The amount of disinformation out there about detoxing, detoxification science, and preventative healthcare can be pretty overwhelming. Today, we're getting to the bottom of what's fake and what's real when it comes to the whole idea of "detoxing."
WHAT EXACTLY IS "DETOXING"?
Every day, people absorb thousands of harmful toxins ranging from artificial products, plasticizers, radiation, environmental pollution, stress and more. The reality is that just like our bodies need to be cleaned up on the outside with a regular shower, the inside needs to be cleaned up just as much. That's where detoxing comes in. There are scientifically proven herbs and plant foods that have unique abilities to remove harmful parasites, metals, and even chemicals from the body, and that's what natural detoxification is all about. But what's the best approach?
The multi-billion dollar detox industry is full of different personalities. On the one hand, there are the people promising a quick fix solution to your problems but with no long term plan. These are easy to spot. They usually promote an unsustainable diet that's too restrictive. (Watch out for overpriced supplements with cheap, super processed ingredients.)
Sure, you might lose some weight as fat loss. But burning through muscle and not getting enough micro- and macro- nutrients will weaken the body and make you more susceptible to getting sick. To make things worse, when you get back onto your normal diet, the weight often comes back. These restrictive approaches have their time and place in more advanced detox techniques, but there's a high chance of failure if you're new at this.
Like any other industry, there are also honest and transparent organizations making a big impact with science-backed approaches to detoxing. One of these is the Detox Project--an organization dedicated to setting standards in a mostly unregulated industry. Here's what they have to say:
"The detox industry has received a lot of criticism over recent years from consumer groups and some parts of the media... It is for this reason that The Detox Project has now launched a Gold Standard Detox certification program...[Which] relies on independent third-party clinical trials to make sure that a product or program that claims to detox toxic chemicals from the human body, really does so."
Look for a list of certified products on The Detox Project's website, and you really won't go wrong.
THE BIG SECRET TO DETOXING
Exposure to toxic compounds is a daily problem, not just once a year. Even though one focused detox or cleanse per year can do wonders for the body, a lifestyle approach is where the real detoxing happens. Getting more energy, better sleep, maintaining your ideal weight and so much more is possible when detoxing becomes a regular habit. Just give the body what it needs, and it will do the work it is designed to do. The good news is that by incorporating these five key superfoods into your diet every day, you'll never end up in "binge" detox panic mode ever again.
#1: WHEATGRASS
One of the all-purpose remedies in the natural health world, this plant is dense with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and chlorophyll. It is a significant source of magnesium, a cofactor in many enzyme systems involved in blood sugar control. It may also help digestion, circulation, and immune system, as well as tone the skin through the cleansing, detoxifying actions of chlorophyll and over 90 different minerals.
#2: SPIRULINA
This blue-green algae is an incredible source of the vitamin B complex and protein. It's loaded with other naturally occurring vitamins and minerals including beta-carotene, magnesium, and is high in essential fats. It is known to help with immune system function, detoxification, and better energy.
#3: CHLORELLA
Like spirulina, this is another algae superfood that has unique cleansing properties because of fibers inside of the cell walls. These compounds are able to bind to and remove heavy metals from the body, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and even radiation. If you enjoy fish or have even had a "silver" filling in your teeth, then toxic metal elimination is something that can be done on a daily basis.
#4: KALE
Of all the dark leafy greens, kale contains the most vitamin C, which helps with immune system function. It also has fiber, vitamin K and compounds like chlorophyll and sulforaphane that help with inflammation. It's very rich antioxidant profile makes it great for lowering cholesterol and detoxing the liver. Best of all, you can find it at any grocery store these days because of its popularity.
#5: TART CHERRIES
Montmorency tart cherries are said to be nature’s most nutritionally dense food containing a wide variety of powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals. When taken before bed, they significantly increase blood serum levels of melatonin---a vital sleep-inducing hormone---but without the potential for addiction that is frequently associated with the pharmaceutical option. Increasing your level of deep sleep will allow the body to naturally repair damage, increase immune function, and eliminate toxins on a daily basis.
Not sure where to start?
Incorporate these superfoods in our breakthrough program, Plant Based Biohacking Cleanse. You'll experience all of the benefits of burning fat, eliminating toxins, but without ever losing muscle. Check it out here.