Photo by Bill OxfordOriginally Posted On: http://fashionetc.com/lifestyle/features/9070-how-to-detox-your-body-to-support-weight-loss
The global population is exposed to daily toxins more than ever before. You might not see them, but they are everywhere and often hard to avoid. There are chemicals and toxins in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the many work and household items we use regularly. Household cleaners, cosmetics, hair care products and even furniture contain invisible toxins that have potentially harmful long-term effects.
These toxins will build up inside the body over time and can have a negative impact on weight loss efforts. There are signs that toxins in the environment can contribute to obesity. Detoxing the body is like pressing the reset button and giving your body a fresh start. By cleansing out harmful toxins, you can ensure your weight loss efforts are supported, which enables you to regain control over your health.
By choosing the right detox program, you can aid your body in the cleansing process and feel fantastic.
How do toxins prevent weight loss?
The sheer number of harmful toxins and chemicals that you encounter on a daily basis can overwhelm your natural detox system. The liver has a big job to do and will often struggle to keep up, therefore allowing these toxins to sit in the body for extended periods of time.
These toxins hinder metabolism and cause bloating, fluid retention and general puffiness. When the metabolism isn’t functioning correctly, you will struggle to lose weight. The key to detoxifying is eliminating waste from your body, and sometimes your system needs a bit of help doing so.
Here are some ways you can detox your body that will help kickstart your weight loss goals.
1. Try a shake cleanse
A fantastic way to detoxify and cleanse your system fast is through fortified diet shakes. Whether you use them for one week, or for 12 weeks, they will help eliminate toxins from your system and give your digestion a chance to heal and balance out.
When you switch to a liquid-only diet, you eliminate the need for your body to have to break down your food. You will also alleviate a considerable amount of work from your colon, which will enable you to eliminate waste more effectively. The vitamins and nutrients that are in the shakes will absorb directly into your system, giving you a healthy boost.
On top of that, not only will they cleanse your system, but they will also help you lose weight through a process called ketosis. When you consume an all-liquid diet, your body will begin to get its energy from your stored body fat, thus helping you lose weight.
2. Exercise
Sweating is one of your body’s natural way of eliminating toxin. It also cleanses the skin, allowing your pores to open and breathe. Exercising is a great way to give your body’s detox system a boost flushing out your lungs and promoting blood flow. The increased blood circulation when you exercise will allow more white blood cells to reach your organs and cleanse themselves.
Exercise will also contribute substantially to weight loss and overall health. If you are trying to lose weight, you must burn more calories each day than you consume, and a great way to do so is by exercising. If you are not on a (very low-calorie diet) VLCD and you aren’t exercising at all, it will be hard to lose substantial weight. Beyond that, exercise builds strength, boosts energy and releases endorphins which will keep you happy. A healthy, happy mind hugely impacts your body.
3. Choose healthy, organic foods
Humans are most impacted by the toxins in the food supply. Since you’re ingesting them, they can go straight into your bloodstream; therefore, the potential for harm is much higher. By choosing organic foods with no pesticides or chemicals, you can reduce the toxins that you put into your system. Just as important as eliminating chemicals is avoiding foods which impede your body’s detoxification process.
Some of the best foods you can eat to detoxify your body include naturally include:
• Natural fats and oils such as organic coconut and extra virgin olive
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes such as lentils and beans
• Fresh fruit
• Non-starchy vegetables
4. Avoid foods that impede detoxification
One of the biggest offenders is no surprise: sugar. Sugar contributes to obesity as it increases inflammation in the body. Trans fats and damaged fats can also inhibit detoxification so you should try to avoid them. Trans fats are often hidden in processed foods.
If you have any food sensitivities or allergies, be sure to eliminate them from your diet as well since your body will have a hard time digesting them. The extended digestion period will allow more toxins to enter your bloodstream. Some of the most common food sensitivities are dairy, gluten, corn and soy. If you do a cleanse or detox, try avoiding any foods containing those ingredients for the best results.
5. Minimize exposure to toxins
One of the best ways to eliminate toxins is by avoiding them altogether. While there are toxins such as those in the air that are unavoidable, there are many ways you can reduce your exposure to them. As stated above, some of the most harmful toxins come in the form of food. Avoid processed foods and opt for organic fruits and veggies.
When choosing household cleaners look for natural and chemical-free options or make a DIY cleaner from vinegar and water. Choose plastic-free options whenever possible as it constantly emits toxic chemicals into the air. When it comes to purchasing clothing, make sure you do your research to choose organic fabrics or purchase clothing second-hand. There is a lot of toxic residue left on clothing from the manufacturing process that you can breathe in or absorb.
The build-up of toxins within the body can have a negative impact not only on your weight loss, but on your overall health. As your body struggles to detoxify these substances, your metabolism can slow and make it very difficult to lose weight. If you want to give yourself the best chance of success, make sure to detox your system.
