“I’m going to eat healthier!” is undoubtedly one of the most common dietary pledges. There is nothing wrong with that in itself because the motivation is noble. After the holidays, the desire for healthier and lighter foods, including a detox diet, appears to be especially appealing. It is easy to believe that it is a simple miracle that quickly makes up for all the sins committed at the table, and that it has no health danger. But, before you begin the detox cleanse, keep the following suggestions in mind.

 

What exactly is a detox?

Detox, often known as detoxification, is a procedure that purges the body of toxins or poisons. Harmful molecules enter our bodies via a variety of sources, including plant-based diets, because plants contain naturally occurring harmful components. Furthermore, we are exposed to man-made chemical compounds via pesticides, air pollution, cosmetics, medications, and so on. A person’s own body produces waste products that must be disposed of. Detoxification, or the removal of toxic compounds, is also intended to balance and neutralise excess hormones.

Detoxification occurs in the human body 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During the detox process, waste materials are collected from every cell of our body and reduced in toxicity before being removed from the body. So, it can be said that our body is doing a major cleaning every day, which it is destined to deal with, but which we can contribute to from our side.

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What happens in the body during the detox process?

 The effectiveness of a detox course is often associated with how many times a day we go to the bathroom. In reality, the cleansing process taking place in the body is much more diverse and exciting. The need to visit the toilet is only related to the last detox phase. So what happens in the body during detox?

Our body gets rid of harmful substances in three stages:

• In the first phase, harmful substances are broken down into smaller and even more toxic molecules. Most of this work takes place in the liver, which is the body’s main detox organ. In the first phase, the body uses many nutrients, such as B vitamins, folic acid, glutathione, antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E and vitamin C.
• To remove waste products from the body, they must be made water soluble. Then it is also possible to expel them with faeces, urine and sweat. In the second phase, the toxic compounds formed in the first phase are made safer and water soluble so that they can be excreted. In the second phase, our body needs amino acids, sulphur and phytonutrients.
• After the harmful substance has passed through the second phase, it needs to be removed from the body. The third phase is the waste removal process. This can be supported by drinking enough water to support urination and defecation. Some waste products leave our body when we sweat. So you can support the third phase also by going to the sauna and exercising.

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How to do a detox course?

Detox diets are especially common after major holidays or before the start of the beach season, in order to quickly get in better shape and feel lighter. In fact, a detox diet has a much larger effect on the body – it is a process of detoxification, not primarily designed for weight loss. Although one of the goals of detox is to give the body some rest from the more difficult digestive work, it still needs energy and fuel in the form of food for daily functioning.

In fact, a detox is a healthy, varied and mainly plant-based diet, which could include nutritional supplements and enough water (avoid drinking too much water!). Consuming smoothies is a good way to add nutrient-rich superfoods and more vegetables and fruits to your daily menu – see different Detox recipe ideas here.

The cleansing course is usually 1-3 days long and it is recommended to switch to it gradually. So if you know that you are planning to do a 3-day cleanse where you will consume lighter foods such as soups, smoothies and everything plant-based, start preparing for it a week before. From the Be More selection, you will find the following products as effective helpers:

• DETOX SUPERFOOD MIX, which consists of 7 superfoods and is an ideal addition to green smoothies with its mild taste and plenty of plant protein;
• DETOX TEA or BE SLIM TEA, both of which help to stimulate the metabolism;
• BODY CLEANSING COMBO, which consists of Detox tea, Spirulina and Detox superfood mix, so that you can have a complete set to support your cleansing course;
• ASHWAGANDHA ROOT POWDER, which helps create physical and emotional balance, increases the body’s resistance to stress, disease and the environment, and is extremely rich in antioxidants.

 

In addition, try to be physically active during this time, but do not overdo it. A refreshing walk in nature, yoga or stretching help the cleansing process both physically and mentally, creating a whole body and mind experience.

 

Some tips for a successful detox process

• Be physically active. Move lightly, avoid heavy exercise, try yoga, and walk.
• Try breathing exercises. This also helps to get rid of mental stress.
• Plenty of fibre. Make sure you consume enough fibre during the detox, as it boosts metabolism and supports gut health. They are found only in plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes.
• Consume omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the body. The best sources for this are fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds.
• Visit the sauna and try an alternating hot-ice-cold shower. It stimulates blood circulation and helps to remove metabolic waste.
• Lots of greens! Enrich your diet with greens – kale, spinach, arugula, cucumber, green onion, dill, spirulina, etc.
• Quality sleep. This should not be underestimated either, because sleep quality is one of the foundational parts of good health. Try, for example, Be Sleepy crushed tea.

We have made it especially easy for you to try detox – you can find everything you need in the Be More e-store under the “Be green” category.