Before and After Body Detox
If this is your first time doing body detox, you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare.
Research your detox diet options. Yes, you may have already done this, but do it again. To have a successful detoxification, you need to choose the right method. For example, water fasting works for some, but you may find it too difficult to go a week without solid foods. Do not try a popular detox that you know you cannot stick to. Instead, find the plan that works best for you.
Speak to your doctor. Although many Americans start a body detox at home without first consulting with their doctor, you are advised to do so. This is particularly true if you suffer from medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, obesity, or diabetes. In many cases, your doctor will develop plan for you to safely detox, but it may not involve the plan you had selected.
Start weaning yourself off of your “must haves.” Do you need to have a glass of soda everyday, a couple of cigarettes throughout the day, or two cups of coffee in the morning? These items will be eliminated from your diet while on a detox. Unfortunately, many Americans have become dependent on caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes. If you are one of those individuals, you may suffer from withdrawal. To lessen the impact, start weaning yourself from these items. For example, do you drink three cups of coffee a day? If so, start with 2 ½ cups and slowly work your way down. Start this process at least a week before you intend to detox.
Begin to buy supplies. Regardless of how you intend to detoxify your body, you will need to buy supplies. The only exception is water fasting and if you intend to use tap water. If you opt for the Master Cleanse, your shopping list will include fresh lemons or limes, cayenne pepper, grade b maple syrup, natural salt, and senna tea. If you opt for a juice fast, your list may include all-natural juices or a juicer and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Get a goal plan. You may already have a main goal in mind, such as removing stored toxins and waste from your body or losing weight, but create more detailed goals. For example, are you on the Master Cleanse? How long do you intend to detox? Although 10 days is recommended, some aim for more or less. Determine exactly how long you want to detox.
Create a list of distractions. Similar to creating a goal plan, you need to develop a plan to overcome the urge to quit. If you are on the Master Cleanse, water fasting, or juice fasting, you will likely experience severe to moderate hunger pains. After all, who wouldn’t after a week of no food? Many are able to overcome the side effects of a strenuous detox, but you may need some help. Create a plan ahead of time, such as having your favorite movies on hand, extra spending money for a shopping trip, and so forth.
Finally, make sure you have support. A body detox with the use of fasting can be difficult on your physical body, as well as your emotions. If you do not have a strong support system at home, turn to the internet. Suggestions, support, and advice from others can go a long way.
What to do after a body detox?
It is important to know what to do following a detox.
During water fasting, juice fasting, and the Master Cleanse, you will abstain from eating solid foods. The day your cleanse concludes, you might want to jump right into a bag of chips or just enjoy a fine meal. These are natural feelings, but not steps that you should take. Most water fast for at least 5 days, some fast on juice for 2 weeks, and some do the Master Cleanse for a month. During this time, your body has adjusted to not having solid foods; therefore, you need to reintroduce them to your body.
The first day or two after body detoxification, it is advised that you stay away from solid foods. If on the juice fast, your body was provided with some nutrients; therefore, you can work your way up to liquid soups or applesauce. If on the Master Cleanse or a water fast, start with juices first and then start the transition. Although you want the fasting to be over with when the detox is, your body will thank for your making the transition smooth.
When on a detox diet, you should lose weight. Your weight loss will depend on the diet you selected, as well as your current weight. The less food and calories you consume and the higher you weigh, the more weight you will lose. Even if weight loss was not your main goal, it will be a result you will treasure and appreciate. For that reason, do not waste it. If you don’t already, start to exercise. Even if it is only a mile walk 3 days a week, you can help to keep your gained weight off.
In addition to exercise, you will want to continue eating healthy following a body detox or cleanse. You spent days, if not more, cleansing your body and ridding it of unnatural toxins. So, why just put more in? Now is the perfect time to switch to all-natural, organic foods. If you do not want to make the full-time switch to organic, look for foods that are low in sugar, calories, and fats.
At the conclusion of a detox diet, do not return to your normal ways. This is important if you drink large amounts of alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or drink a lot of caffeine. These items are not good for your body. That is why they should be eliminated permanently from your diet. The good news is that following a 10-day or more cleanse, you may no longer feel the need to have a cigarette, your nightly glass of wine, or your daily soda.
It is also important to increase your fiber and drink water. As previously stated, your body just spent days eliminating toxin buildup. Even if you eat healthy, toxins will find a way into your body. A cleanse helped you get a jump on this cleaning, but water and fiber can continue the process on a daily basis. They will make it easier for your body to stay flushed out and clean.
Most important, reintroduce solid foods back into your diet at a slow and steady pace. Once this has been accomplished, keep an eye on the foods and drinks you consume. The more healthier they are, the less buildup of toxins you should experience.