Signs that You Need to Detox
To steer the ship away from long-term inflammation, digestion issues, mental health issues and low energy, detoxification is critical. Detoxification removes toxic substances to allow the body to heal on its own, as it should. The plethora of modern, harmful exposures has made it harder for the body to naturally cleanse itself, which has made detoxing the new “magic pill” for healing and has led to new and dangerous detox plans in the consumer market. But what are the signs you need a detox and when should you do it?
History of Detoxing
Detoxing has been around for ages, and it’s not designed to be a 3-day quick fix, but a continuous part of life that helps the body stay clean and clear of stagnation and disease. Specifically, detox means “lifestyle changes that reduce the exposure of toxins while nourishing the body to improve digestion and elimination.” It’s also not limited to the physical body, but extends to the mind and spirit.
There are many misconceptions about detoxing, such as:
• Detoxes should be quick and strenuous.
• The body will be toxin free after just a few days.
• Food is not important during a detox.
The fact of the matter is, detoxification is a process. Toxins, fat, and cellulite take years to accumulate in the body, and it’s unrealistic to think that years of damage can be reversed and cleansed after just a few days of sipping some tea. Instead, the body should always be in a state of constant cleansing by simply avoiding toxin exposure, drinking clean water, and eating nutrient-dense whole foods daily. More extensive detoxification can be done when necessary which is why its important to listen to the body for cues that it is in need of a detox.
Signs You Need a Detox
Symptoms of an impaired detoxification system include:
• Weight gain
• Inability to lose weight
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Congestion
• Aching or swollen joints
• Backaches
• Digestive problems
• Allergy symptoms
• Bad breath
• Constipation
• Cellulite
• Anxiety
• Immune weakness such as frequent colds
• Acne and other skin problems
• Depression
• Sexual dysfunction
When Should You Detox?
Ideally, you should detox whenever you are feeling too overwhelmed and your physical symptoms are starting to become chronic. In general, Spring or autumn season can be the perfect time for the body to detox, since our body’s requirements are already experiencing many changes. A detox done during autumn or winter gives your body the much-needed energy boost and also rids the body of toxins.
For women, the best times to detox include pre-pregnancy to ensure the health of the fetus, post-breastfeeding, and post-illness. Keep in mind that the female body naturally detoxes every month during menstruation, so rest, stress reduction, and adequate nutrition is crucial during this time. Ignoring these signs leads to toxic overload, which may contribute to things like:
• Body storing toxins that can lead to weight gain
• Toxic chemicals triggering your cells to convert to fat cells
• Increased fat stores and disrupted weight regulation in the body
• Toxins can change the pH balance of your body
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Birth defects
• Physiological disorders
• Problems of the digestive, reproductive, respiratory, brain, and nervous systems
Benefits of a Detox Program:
The main benefits of a good detox program include…
• To feel more motivated, energetic, creative, spiritual, productive, environmentally and inwardly attuned, relaxed, and relationship focused
• Disease prevention and treatment
• Giving the organs and body systems a rest
• Purification
• Weight loss
• Enhancing the senses
• Improve fertility
• Slow aging
• Clear the skin
• Re-balance the body
Please be aware that symptoms that occur while detoxing may be unpleasant. These include: moodiness, irritability, fatigue, body aches, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, nausea, vomiting, clogged sinuses, constipation, diarrhea, coughing, flu-like symptoms, bad breath, gas, headaches, stomach aches, acne, and rashes.
There is a lot of information and products out there that make false claims about proper detoxing. To learn more about the top 3 detoxing mistakes people make and how to avoid them, then click here.
Think you need a detox but not sure where to start? Click here to learn more about the most effective detox methods and to learn about which one is best for you.
That being said, everyone can benefit from regular detoxification, but remember that a detox doesn’t have to be a “program” and it doesn’t have to be strenuous. Remember that detoxification doesn’t simply mean going hungry; it can occur while eating nutrient-dense foods.
My 21 Day Total Body Reset is a great holistic nutritional cleanse for busy, stressed out individuals who need to detox their mind body and spirit to reduce overwhelm and to regain energy. Not only does it include meal plans, recipes, workouts and supplements, but it also includes tips on how to support your detoxification process mentally, physically and emotionally. If you would like to learn more about my Total Body Reset Cleanse, then click here. If you need help, it’s always best when you do it with a professional. Feel free to reach out if you need support. I hope this helps!
In Good Health,
Amber Stew BS,
Holistic Nutritionist
Certified Master Life Coach
ACSM Exercise Physiologist,
CTNC Mental Health Specialist
TBMM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Hi! My name is Amber and I’m a Body Goals Builder, Master Life Coach, Certified Health Coach, CTNC Mental Health Specialist, Stress Alchemist & Fear Conqueror
For 11 years, I worked as a personal trainer, helping people reach their fitness goals in the gym. But I kept noticing that many people weren’t reaching them simply because they were using exercise as an escape to “sweat out” their life problems instead of addressing them at their core. After realizing that I was doing the same thing in my life, I developed a simple 4 step Stress Alchemy framework to help me overcome roadblocks in all areas of my life and now I coach others on how to do the same. At the STEW Project, we are maximizing our living potential by Simply Taking an Emphasis on Wellness.
