Toxins in Our Bodies, Cycling Off of Training Supplements & Cleansing Options

Pollutants get introduced into our bodies through the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat. Some are invisible or undetectable. Pesticides and herbicides may be found on fruits and vegetables. Some animal meat may contain growth hormones, steroids or antibiotics.

Your body processes the toxins that you take in. An accumulation of excess toxins could lead to gas & bloating, decreased energy, fatigue, headaches, allergies, cravings, digestive problems, insomnia or weight gain.

Your intestines are about 30 feet long, with lots of nooks and crannies along the way. Some waste gets trapped, creating more toxins over time. When we are clear of excess toxins, our digestive system functions better and we are better able to absorb nutrients from the food we eat.

How I got introduced to detox and cleansing

Several years ago, I attended the fitness training camp of my long time fitness idol, Professional Figure Competitor, Monica Brant. She is the one who introduced me to the Isagenix cleansing program, the same program she uses herself. Why would SHE need to do a cleanse? Her abs are chiseled and she’s always ready for a last minute photo shoot. She explained that, even for people who generally eat healthy, if you take in pre-workout or other training supplements, your body may not respond as well to the supplement over time. If you cycle OFF and detox from your favourite supplement, you may find it works even better for you, and you’ll need less of it for the same effect, if you choose to start back on it again.

For me, I was having a hard time breaking free from my vacation mode and just needed to get back on track with healthy eating. I bought an Isagenix kit, hoping it would snap me out of my funk. I noticed changes starting in just a few days, had energy to continue my workouts, felt great and burned off some unwanted fat. To this day, I still throw in a Cleanse (liquid) day when I feel I need it and I continue to keep a meal replacement shake on hand, to have when I’m pressed for time.

Is Isagenix right for you?

Isagenix supports your body’s natural detoxification process. As you take in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and vital nutrients, you will help your body rid itself of harmful impurities, and build healthy cells. You will have more energy, better mental focus and lose weight.

The Isagenix Process: On Shake Days, you will have a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake for breakfast and dinner and eat your own healthy lunch (suggestions are provided). The meal replacement shake has a digestive enzyme in it. The shakes help you maintain lean body mass and promote fat burning. Depending on whether you choose to do a 9-day cleanse or 30-day cleanse, you will do 1 or 2 Cleanse (liquid) Days, filled with energizing nutrients, where your body takes a break and heals.

Cost: The products in a 30-day cleanse replace 68 meals, at a cost of approximately $4.57 a meal.

Not Interested in Buying a Kit? Detox on Your Own, the natural way, by taking in less toxins and eating naturally detoxifying foods

Most fresh fruits and vegetables, milk products, fresh meat, poultry, fish and eggs are not taxed, saving you money when you cook for yourself. A healthy lifestyle and eating habits will improve how your body functions and how you feel. Try to focus on eating more foods that grow ON a plant and less foods that grown IN a plant:

• Eat whole foods (not processed or packaged). The natural fiber in whole food helps to remove waste and keep you feeling full longer. Processed foods are often filled with artificial flavour and colour, added fat and loaded with preservatives.
• If you are going to eat anything organic, start with apples. They can contain the highest amount of pesticides. Some pesticides can remain even when produce is washed. Switching to organic is also good for produce that you do not peel. The Dirty Dozen is a list of produce with the highest amount of pesticides, which are better eaten organic.
• When choosing meats, get the highest quality protein by looking for labels such as organic, hormone and antibiotic free, free range or grass fed.
• Make time for exercise. An inactive job, followed by sitting around at home will take your energy level even lower. If you know you are not doing enough, add in ANYTHING, even if it’s stairs at work or breaks to walk around. When you can…break a sweat. Toxins are released through sweat, plus, you’ll gain energy from getting your blood moving.
• Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water. A well-hydrated body is like a well-oiled machine.
• Avoid heating foods in plastic containers. Buy plastic that is BPA free. Also, use water bottles that are BPA free.

 Add In more of the good choices to Crowd Out room for the bad

Here are just some of the foods that can help you detoxify naturally:

• Chlorophyll in green leafy vegetables helps rid the body of harmful toxins
• Lemon juice (you can add lemons to your water) supports the liver in its cleansing process
• Mung Beans are easy to digest and absorb toxic residue from the intestinal walls
• Onion, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, garlic, beets, turmeric and oregano, can help your liver purge toxins
• Add in easily digestible seeds and nuts, such as flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts or almonds. Avoid nut butters while detoxifying.
• Omega 3 oils help to lubricate the intestinal walls, allowing toxins to be absorbed by the oil and eliminated by the body

Another cleanse that I’ve done and would recommend is the Colorado Cleanse or Short Home Cleanse, by Dr Douillard of LifeSpa. Both involve eating detoxifying foods and supplementing with natural herbs.

It can be overwhelming to think you need to overhaul everything. You don’t. Start small and make even one change. Imagine how you are going to feel with extra energy.

You are not alone. If you need support, or have questions, I am here to help.

Caron

*I am NOT paid to endorse any product but I can recommend products that I have tried myself and that have worked for me.