Body Detox Myths Dispelled: Part II

In the second part of our two-part series on Body Detox Myths,

we tackle five more myths that might be keeping you from exploring the health-rejuvenating-potential of a balanced body detox cleanse program.

Myth #1: Body Detox and cleansing are dangerous.

When looked at in a particular light, most healthy activities can be viewed as dangerous. Drinking too much water or exercising too long can be dangerous. Even seeing a doctor and going to a hospital can be dangerous. A 2013 study about hospital care estimated that over 400,000 deaths per year were associated with preventable harm during hospital visits.

The safety of a body detox cleanse depends on the quality and method of the program. Many body detox and cleanse programs such as juice fasting or the Master Cleanse can be dangerous, especially when done without the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

Of course, there are situations when cleansing is not the right tool to use. But a body detox that allows liquid and solid meals, focuses on whole foods, maintains adequate calories to support daily activity, and utilizes safe supplementation is farfrom dangerous.

A properly balanced body detox cleanse is not only safe to try, but potentially one of the most important health tools we have.

Myth #2: Body detox and cleansing is a total scam.

Recent articles critical of body detox have declared that cleansing is an undefined scam. While we disagree with much of what they say and think they are missing the bigger picture, they’re right about one thing: there is currently no agreed upon definition of the terms cleanse and detox.

At Clean, we define a body detox or cleanse as a temporary program that uses dietary change, supplements, and complementary activities (e.g. infrared sauna, skin brushing, massage, meditation) to support the body’s natural elimination organs and systems while reducing inflammation caused by common triggers. In essence, The Clean Program supports your body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Body detox programs vary in how much food, what kinds of food, and when and how the food is eaten. Understanding your individualized health and wellness needs will help you decide which cleanse is right for you.

Water fasting without food is on the extreme end of this spectrum where your body detox response is massively ramped up. This is not suitable for most people and is dangerous without medical supervision. On the other end of the spectrum, eating anunprocessed, whole foods diet is a balanced approach to lasting health changes through a steadier rate of body detox.

Dr. Junger’s Clean Program sits in the middle of the cleansing continuum and is the most balanced for daily life. It uses a combination of easily-digestible and protein-rich shakes, dietary change, and targeted supplements to support the body’s detox pathways in a safe, healthy, and effective way.

Myth #3: I won’t have any energy while my body detoxes.

Many body detoxes are not structured properly to maintain daily energy levels. Our team frequently receive emails from people who have tried juice cleansing for a few days only to be left feeling completely exhausted. Juice cleansing is best used, if at all, in a medical spa or retreat setting under the care of a healthcare practitioner. Juice does not contain the calories, protein, and fiber necessary to support the body detox process and an active lifestyle and is often laden with excess sugar.

A balanced nutritional body detox like the Clean Program is designed to be used during our busy daily lives. In fact, people following our body detox program often feel more energy than normal. Of course, there may be moments during a 21-Day Program or a shorter 7-Day Program where you feel tired, but other days you may feel more energy than you’re used to.

Overall, the Clean Program’s approach to body detox using nutrient-dense shakes, a solid lunch meal from like the ones found in Clean Eats, targeted supplements, and light exercise will help stabilize your energy while you improve your health.

Myth#4: I’ll feel hungry on a detox.

A balanced body detox provides the calories and nutrients needed to live your life each day. A well-structured program designed for daily life should not focus on calorie-restriction, so, when you feel hungry, simply eat something from the Clean Eating Meal Program.

What many people associate with the sensation of hunger is better described as appetite, or emotional hunger. It’s the moment when we reach for food to numb an uncomfortable feeling we’re having such anger, irritation, or boredom.

During a cleanse, you may also feel cravings for foods that are not included in the body detox program like dairy, gluten, sugar, coffee, and alcohol. You may interpret these cravings as true hunger when they’re really emotional hunger.

When this happens, we recommend you ask yourself, “What am I really feeling?” If it’s boredom, restlessness, or any other emotion, truly allow yourself to feel it. You don’t have to wallow in unhappiness or negativity, but simply recognize what the true reason is, and put a name to it. Bringing awareness to what you are feeling is often all that is needed for it to pass.

If you’ve never done a body detox cleanse before, don’t worry about feeling “hungry”. Doing a balanced and well-structured body detox like the Clean Program will fuel your body with nutrient-dense whole foods. Plus, it’s one of the best ways to learn the difference between true hunger and emotional hunger.

Understanding this distinction can go a long way in helping stop the cycle of bad habits that often lead to food cravings, weight gain, and poor health in the first place.

Myth #5: Cleanses are only done by celebrities, not real people.

We are very thankful for the testimonials from celebrities who have endorsed the Clean Program and use it regularly. Their public statements help us spread the word to improve the health of a larger community of people.

However, the overwhelming majority of people who use the Clean Program aren’t from Hollywood. They’re real people with real success stories from all over the world who are taking responsibility for their health. They’re moms, dads, sisters and brothers, business owners and employees, entrepreneurs, weekend warriors, and wellness enthusiasts.

We’re so proud of everyone in our Clean Community who has taken steps to improve their health and their life.

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