Dietary detox preparation

Due to some sinus problems, general sluggishness, and some other minor but increasingly irritating health issues, I have decided to go on a dietary detox. My March issue of Natural Health magazine had a timely article on “The Doable Detox,” which outlines helpful tips for before, during, and after the detox period.

The article states that detoxing can be beneficial for anyone who suffers from constipation, bloating, gas, fatigue, breakouts, muscle pain, bad breath, or PMS. Other than the fatigue, I’m doing pretty well in this category of symptoms, but it’s the next paragraph that describes me to a T: “You wake up tired, always feel hungry, crave sweets, or have difficulty concentrating.” Yep, yep, yep, and yep.  Writer Susan Hayes says just one week into a detox can start to clear up these symptoms. I’m all for it.

A successful detox should last at least one week and as long as three weeks, according to Mary Saunders, founder and director of Boulder Community Acupuncture in Colorado. The periods before and after are crucial in achieving the desired benefits. Says Saunders, “just going back to your same old habits after you detox is more violent on your body than not detoxing at all.”

Some of the approved foods on a detox are organic fruits and vegetables, brown rice, quinoa, lean meats and cold-water fish, and herbal teas. Fortunately, most of these things already play a large part in my diet.  I do, however, tend to fall victim to the “big five” vices that the article cautions against: caffeine, alcohol, sugar, wheat, and dairy. I know it’ll be difficult cutting out these foods; I’ll certainly be craving coffee, cookies, and an occasional beer, but I’m excited to see what kind of effect the detox has on my sinus congestion, energy level, and concentration. I’m headed to the health food store tomorrow to stock up on some basics: brown rice, quinoa, Omega-3 supplements, and herbal teas. Hayes reports that it’s best to slowly wean yourself off prohibited foods to increase your chances of maintaining a successful detox and reducing the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms. Check back soon for clean detox recipes, tips, and real-life reactions to the cleansing process.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”