Spring cleaning is a common chore we do every year; it helps us refresh and bring balance and order into our homes. Much like our homes, spring cleaning our bodies can be a nice transition into the new season, but choosing the right cleanse for you is a process in itself.
Before we talk about how to effectively cleanse and detox without depleting yourself, let’s talk about what cleansing and detoxing will ultimately do.
Why do people cleanse?
Cleansing, when performed properly, can assist with a number of different health concerns including digestive issues, obesity, inflammation, allergies, bloating, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain. Typically while doing a cleanse or a detox, we eliminate certain foods and drinks and usually engage in a period of fasting. Following the fasting period, foods are slowly added back into your diet along with herbs, teas, and supplements.
Cleansing can be very effective in promoting toxin elimination through sweat, urine, and feces, and in congruence, provide your body with healthier nutrients. Cleansing can also aid in circulation improvements, an increase in energy, and stimulation of your liver to promote ease in getting rid of unwanted toxins.
How to not feel burnt out while doing a cleanse
Above everything else, it is most important to listen to your body and its needs. When starting a cleanse, it is critical to not eliminate all foods and drinks all at once. Look at it more like a morning routine, it helps you get prepared for the day. Our bodies need the same time and careful preparation.
Slowly eliminating foods every day and incorporating vitamins or supplements at the beginning of a cleanse or detox is vital for the body to prepare. Whether you are doing a complete fast or simply eliminating allergenic foods – such as sugar, dairy, gluten and/or processed foods, make sure to take each day to eliminate one food group at a time, as to not shock the body or put the body into starvation mode. Starvation mode or metabolic damage is not a healthy way to cleanse. It can have more negative effects on your body’s metabolism and on your mind resulting in mood swings and can lead to depression.
Things to do while cleansing
Mentally prepare: Writing in a journal has been a very effective mental exercise to be able to check-in with yourself and your cleanse journey.
Add Supplements and Nutrients: Multivitamins, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Calcium are common dietary additions.
Exercise: Perform exercises that are more restorative and balancing. Do not stop exercising as it will help kick start the detox process; however, be careful about the types of exercises you choose to do. Exercises such as yoga and pilates are great ways for the body to still be active without aggressively increasing your heart rate. Staying away from high-intensity interval training will be helpful during the cleanse. By cleansing, we are most likely reducing our caloric intake, ultimately burning more calories than we consume. High-intensity exercise while fasting can cause feelings of being run down, exhausted and can cause a shift in your mood.
Water intake: Making sure you drink enough fluids is key. Everybody is different, so the standard drinking 8 cups of water advice may not be enough or might be too much. A good rule of water consumption is to drink half your weight in ounces. Simply divide your weight and whatever number that comes out to, drink at least that amount in ounces.
Sleep: Your body is going through a shift when cleansing. It is extremely important to get enough sleep while this is happening. Some people require more sleep while they are cleansing, always listen to your body, and make necessary modifications if needed.
Chinese Herbs & Acupuncture: Chinese medicine can support your body while it is going through a detox period. Initially, our bodies and minds may feel out of balance or foggy when we eliminate foods. Getting weekly treatments and taking custom Chinese herbs can help these imbalances, and ensure a smoother and easier detox transition.
Cleansing and detoxing may not be for everyone, if you decide to go for it, always be sure to listen to your body, mentally prepare for the transition and take necessary steps for yourself to feel good, strong, and internally clean!
