As a Fertility Naturopath, I recommend detoxing as a way of eliminating toxic build-up in the body. Detoxing has been practiced in naturopathy as well as traditional medicine for centuries.
A detox can be undertaken for between two and six. It’s recommended that you do this under the supervision of a health practitioner. This time period allows your body to excrete the toxin build up and repair itself so that you can get back to feeling full of energy.
There are so many benefits to detoxing. Here are my top eight reasons to give it a go:
-
Boost your energy
By cutting out sugar, caffeine, fats and replacing these with fresh fruit and vegetables you’ll be giving your body a natural energy boost that isn’t followed by a sugar or caffeine crash.
-
Eliminate excess waste
When you detox, your body rids itself of any excess waste that it has been storing. The process stimulates your body to purge itself – it assists the liver, kidneys and colon to cleanse themselves.
-
Assist weight loss
While eating natural fresh fruit and vegetables helps you lose weight in the short-term due to the calorie reduction, it’s also a great practice to introduce better long term eating habits.
-
Strengthen your immune system
When your internal organs are functioning efficiently your immune system will be boosted. Your organs are able to focus on absorbing nutrients rather than working harder to eliminate toxins and waste.
-
Reduce inflammation
When our gut is irritated it triggers our body into releasing hormones that store away calories, cause inflammation and bloating. By only consuming easily digestible, natural foods and drinks, it gives our gut a rest and reduces the hormones produced that can cause bloating and inflammation.
-
Clear your mind
Release the sense of lethargy which heavily impacts our quality of thinking. When you detox your body, your mind also achieves a renewed sense of clearer thinking – eliminating that sense of fogginess and even headaches.
-
Improve your skin
Overall your skin will be clearer and smoother after your detox. Don’t be disheartened if you experience itchy or patchy skin as toxins are released during the detox. You can also help the skin even further by taking a sauna to help your body sweat out any additional toxins.
-
Improve well-being
With all the changes that detoxing brings to you personally, you will also feel the flow on effect in all areas of your life and feel a sense of improved well-being. This in turn effects other aspects of your life such as relationships, productivity and zest for life.
A simple detox plan is easy to follow. Just set your mind to it and try it for a minimum of 3 days to experience the benefits.
What to include during a detox:
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh vegetables
- Small amounts of protein – organic if possible
- Nuts, seeds and legumes
- Lots of fluids to flush out your system (pure water, herbal teas, fresh juices and unflavoured sparkling mineral water)
What to eliminate during a detox:
- Sugar
- Caffeine
- Trans fats
- Saturated fat
- Dairy
- Alcohol
- Smoking
In the modern world it’s impossible to live without toxic build up, so take the opportunity to revive your body and mind with a detox each season.
Aussie-based Enchanted Label have a great article about healthy preconception and pregnancy foods, that I highly recommend if you’re interested in the impact of diet on fertility, pregnancy and general wellbeing.
Detoxing is a great way to kick start healthier habits but if you need more personalised advice on how to improve your wellbeing, please book an appointment with me for tailored information and guidance. In my work as a Fertility Naturopath, my focus is the production of the highest quality egg and sperm in order to create the healthiest baby possible. It can take three to four months to get your body into the optimum health to improve the chances of a positive conception.
Carmen Farrugia is a trusted and experience fertility naturopath based in Brunswick, Melbourne.
