Hmmmm, is it safe to stop eating? The answer is yes, as long as you do it right!
When I set off for Thailand two years ago I knew I would be working in a detox centre but I was not sure yet what I felt about detoxing. Was it really a good idea to limit your food intake? Does it really do anything to help your body?
I began with a critical eye, knowing the theory and how it should help your system, but keen to see the reality. Could putting a tube up your bottom and a green drink down your throat be anything but disastrous?
The reality is detoxing is an amazing process that leaves you feeling renewed and looking sensational. I did not work with one guest during my time on Samui who felt there was no benefit from the process and many really did transform into newer, more positive, much more confident individuals during their cleanses.
How to start?
Fasting is not something to do yourself at home without guidance if you have never done it before. It is not simply stopping eating, it is about nurturing your body with special blends of herbs, supplements and juices as you eliminate toxins from your body's systems. There can be side effects from the process such as headaches, muscular pains or fatigue. It can bring up emotional issues you had locked away and force you to examine your feelings. It is a wonderful result and as with all the best things in life, it needs a little commitment and effort.
There are many different approaches and techniques when it comes to detox, there is no right or wrong way, it is about finding the way which suits you and choosing one you are ready for. Some approaches are more gentle, like eating nothing but raw food for a period of time. Some are more focused on cleansing the colon with colemas and fibre drinks. Some are more extreme, such as water fasts. If you are looking into doing a detox the best thing to do is research the different supplements and approaches and make sure you feel comfortable with the nutritionist or specialist you are working with.
Is it Dangerous?
Detoxing can seem extreme and dangerous to some people, but I can assure you that done correctly it is a wonderful process which really does change the way you view your body and what you put into it. It is quite amazing how well the body can perform during a detox and as your body releases congestion and has more energy to use on the rebuilding and renewing, you can feel your body come back to life.
Benefits
When your body is full of toxins (residue in the tissues and systems from stress and chemicals) you can feel tired, demotivated, puffy and bloated. As you release these built up residues with a cleanse you start to feel more energised and can finally think clearly again.
The whites of your eyes become clear, your skin becomes bright and luminous and as you learn you can feel like this all the time you become inspired and excited. Constipation, fatigue and headaches can all be relieved with a good cleanse.
It is also a great way to kick start weight loss, although I personally think that it is better to lose weight slowly and gently if you want to make long term changes. Having said that I have worked with individuals who have kept weight off after a detox, it just takes commitment to change in your everyday world. I like to see weight loss as an unavoidable side-effect to cleansing your body, rather than the goal.
Who should do it?
Detoxing is not the answer for everyone, I understand it does not appeal to some people and a healthy cleansing diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to stay healthy.
However, if you want to feel energised and feel your body could do with a spring clean then you are a perfect candidate. Doing a detox before you get sick is the best approach. You should start with a week of raw food as you research a deeper cleanse.
It can also be used to help people with more serious illnesses who need a really deep cleanse or for people with digestive problems such as IBS. It is also great maintenance for anyone who is interested in staying healthy and youthful. I have helped people from the ages of 19-87 detox and seen miraculous results with all of them! You should always consult a naturopathic nutritionist or specialist before you detox to make sure it is suitable for you and that you do it correctly.
I am hooked and I would love to help anyone who wants advice on where to start!
Josie
No comments:
Post a Comment