17 Jun Summer Detox: Trend or Best Friend?
#SummerDetox:
Trend or Best Friend?
Summer starts June 20th! But, before you put on your bathing suit and head to the beach, let me ask you this: Are uncomfortable (and embarrassing) feelings of constipation, bloating, or excess gas causing you to reconsider partaking in Summer activities? Maybe you’re feeling foggy-headed or fatigued ALL. THE. TIME.
More often than not, we fail to realize that some of the physical struggles we experience daily are actually a result of inflammation and a body that is overloaded with toxins. Summer is not a time to be feeling sluggish and heavy. Enough is enough.
Get beach ready with a detox!
Why Detox?
Well, “Health starts in the gut” (especially the colon), and when you experience constipation, it’s due to a sluggish and often toxin-filled colon. Laxatives or an over-the-counter pill might be a quick solution, but they make the problem worse long-term.
Not sure of the “signs”?
The following symptoms may be signals from your body that you’re overloaded with toxins, and you need a detox:
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Gas
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Nausea
- Belly fat (hard to lose)
- Skin problems
- Food cravings (especially for ‘junk food’)
- Low energy
- Bad breath
- Irritability, mood swings
Detoxing: Not just a Trend
The colon is the body’s waste management system, and to continue functioning properly, it needs to be emptied and cleaned. You’ve probably heard the analogy comparing your body to a car. You want your vehicle to be properly maintained, don’t you? When we choose highly processed, refined, ‘junk foods’ our colons become laden with unhealthy debris. As a result, digestive processes slow (or even stop), and you feel the negative effects in more ways than one. It’s vital we help our colon remove these toxic wastes so you can feel lean and clean.
Awareness of colon detoxification has increased in recent years, yet many trendy “solutions” take a “quick fix” approach that doesn’t address the true issue. The internet bombards us with advertisements and claims that are only being sold with a profit in mind rather than what’s going to get you healthy. Advertised products may work (temporarily) for some, but there’s a much easier, healthier way to rid your body of the waste that’s accumulated in your gut, boost your vitality and increase your overall health without the detox gimmicks.
How to Detox & Achieve Optimal Colon Health the Right Way
Seasonal detoxes are a great way to rid your body of the unwanted accumulation of internal sludge. If you want to partake in the easiest and healthiest detox, consuming only raw, whole foods including fruits, veggies, fresh-pressed vegetable juices, and clean, pure water is noteworthy advice (especially produce that is in season during that time of year.) The length of time for your detox depends on the individual and their state of health, lifestyle (i.e. dietary habits, exercise, alcohol, and/or drug use), exposure to pollutants, etc. A suggested amount to start with is one week, and if all is going well, consider continuing for up to three weeks. (Disclaimer: It’s best to first consult with your healthcare provider if you have pre-existing conditions before starting a detox.)
What to Eat
In general, organic, raw fruits and vegetables should comprise the majority of your diet, but also be sure to drink roughly half your bodyweight (in ounces) of fluoride-free and chemical-free water. Water with increased pH, of the alkalizing variety, is optimal.
When eating for the seasons, Summer calls for light, cooling foods. These foods include fruits, such as: strawberries, blueberries, apple, pear and plum, and vegetables, such as: summer squash, cauliflower, broccoli, and cucumber. Spices and seasonings like mint and cilantro, also have a cooling effect, perfect for what our bodies call for during Summer months.
Other superfoods with powerful detoxing properties include garlic, wheatgrass, blue algae, hemp (as seeds or protein), flax seeds, legumes, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and tea (herbal and green).
What to Avoid
Avoiding dairy, meat, processed foods (a.k.a. ‘Junk foods’), grains (including corn), sugar, alcohol, and caffeine during your detox is optimal. These foods are known to contribute to an acidic internal environment and inhibit your body’s ability to function properly.
Your diet and overall lifestyle may be extremely healthy, but everyone is exposed to toxins daily. That’s why regular, raw food-based detoxes are essential in supporting our colon in deadly waste removal. Let’s be friends with our colon again and aim for long-term success rather than short term “fixes”.
Are you ready to start your Summer looking and feeling better? What would be your go-to Summer detox snack?
-Health & Wellness Coach
Michelle C.
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