There are so many benefits to doing a whole foods detox, it can help with person specific health issues, however you don’t have to be unwell to benefit, in general everybody can enjoy the following outcomes when a detox is done gently and safely.
Improved energy – you are likely to see improved and more sustained energy during and after a detox program. Although it’s important to note that you may feel worse before you feel better as your body works hard to neutralise and eliminate the toxins.
Balance hormones – some daily household toxins that we use or ingest (like BPAs for example) can look just like oestrogen to our cells and these pseudo oestrogens compete with the natural oestrogen secreted by the ovaries and adrenals at oestrogen binding sites around the body. This makes some of the good oestrogen effectively homeless, so the liver stores it as fat cells, mostly around the mid-section. This is known as estrogen dominance and can make us feel unwell. Easing the toxic load will allow the good oestrogen to bind at the correct site and result in better hormonal balance overall.
Regulates cortisol levels to manage stress – when adrenaline kicks in we get a boost of alertness and energy for a short period of time, once the “threat” is gone the adrenaline subsides and cortisol kicks in, that’s the bit that make us feel crappy. I like to call this the adrenal dance. Doing this dance over a long period of time (think busy corporate high flyers or working mums!) the higher than normal cortisol levels in the body can cause a lot of problems, including decreased liver function and this of course impacts the natural detoxification process. By consuming a whole foods diet high in blood sugar balancing foods you will help regulate cortisol levels and manage stress on a cellular level.
Improves nutrient absorption - A whole foods based detox diet which is high is nutrient dense foods and drinks gives your body a boost in micronutrients which ensures your body receives essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants which are necessary for the bodies detoxification pathways to function properly and for optimal health.
Boosts the immune system – detoxing frees up your gut to do what it was designed to do, absorb essential nutrients, including vitamin C, it also cleanses the lymphatic system which will give your immune function a boost.
Healthier hair, skin and nails – you may notice that your hair has more shine and feels softer, your skin is clearer and glowing and your finger nails are stronger. As toxins are eliminated nutrients are able to reach and nourish the extremities.
Weight loss - Doing is detox should not be about weight loss, and I really stress this, however some people report it as a welcomed side effect and that’s great news for them. However, it all depends on the person and their personal health situation. If weight loss is your goal it would be much more beneficial to undertake a weight loss program instead of or in conjunction with a detox.