external compounds efficiently.
The amount of detox supporting nutrients you are consuming through diet.
If your body is telling you it’s time for a cleanse, check out the Do-It-Yourself Detox Blog for support and/or ask us about our 14-Day or 21-Day Detox Programs. Each program features daily formulas for two shakes per day, as well as meal prep guides, daily supplements, shopping lists, and menu ideas.
Added benefits of a detox program include:
Boosted energy and clarity
Jump starting weight loss
Strengthening immunity
Decreasing overall symptoms
You will be glad you spent this time on yourself!
Does your body need a detox? Take the Toxicity Questionnaire for more guidance.
