What’s the Difference Between a Detox and a Cleanse?

It happens to everyone: We fall off the healthy living wagon for a while and over-indulge a little more than we should. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday party or just a really tempting dessert that leads us astray, we suddenly forget about our health and fitness goals. But we’re brought back down to reality when our pants feel a bit tighter and our bodies feel a bit sluggish. We figure a good detox will restore us to our normal state, but where to begin? Misleading and jumbled information about detoxes and cleanses has flooded the Internet, promising a variety of difference results. If you are looking for a healthy, natural way to get back on track, check out the information below!

What is a detox? Detoxification is a metabolic process that converts the toxins in our bodies into waste. That waste is then eliminated, and that activity can be harsh on us. The point of a detox is to ease the release of toxins from our fat storage cells in order to enhance the body’s detoxification pathways (especially the liver). A detox program typically works to remove toxins like heavy metals, chemicals, cleaning solutions, cigarette residue, and other environmental elements from our bodies. It can include changes to your diet and lifestyle, as well as some herbal supplements and therapeutic sweating, in places like saunas or steam rooms. Doctors often recommend a detox once or twice a year, due to our overexposure to toxic components in our homes and environments.

Not sure a detox is right for you? Here are some signs of toxicity:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Food sensitivities or allergies
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• High blood pressure
• Constipation
• Headaches, muscle aches and muscle fatigue

What is a cleanse? 

The purpose of a cleanse is to clear out the digestive tract. According to SheKnows, a cleanse is a way to support and enhance your body’s natural detoxification system. By eliminating toxic, compacted fecal matter, parasites, and fungi, we can leave our bodies sparkling clean. In order to go about a cleanse properly, it is essential to clean up your diet and lifestyle (just like in a detox), which means more rest, some gentle and relaxing exercise, and a healthy regimen of herbal supplements to fully remove any toxic build up in your body. You will also need to eliminate “trigger foods” that can be common causes of allergies, sensitivities and digestive issues. We recommend avoiding foods like:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Gluten 
• Soy
• Corn
• Refined sugar
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

For a more complete list, check out this link.

If you believe your body could benefit from a cleansing or a detox, then contact a doctor or a specialist who can design a program that is unique to your symptoms and lifestyle. With a professional’s assistance in monitoring your reactions and side effects, you can safely enjoy all the benefits of a detox or cleanse.