Detoxing gets a bad rap. There are countless “detox programs” out there on the market now. Just like anything else, there will be good ones, and there will be bad ones. Of course, here, we talk about our cleanse, and if you’ve tried our signature 21-Day Program, you likely have some thoughts about it. But what is the real story of detox vs cleanse? For many people, detox translates to juice cleanses, feeling “hangry”, slashing calories, and no fun. However, detoxing is so much more than that.
What is a Detox?
Detoxification is a process of transformation in our bodies. A detox is an opportunity to get rid of what is no longer serving us, reset, and break bad habits. Its real purpose is to release any toxic overload we may be carrying around and enhance our naturally occurring detoxification processes in the body.
What is a Cleanse?
Cleanses often involve consuming specific foods and beverages that support digestive function. Common methods include juice cleanses, meal plans, and supplements that provide essential nutrients while giving the digestive system a break.
So What’s the Difference Between a Detox and a Cleanse?
There really isn’t one. Detox and cleanse are terms often used interchangeably to describe the same process of ridding the body of toxins and improving overall health. The goals, methods, and benefits are the same; it's just a matter of different names for the same practice.
Benefits of Cleansing and Detoxing:
- Improved digestion
- Weight loss
- Enhanced nutrient absorption
- Reduced bloating
- Deeper Sleep
- Decreased body pain and inflammation
- Clearer skin
- Enhanced mental clarity
Don’t Our Bodies Detoxify Naturally?
Yes, our bodies have natural detoxification processes. Our bodies are cleaning house constantly by way of our paths of elimination like the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, colon, and skin. Each of these organs works to eliminate excess waste products (or toxins) that are produced by our natural metabolic process. It’s incredible! However, we put a lot of strain on these detoxification organs day-after-day, even if we are eating clean, whole foods.
Research by the Centers for Disease Control found detectable levels of more than 200 environmental chemicals like pesticides, flame retardants and tobacco smoke by-products in the blood and urine of large sample groups. Some of these substances are carcinogens, while others likely mess with hormones and organ function. Environmental toxins are everywhere. When you add these on top of the standard American diet, heavy in processed foods, refined sugars, additives, and preservatives, it’s no surprise that we can feel groggy, tired and inflamed.
Our bodies are equipped to detoxify natural compounds, like a little too much sugar from an indulgent night out. However, they were not designed to process the amounts of toxins in food and the air that we all encounter today. Some chemicals, like those derived from plastics, are stored in our fat cells for years. This is where the argument for detox programs, superfoods, and supplements can be made.
What to Look for in a Well-Rounded Detox Program
Adequate levels of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and healthy fats must be maintained while on a detox. This keeps all systems functioning, encourages healthy elimination, and maintains energy levels, so you can actually complete it.
The 21-day Clean Program sets us up for detoxification success. The program requires that we omit all common food sensitivities and allergens, which drastically minimizes inflammation. In addition to omitting the bad, we flood our bodies with all the good – phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, plant-based fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Our organic protein powder provides vitamins and protein to fuel the body, maintain muscle mass and support cellular growth and repair. Combined with some delicious fruits and greens, it also satiates us – bye hangry!
To round the program out, a strong probiotic and digestive enzymes optimize digestion and gut health, strengthening the immune system, nervous system, and brain.
The Clean Program contains everything necessary for proper detoxification – deprivation-free.
It’s important to also note that here at Clean, we dive deeper into health than purely what you eat. The 21-day Clean Program is truly an emotional and spiritual experience. We often consume sugar, caffeine, and alcohol when we need to change our state of being, whether it is because we are tired, anxious, bored, or sad. Without any of these, our discipline is really tested. We are forced to tap into the underlying cause, which can often lead to a huge awakening. We come out stronger and more resilient.
Embracing Long-Term Health Changes
The Clean Program leaves us with information regarding our specific bodies. You will be able to feel what really works for your unique body as you reintroduce some of the common foods that cause sensitivities into your life. We break through emotional eating tendencies, poor lifestyle habits, and negative actions that just don’t serve us along our health journey. Healthier, sustainable habits replace our old ones and lead to long-term change.
A detox program is not a quick-fix or a backup plan for shedding some excess weight before a big event. It’s a way to really clean house of both our nutritional habits, as well as our lifestyle habits. We can zero in on what truly makes us feel healthy and vibrant – which can mean making a Cleanse Shake and skipping that weeknight drink to prioritize sleep. If we listen carefully, our bodies provide us with the information we need to reach our health goals.
Written by Hannah Aylward
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