Going for a detox is a good idea only if you know the know-how. SAPNA SARFARE speaks to experts on the process of detoxification for a healthier and glowing body.
How you take care of your health goes a long way for not just staying alive, but also thrives on easy terms. One of the ways to do that is by the method of detoxification. The process is a good way to make sure any toxins are removed from your body and lead a much cleaner life internally. It is not an easy process, though. Going the wrong way means messing yourself internally on a long term. We must take the guidance of an expert who will lead you in the right manner.
Pune-based nutritionist Amita Kelkar gives you a simple meaning of detoxification. “The word is typically meant for the process of deriving assumed or expected health benefits from avoiding one or more foods and or even drink. It also is used for leading a certain lifestyle, one without smoking, alcohol and a vegan diet.” Kasturi Padhye, Nutritionist at Gold’s Gym India, backs Kelkar’s statement by adding, “It is all about clean-up of the blood and removing impurities. The toxins get eliminated from major.”
It is to be noted that not every needs to go for detoxification. Padhye is clear-cut of who needs detoxification. “Those struggling with skin problems, aches and pains, digestive problems or can’t lose weight, it might be time for body detox. With today’s toxic environment, everyone must detox at least once a year.” She wants pregnant & nursing mothers and patients with chronic diseases to keep away from detox. The best thing for them would be to consult the physician before going ahead.
Kelkar states, “Medically, no one needs to go for detoxification. Our body is well equipped to get rid of whatever toxins are generated. In a scenario where the body is not able to eliminate toxins efficiently due to an infection or an organ malfunction, a person falls medically ill. Having said that, avoiding alcohol, smoking, drug abuse and an excessive diet is needed for every single one of us for better health.”
Anything good done with proper direction helps you in a long way. Padhye feels detox can be a boon in many ways to living a quality life. “Due to long-term exposure to various toxins, your metabolism, immune system & behaviour are affected in many ways. Detox helps by removing them. This can further prevent chronic disorders and improves our immune system. As toxins affects our ability to burn fat, this leads to weight gain and subsequently related diseases. Detoxing helps increase nutrient absorption to fight stress and premature aging. Other benefits include easing depression, improving memory, better sleep & skin, strengthen hair & nails, and give a natural glow.”
Further continuing on giving proper direction, Padhye wants you to start the process by going light on the toxic intake. “Get rid of alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars etc., which are barriers to your healing. Another obstacle is stress, which triggers the release stress hormones within you and thus slowing down detoxification enzymes in the liver. The best ways for stress relief are yoga & meditation.”
Few tips for better detoxification process, according to Padhye, would be eating plenty of fibre, taking more amounts of Vitamin C & antioxidants and breathing deeply to allow oxygen to circulate completely. “Exercise is of utmost importance in this process.”
As mentioned before, following any health suggestion blindly could have horrifying effect on your health. While you are hell-bent on going for detox, certain dos and don’ts would be vital. Kelkar suggests, “Detox should not have extremely low calorie diets or micro nutrients like Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C & D and Iron. Extremely restrictive & low calorie diets can lead to headaches, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia and the yo-yo syndrome for weight loss, wherein the weight lost due to very low calorie or crash dieting comes back with extra weight once the diet is stopped.”
Matching Kelkar’s suggestions, Padhye further adds that it would always be an excellent chance to speak to your physician on its appropriateness. This is vital if you have medical issues. “Always be hydrated for effective cleansing. Keep away from stress, as with stress, your body can use the nutrients to tackle the stress instead of going for cleansing. Do not stay up late, as sleep helps in cleansing and regeneration. Also do not indulge in alcohol, refined flours, sugar, smoking, etc.”
Once you are done with detoxification, the results are everything positive. Kelkar says, “A detox will be helpful only if done under the guidance of an expert nutritionist. Any fad diets or so-called detoxes always leave you
worse off if there is no one to monitor the nutrition balance of the detox lifestyle.”
According to Padhye, this process is all about removal & elimination of toxins from your body, giving it all the nutrients it requires and nurturing the body from inside. “Detoxifying is the easiest way in which you can renew yourself to preserve health and protect yourself from sickness.” With the process clear, there is no stopping you from detoxifying ill health from your body.
