Put a Spring in Your Step

So, what is a detox and why should I do it?

Patricia Clarke Dip. Nat. Nut.and
Angela MacRitchie Dip. Nat. Nut.

After our research herbalist Monica Wilde decided that the Spring Equinox was the best time for a detox, Patricia and Angela, our naturopathic nutritional therapists got together with her to devise the healthiest approach. Here they outline what a detox is all about and what it involves. 

A detox is a time where we commit to eating and drinking in as healthy a way as possible to reset our vitality and good health. We support our detox organs (our liver, kidneys, colon, skin and lungs) with the aim of rebalancing and recharging our bodies to gain optimal health.

Our bodies are designed to detox naturally, through our detox organs, to get rid of toxins, and indeed some people think it isn’t necessary to go through a dedicated detox programme.

Toxins are produced as a result of our internal bodily functions. Yes, that’s right, our bodies produce toxins when they are busy burning fuel for energy, repairing tissue and replacing burnt out or dying cells. 

Our bodies are not the only producers of toxins though, we also accumulate toxins from our environment, including: smoke; smog; heavy metals; food and drink; UV radiation.

So, we are surrounded by toxins: air pollution outside and within our homes, drugs in our livestock; heavy metals in our oceans; pesticides in our vegetables; even medications and supplements designed to keep us healthy can build up a toxic load.

Our body can start to struggle with the level of detox it must carry out, especially in our modern world, so a dedicated detox programme can be helpful to support this natural process.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMME CONSIST OF?

The programme is about enhancing our natural detox capability and it will focus on healthy organic wholefoods with some supplements recommended to support your organs. There will be additional posts throughout to give more information on specific foods and lifestyle advice (more information below).

We will avoid: gluten; dairy; sugar; red meat; ‘processed’ and ‘junk’ foods; coffee; tobacco and alcohol.

Don’t panic – that still leaves a surprising amount of good quality food to include!

We will focus on: plenty of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, some good quality organic and free range fish, white meat and eggs; seeds & nuts; wholegrains; filtered water.

You will get a meal planner, recipes and a supplement planner so you know step by step what you should eat and when. There will also be a shopping list provided, so that on Saturday 17th March you can easily stock up for your 12-day detox, starting on Tuesday 20th March - on the Spring Equinox.

The supplements recommended are available at Napiers in Glasgow at 61 Cresswell Street, G12 8AD or call 0141 339 5859 to order by phone.

The meal planner is split into three sections. On days 1-5 you eat solid, wholefoods; on days 6-9 you focus on liquid and blended foods with a snack being your only solid food intake so your give your digestive systems a break to recuperate; on days 10-14 you introduce more solid wholefoods again.

SIGNS YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM A DETOX PROGRAMME?

There are a wide range of symptoms which may indicate you would benefit from a detox. These include:

• Tiredness and fatigue

• Muscle and joint aches and pains

• Sinus issues

• Headaches

• Bloating, gas

• Constipation and/or diarrhoea

• Heartburn

• Sleep problems

• Food cravings

• Water retention

• Trouble losing weight

• Rashes and skin problems

• Puffy, dark circles under your eyes

• Premenstrual syndrome

• Bad breath

• Difficulty concentrating

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT ON A DETOX PROGRAMME?

After a detox you may experience your:

• Liver functioning optimally resulting in less bloating, nausea and indigestion.
• Intestinal rebalancing leading to a reduction in constipation, gas and cramping.
• Lymphatic system shifting to a higher gear meaning less frequent colds and flu, more energy, and a reduction in blemishes and puffy eyes
• Lung function being more optimal reducing clogged sinuses, congestion and nasal drip
• Kidneys stopping being overworked and under-functioning leading to urinary problems clearing.

WHO SHOULD NOT DO A DETOX PROGRAMME?

Please don’t attempt a detox if you are pregnant or nursing, under 18 or have a severe medical condition. Check with your doctor, if you are not sure. If you are currently on medication, ask your doctor before starting this, or any diet program.

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAMME

Along the way, we will put the spotlight on certain foods or support activities including:

Shed your Winter Coat

Revitalise your skin and lymphatic system

Exercising a Fresh Start

Overcoming Obstacles

Love your Liver

Eat Your Veggies

Sweet Sweet Sleep

Go Nuts

Self-reflection

Spice things up

Let's sweat

Embrace fibre

Say no to negatives

Go Green

Drink Yourself Clean

You will have a chance to let us know how you are getting on through Facebook and can ask any questions you need to. More will be posted here over the weeks to come

Enjoy the journey and embrace your good health!

Angela MacRitchie

 

More information

Read more tips and articles to help and inspire you to keep to the Equitox plan here.