Today is my last day of detox. 26 days of restricted diet composed of vegetable smoothies/juices and low sodium, high potassium plain vegan foods to detox colon, liver, gallbladder and kidneys. It worked I think. To be honest I never believed in strict dieting or detoxing as to my own knowledge liver as a main detoxification organ does this constantly. However, various detox protocols emphasise the function of eliminatory channels, liver and colon particularly. By restricting the foods and calorie intake actually allows those organs to rest and restore their function to the maximum level.
I happened to undergo this specific detox protocol as ‘a detox buddy’ to my lovely cousin Iva. The specific protocol consisted of 26 days in four phases with different foods eliminating and reintroducing. I love my food and it took me nearly two months to prepare - mentally. I had to be organised, motivated and focused.
The main reason, actually I did this particular detox, was to find out how will it impact my body and mind. We are so addicted to our foods! I wanted to eat not that I needed it nutritionally (as per my plan I had everything I needed to sustain) but because I wanted to eat. I wanted to chew and feel that wonderful feeling of satisfaction in my belly and brain. Eating is so comforting and extremely psychological. I had to trick my mind and use my willpower a lot.
First week was difficult. I was tired, had a headache and low blood pressure for two and half days. Adjusting to my simple foods I felt much better following weeks. Surely I had a weak moments, and ate extra bits or in prohibited hours but I never ate anything extra which wasn’t included in weekly plan. Apart from two slices of gluten-free pizza with veggie topping. (Yes, I’m still human, and technically I was allowed to eat grains that week).
What’s the final outcome of my detox? I feel more energised, fitter, lighter and I lost 2.5kg of my weight - very handy for the summer indeed! I feel I have a clearer focus and my ability to concentrate is easier, which I’d associate with gluten intolerance. I also noticed I don’t have any difficulty with waking and getting up in the mornings as I used to have before. Surprisingly, I didn’t have any sugar cravings for entire time. Financially it didn’t cost me anything, apart from stocking up on foods which I’d do regardless. It was fun to follow and play with different ingredients. It was fun to observe my own consciousness about food from different perspective.
As a practitioner, dietary changes are part of my treatment protocols when it comes to treat my patients. I’m aware it’s not always easy and from my own experience it can be hard but it’s doable. We just have to be willing to make a change. Changing our dietary habits can be a powerful tool to improve health and reverse some existing conditions such as diabetes, mild forms of depression, arthritis etc. Calorie restrictions and fasting have many benefits to our health such as reducing insulin resistance and inflammation, promote weight loss, improve cardiovascular health or boost up metabolism.
In most cases we have been born with 100% functioning organs which are only compromised by various factors later in our lives as we’re getting older. These factors can be internal or external, for instance illnesses, infections, stress, environment, lifestyle, and of course diet. We need to take care of our body in a way its able to serve us for very long time. It’s our own responsibility. Detox doesn’t mean to starve or take a pill instead and continue with usual dietary habits. Detox means consciously adjusting our food intake, respectively implement specific plant extracts to support and allow organs’ function to their best. My message is very simple. If you need to change anything change the simplest thing on your plate - your food.
Good luck with your detox and have fun!
Jitka.
DISCLAIMER: For advanced detox protocols please seek the professional advice of your qualified nutritionist or herbalist.