Are you feeling sluggish? Do you worry because you struggle to remember simple things? Are you easily distracted? Do you wish there was a magic wand that you could wave over your body, resetting it to a point where you feel clean, refreshed and energized?
You may be so busy dealing with life you don’t recognize the signs your body needs to detox. Eating poorly, not exercising regularly, not managing stress, and consuming alcohol or other substances that are damaging to the body are a few factors contributing to you feeling unwell.
Think of your body as a car. Without proper upkeep, your car’s body will rust, tires will lose tread, and the engine can clog and eventually stop running. To prevent this, cars are given tune-ups to ensure the car’s needs are being met, so it can continue to function optimally.
Your body needs tune-ups to improve organ function, blood flow, mental clarity, digestion and even skin appearance. They can boost your immune system, get rid of toxins, improve metabolism, and lower blood sugar levels.These tune-ups for the body are called detox diets. Below are examples of how a detox diet can boost energy and mental focus so you can feel your very best.
The liver is your body’s personal detoxifier. It cleans your blood and eliminates toxins from your body so that you can experience brighter skin, higher energy, and an easier time losing or maintaining your weight. When you have not been taking care of your body, toxins enter the body, but the liver can struggle to get rid of all the bad because it is overloaded. It simply can’t keep up.
You can know your liver is overtaxed by symptoms such as excessive fatigue, bloating and gas, poor sleep, hormone imbalances, and mood swings. If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to reach out to a detox diet specialist. You may find adding in foods like cabbage, broccoli, garlic, greens, beets and apples can produce positive results in detoxing your liver.
Once the liver cleans the blood, it sends it to the kidneys, at which point it is turns in to urine and sent out of the body. Signs that your kidney is not functioning at its potential are like those associated with the liver. Additional signs can include the need to urinate more often than usual, and if there are any changes in your urine.
Changes can be seeing blood in your urine or if it is foamy. If you are retaining a lot of fluid and noticing swelling in your feet, limbs or puffiness around the eyes, this could also be signs your kidney could use a detox. Water is the most important factor in detoxing your kidneys.
Your lungs filter out harmful agents like mold, toxins, fumes and allergens. Inhaling and exhaling are how the lungs do their job. The problem, some people are not getting proper breaths. People with sleep apnea and snoring are two disorders that prevent the lungs from detoxing on their own.
If you have either of these problems, or other issues with sleeping, work with your doctor and fix these issues. Create a plan to receive optimal sleep each night so your lungs can detoxify. Reportedly, spicy foods like cayenne and wasabi are beneficial to detoxing the lungs.
The colon prevents waste from cycling back through our body and entering our blood stream. It does this by excreting the waste. The colon is the place where good bacteria is stored, bacteria that protects you.
Overeating, eating foods hard to digest, or digestive problems can cause the colon to clog. Even prescription medicines can slow down the digestive process, from the stomach to the colon. Humans can hold on to pounds of old waste. But it needs to be eliminated rather than sitting and waiting for your body to move it.
A detox diet can help cleanse the colon and remove everything stored in it. Allowing it to reset and begin functioning normally again. Working with a detox diet doctor will ensure you receive a plan that ensures good bacteria remain in your system. This can include eating foods like apples, root vegetables, onions and garlic. They can help you find good sources of fiber too.
Your lymph nodes are throughout the body. They help eliminate infections, viruses and bad bacteria. When lymph nodes need a detox, they slow down and can appear swollen and feel tender to the touch. This means it is time to take actions to get your lymph nodes moving again.
Massaging your lymph nodes, brushing or scrubbing your skin from head to toe can help. A diet detox can also help. Foods like ginger, turmeric and citrus fruits are known to help detox the lymph nodes. As with anything else, exercise can be very beneficial.
Detoxing the skin may seem odd, but remember, it is your largest organ. Skin is supposed to be smooth and hydrated. The foods you eat, how much water you drink, the environments in which you live and work, and how well your internal organs are functioning contribute to the health of your skin.
Skin rejuvenation therapy can be a great addition to a detox diet. Eating foods like berries, beets and nuts, and drinking water can lead to noticeable changes.
In conclusion, you can start seeing positive results in your health today by connecting with a doctor who specializes in detox diets. You can receive an individual plan that focuses on your body’s needs. Weight loss products, vitamin replacement therapies, and sleep hygiene are programs your doctor can add to your detox diet.
Detox diets should be done under the supervision of a doctor who can guide you through the process and offer you support when you need it. They can help you realize your goal of having more energy and improved mental focus.
For over thirty years, Darren FX Clair, MD has helped thousands of people improve and maintain their overall health and vitality. Dr. Clair's primary focus is proactive health through Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Clair looks for ways to work with the body's natural ability to develop and maintain ultimate good health. His individualized approach is tailored specifically for each patients' specific health goals. Dr. Clair is a graduate of Columbia University's College of Physicians & Surgeons. In 2017, Dr. Clair became one of only 300 doctors to have earned the title of Certified Lifestyle Physician with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.