Not So FAST! the real deal about detoxing in the new year

A common New Year’s resolution is to begin a fast, detox, or cleansing program.  Although this is often done with the best intentions, these programs may be far from what your body truly needs: nourishment.

Before a detox program is started, it is wise to consider these questions:

• Is my body digesting food properly?
• Am I consuming a nutrient-dense whole foods diet?
• Am I in a strengthened state and ready to handle the stress of a fast?
• Do I have the time to allow for extra rest and rejuvenation?

For a beginner, the best “clean up” is to begin with what you ARE eating, instead of what you CAN’T eat while fasting, detoxing, or cleansing.

Focus on your diet, does it include:

• Local and/or organic protein sources? Including eggs, meat, fish, beans, and dairy.
• Local and/or organic vegetables? Focusing on non-starchy, seasonal and leafy greens.
• Healthful, unadulterated fats? Extra Virgin Olive Oil, grass-fed butter, avocados, flax seed, coconut oil, raw nuts.
• Local and/or organic low-sugar fruits? This includes berries, grapefruit, lemons, and tart apples.
• Properly prepared whole grains? Soaked and/or fermented.
  

Proper Digestion and Elimination are the KEY step to naturally detoxing.

If you suffer from indigestion, constipation, diarrhea or food allergies, you could be creating an undesirable environment within your body.  Before considering a detox, it is important to clear all pathways.  If this is not done, the body’s systems may be clogged, trapping more toxins.  This does not mean flush your body, but support it!  Proper assimilation of one’s food is crucial to health.

Interested in learning more about the signs of proper function and dysfunction in your gut? Stay tuned for next week’s edition.

For more information visit Nichewellness.com.