I know that you’re super excited about getting healthier! Detox seems to be one of the first things people go for in the hopes of starting their wellness journey. If you’re not familiar with what detox I’m referring to, click here to get an idea.
Now, don’t get me wrong. A detox could be a great start…if it’s for the right reasons. So, while there are plenty of reasons why you would detox (for ex: feeling sluggish, reduce/eliminate toxins, and food allergies), there are also good reasons why you would not.
Before starting any detox program always check with your physician and ask him or her any questions regarding any medical conditions you may have.
1. You’re looking for a quick weight loss solution
Yes, you can lose some weight, during a detox, BUT it should never be viewed as a weight loss tool. The whole idea of a detox is to help the body get rid of toxins. The weight that you lose during a detox is generally water weight and toxins that may have been stored in your fatty tissue. HOWEVER, please do understand it can turn dangerous if weight loss is your whole reasoning for detoxing in the first place.
2. You’re pregnant or nursing
The only type of detox program that should be acceptable while pregnant or breastfeeding is a whole foods (clean eating) program, not a program that introduces detox agents or requires extreme methods like a 7 day juicing regimen. At this point in your life you need real, whole food to nourish your body as well as your baby’s.
3. Your friend did it
So your friend did it and she had great results. That’s all well and good, but that was her and you don’t know all what she went through. She could have told you it was fantastic, but suffered or relapsed behind closed doors. And even if her experience was truly great, that doesn’t mean it will work the same for you.
4. Your favorite celebrity did it
Alright, now we’re getting into Hollywood land. Celebrities do extreme things all the time. What you see is the after result. It’s sort of the same concept as your friend who tried it and had great results. Don’t be fooled by the after result. Also, be careful if the person is a paid endorser of the detox program. That’s not a genuine reason for wanting to do the program.
5. You’re extremely sick
If you’re sick your body needs time to heal. As your body eliminates unwanted and unneeded waste you will experience withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes those withdrawal symptoms can be strong enough to make you quit. Take the time you need to get well again before starting a detox program.
Have you ever done, or plan on doing, a detox program?
Totally agree! I’ve done a few cleanses, but never to lose weight and they have only been about 3 days. I’ve used them to jumpstart a healthy diet when I’ve been eating sugar more often than not and it usually works for me. But I think anything more than 3 days is unhealthy! Great post!
Thank you so much Sue!
I like this post. I feel like so many people are going the detox route these days. Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought that was my liver’s job. If a certain food doesn’t make me feel good I will simply stop eating that food to rid my body of it. I sometimes fear that the detox craze makes many people make unhealthy choices.
Thank you so much Jen. Yes detox is a natural process done by the liver, but sometimes we could use a little help. I highly recommend whole food detoxes to give the body a break from processed food. It sometimes even helps you uncover food sensitivities or intolerances so you can identify the foods to stay away from in general. But, sometimes detoxes do drive people to unhealthy choices. I knew of someone that did juice fasting for 30 days.
Happy Valentine’s Day! This is so helpful! People often detox for the wrong reasons and suffer the consequences.Thank you so much for sharing your enlightening post ‘5 Reasons You Should NOT Detox” with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing!
Thank you again Deborah!
I don’t detox by means of fasting or juicing. I slowly eliminated toxic foods and products and now consume mostly organic and non-GMO items. I also try to do some sort of detoxification activities like hot yoga, Epson salt bathing or dry brushing.
All fantastic (and easy) methods of incorporating detox into a daily regimen. Thanks Caryn!