To detox or not to detox? That is the question many wellness seekers ponder at some point. And with new research saying environmental toxins cause fatigue, there's now a very compelling reason to do a detox. Here's how to detox for an energy hit.
Why Detox?
Anyone who's had chronic fatigue or post-viral fatigue will tell you just how debilitating it can be. Getting to work, staying motivated and even just moving about can be a challenge. To combat fatigue, many of us reach for chemical-laden soft drinks, coffee and sugar to stay awake. However, these may only make fatigue worse. Detoxing, on the other hand, may help the body find balance and restore its own energy levels.
The Toxic Environment
While you may have suspected environmental nasties sap your energy, research is starting to back up such assumptions. One study found that office workers exposed to mold experience significant fatigue, as do students in computer labs lacking ventilation. Not only does this pose short term health problems, but it's been found that our bodies take in toxins, storing them for a long time. This may attribute to common conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, thyroid disease, immune disorders, hormonal imbalances, as well as chronic and other fatigue. And while the medical community is yet to get serious on the issue, the initial research can't be ignored.
How to Detox for Energy
Obviously, the body has the ability to detox itself. All those toxins have to go somewhere, so the body finds ways to expel them. However, research supports the notion that natural therapies can help the body in its natural detoxification. A detox can also help lighten the load on your liver, as it processes toxins, ready for the kidneys and intestines to expel. Your first step in detoxing should be a diet overhaul. A short-term clean living hit can support the liver's detoxification enzyme systems. Doing so can bring about energy and an end to pain and many other fatigue symptoms. To do this, eliminate all processed food and enjoy a high-fibre diet. Increase your intake of vitamins and nutrients and drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. This will also help your bowel keep healthy during the detoxification. A nutritionist, naturopath or dietitian can also provide a tailored detox plan and dietary advice to help you say farewell to fatigue.
Originally published on Dec 11, 2013
