What is a Detox? 

Our bodies have a natural detoxification system in place that filters and removes toxic substances from our bodies. Our bodies detox every single day through organs including the liver, kidney, and the lymphatic system. While our bodies are incredibly intelligent, sometimes they need help with detoxifying due to the inescapable toxins brought on by our lifestyle and environments.  

What a Detox is Not

As much as social media would like us to believe, a detox is not something that we "do" to our body, it is a natural process, that we can support. 

Signs and Symptoms the body is not Detoxifying Efficiently

When our bodies are not detoxifying efficiently, it tends to show through our skin and in the way we feel; both physically and mentally. 

Prevalent symptoms of liver inefficiency or toxin overload include:

• Yellow, dull and tired looking skin
• Autoimmune diseases and inflammation
• Bloating, constipation and, or diarrhoea
• Skin symptoms such as acne, psoriasis, eczema,  rosacea and dermatitis
• Food sensitivity, intolerance and, or  allergy
• Changes to weight and body shape
• Elevated cholesterol levels 
• Chronic tiredness and fatigue
• Lack of concentration, clarity, brain fog and migraines
• Pains, ailments and disruption in cycles such as the menstrual cycle. 

It is possible to test toxicity levels through urine samples, blood and stool samples. 

What Does Supporting the Body's Detoxification Process Involve?

For us here at Beautifully Nourished, we believe that supporting the body's natural detoxification process involves giving the gastrointestinal tract a rest. A rest from pollutants, toxins, heavy foods, alcohols and stress.  We also believe that supporting the body's natural detox process involves feeding the body with foods and ingredients that he/ she/ they truly want and need to offset pollutants. Increased support can come in the form of nutrients from food and, or supplements.

A full body detox, or detox cleanse, is often advertised to eliminate toxins from the body, such as pollutants that negatively affect health, but let us remember, we do not "do" detox to our body, we simply support it throughout the natural detoxification mechanisms within the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system.

There is not a single method of  detoxification support.  Methods can include: 

• following a specific, often lighter diet
• intermittent fasting
• use of colonic irrigation 
• drinking more water or juices
• use of detoxification supplements
• reduced exposure to toxins in their environment
• use of steam and  sauna.

Detoxification support is not limited to food: We can detox (take a break) from technology, pollutants and anything that doesn't serve  our highest good. 

Detox support can encourage habits that may enhance the body's natural detoxification processes, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, and staying hydrated.

Detox Support Benefits

By making simple changes to your regular diet, lifestyle and choices, significant improvements can be seen within general health, gut health and mind health. 

Below we explore more ways to support the body's detoxification system:

Liver Detox

Tobacco, smoke, and alcohol strain the body in various ways, and drink, in particular, affects the liver. The liver is the body's main detoxification organ. Avoiding alcohol can be helpful to detox the liver and improve the body's overall detoxification process.

Detox Colon Cleanse

Colon health is a significant part of digestive health, and the colon should be cleansed for optimal digestive wellness. Colon cleansing can be very beneficial and you can do this naturally, at home through the use of a water flush, increased fibre, herbal tea's and detoxification supplementations for extra support. Poor colon health causes constipation or irregular bowel movements. Other colons cleanse functions are the removal of toxins and parasites.

Skin Detox

Our fast-paced lifestyle, pollutants exposure, makeup, and pollution clog our pores and make the skin look lifeless. For healthy and glowing skin, it is mandatory to take care of your skin. Detox for clear skin is essential and helps in the skin's recovery process.  This can include a day or longer without make-up and letting your skin breathe.

Sleep & Detox

Having a good night sleep is one of the best ways to detox the body. Sleep has been associated with weight loss, reduced cortisol levels, and improved overall health. The vital part about sleep is that quality sleep helps the body to get rid itself of toxins. Click Here to read more on how to get a great night's sleep.

Detox for Gut Health

Probiotics for Detox: Friendly florae are essential for critical functions in the body. These key functions include optimising digestion, balancing mood, supporting the immune system, and boosting metabolism.  Probiotics are present in our Detox supplement. 

Giving the gut a break by not eating for a portion of the day or intermittent fasting could be beneficial. 

Post Detox Support Foods

Supporting the organs involved with detoxing is something we can do beyond the number of days we support with supplements. Consuming the liver supporting foods regularly, can enable a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.

Summary

A full body detox strives to help the body eradicate toxins. Some types of detox support radical dietary and lifestyle changes, while others include using products that contain synthetic laxatives. These types of detoxes can be dangerous and we recommend avoiding them and opting instead for nourishing fibre rich, gut loving alternatives that supports the body during it's natural detoxification process.

Beautifully Nourished's Detox supplement features Konjac Fibre, Inulin, Aloe Vera, Anise Seed, Rhubarb Root, Buckthorn and more for detoxification support.

We recommend to adopt a balanced approach to detoxing as an opportunity to begin healthful habits. Begin by drinking more water, eating more vegetables, stopping drinking and smoking and avoiding processed foods for a period of time. Consult your Doctor before embarking on radical lifestyle changes.