Feeling sluggish? Moody? Not quite yourself? It could be time for a detox.
Detoxing is more than a wellness trend or weight loss tactic. In fact, your body is already hard at work helping you detox on a daily basis. But sometimes the body needs a break! Doing a cleanse or detox helps lighten the load on your body so you can restore your energy and feel like yourself again.
So, how do you know when it’s time for a detox? In most cases, there’s no wrong time to start one. We are exposed to toxins in the air, food, water, and personal care products daily, and limiting our exposure to these toxins helps the body’s natural detoxification process work better.
If you’re experiencing stubborn symptoms that won’t go away, however, it could be a sign that a detox isn’t just a nice thing to do for your body, but a necessity.
Let’s look at some of the subtle signs your body is in need of a detox, and how you can get reset safely.
5 Subtle Signs it’s Time for a Detox
#1 -You’re having trouble focusing.
When the daily 2 PM slump becomes an all-day affair, an excess of toxic build-up could be to blame. Brain fog occurs when the body is too overwhelmed with other needs to give the brain the energy it needs to focus. Daily toxins from our environment, a poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, and emotional stress, can reduce your brain’s ability to think clearly.
#2 -You’ve noticed more breakouts.
If you have spotted a few extra spots in the mirror, it could be a sign that your body’s detox system is clogged. The skin is a remarkably reliable mirror of your internal health. When you notice breakouts, redness, itching, dryness, or oiliness, it shows that your detoxification system may be congested and the body is trying to expel toxins through the skin.
#3 -You’re always craving something sweet.
A sweet treat can be a lovely snack once in a while. But if you find yourself craving sugar every time you feel a little sluggish or bored, it could be time to detox.
While it may give you a quick pick-me-up at the moment, sugar will deplete your energy in the long run. The more sugar you eat, the more you crave – leading to more crashes, more inflammation, and a higher risk of developing a chronic disease.
The only way to get sugar cravings under control is to eliminate sweets from your diet. While it can be hard to pass up your favorite snacks at first, your taste buds quickly acclimate and you’ll gain a new appreciation for naturally sweet foods that are just as delicious. Get your sweet fix with healthier foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, or dates instead.
#4- You’re always under the weather.
When your body is overburdened by toxins, it weakens your immune system. This leads to frequent infections, colds, the flu, and slow healing wounds. If you seem to always have a cold or another ailment, it could be a sign that your body needs a detox. Clearing the lymphatic system of the toxins that have accumulated will not only help you stay healthy now, but improve your future resilience to illnesses, too.
#5 - Your digestion is unpredictable.
When your gastrointestinal system is working like a well-oiled machine, you should have regular bowel movements that feel complete. If toxins have accumulated in your system, however, your digestive system may struggle to clear them out. As a result, you’re likely to experience digestive issues like bloating, constipation, loose stools, weight gain, and new food sensitivities.
Dr. Danielle’s Tips for a Healthy Detox
So, did any of those signs sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. It’s normal for your body to need a reset – just like your car needs an oil change to function properly, and your computer functions better when you clear out old files. But, knowing how to detox in a safe and healthy way can be tricky. Here are some of Dr. Danielle’s tips for taking on a detox in a safe and healthy way:
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Detox with a plan.
There is no one way to detox. Detoxes can last one day, one week, or a month or longer! The key to a successful and sustainable detox is to determine how long your detox will last and how you will support your body during that time before starting. Plan your grocery lists, your meals, your workouts, and the self-care activities you’ll enjoy during your detox. If you’re new to detoxing, it can feel like a challenge. But having a plan ahead of time will make the process simpler and keep you motivated.
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Stay fueled and hydrated.
Many people think that doing a detox is the same as fasting. While there are some detox programs that encourage eating very little or no food, that approach isn’t always best (or even safe) for some people.
The truth is, you can detox and give your body the fuel it needs to heal. Focus on vibrant whole foods, like lots of fruits and vegetables. Try to cook with light cooking methods, like steaming or blanching. Try to avoid alcohol, sugar, meat, and dairy during your detox. Drinks plenty of clean water to help aid in the detoxification process.
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Give your liver some TLC.
The liver is the body’s main organ for detoxification. If you’re feeling any of the signs above, it could be because the liver is overwhelmed and unable to properly cleanse the blood. As a result, toxins build up in your system and you’re left feeling the effects.
During your detox, consider taking a supplement that supports liver health, like Dr. Danielle’s Liver Assist with Milk Thistle. Milk thistle has been used as a natural healing remedy for over 2000 years. Silymarin is a key compound in milk thistle that helps the liver remove toxins more efficiently. Take this supplement daily to improve your body’s detoxification processes and protect your liver health.
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Repair your gut health.
Your gut experiences daily assaults from stress, food particles, toxins, drugs, and pathogens that enter your digestive tract. Over time, this exposure to toxins builds up and weakens the gut’s microbiome and lining. Sometimes, small holes develop in the gut lining which leads to a condition known as “leaky gut syndrome.” As particles and toxins pass from the gut, through these holes, and into the rest of the body, they cause an inflammatory response.
Dr. Danielle’s GutAssist (Leaky Gut Support Formula) supports your gut health by promoting microflora and supporting the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract (GI). Take GutAssist every day (especially during your detox) to encourage healing of the gut lining and prevent particles from leaking out and wreaking havoc.
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Adopt low-tox habits.
You can always turn to a detox when you need a reset. But the more toxins, junk food, and stress we expose ourselves to, the more often we’ll need to detox to just feel normal.
If you want to feel healthy every day, it’s best to adopt habits that encourage a low-tox lifestyle. That means eating a nutritious, vibrant diet and avoiding junk food. It also means exercising regularly, managing stress with meditation, and staying hydrated.
Maintaining a low-tox environment at home is also important. Avoid using plastics, chemical cleaners, and conventional personal care products. These often contain harmful toxic chemicals that negatively impact your health. Make the switch to healthier alternatives, like glass or metal containers, natural cleaners, and plant-based soaps and cosmetics.
Are you ready to feel brand new? Start your detox the healthy way, by supporting your body’s main detoxification organs – the liver and gut – with detox-friendly supplements!