Detoxification doesn't need to be in the form of a grueling juice cleanse. In fact, we don't think juice cleanses are a good idea. They are often high in sugar, lack protein and essential B- vitamins required for Phase 2 liver detoxification. A juice detox also doesn't teach any long-term eating habits or changes.
At The Nutrition Clinic, we choose real food over just juice. If you feel like you need to give your body a break try this top 3 tips:
Remove processed food, gluten, dairy, alcohol and sugar, along with any foods you are sensitive to or feel you may be sensitive too. (no idea? you may want to do a food sensitivity test)
Next up your veggies, particularly cruciferous veggies which are great for detoxification- think cauliflower, broccoli, kale and cabbage.
Ensure you are getting enough high-quality protein.
When it comes to detoxification we go slow and steady using real food for a reason. A lot of fad detox diets like juicing, drinking maple syrup or only tea can swing your body into what is known as a healing crisis- this happens when you detoxify too fast and toxins end up circulating around your body with no clear route of escape.
Detoxification is an excellent tool, and although our bodies detox naturally from time to time we all need some extra help with supporting our liver.