A Facebook friend asked her online universe why cleanses and detoxes are so popular.
My opinion?
They’re popular because people believe they can trash their bodies for days/weeks/months/years and then “detox” for 2-5 days and call it even. It’s justification, and it lets people do what they want without feeling guilty because they “fix it.”
The best way to keep your body in good working order is to fuel it well on a regular basis. Perfect every day? Nah. But mostly great stuff most days. Minimal not great stuff most days.
We have built-in systems for cleaning out crap. The problem is when we overload the systems on a regular basis.
The more problems your body has, the stricter you’ll need to be for it to be happy (or happier).
Allergies typically require a modified diet (though when eczema or something similar is the consequence, many will use creams instead of diet to manage it).
Autoimmune disorders (which I would argue are a more severe case of allergies) have low or no tolerance for added sugars, fried foods, processed foods, alcohol.
Diabetes (regardless of type) requires dietary maintenance, and if you don’t do it, you’re going to have severe problems (immediately, down the road, or both).
The list goes on and on, but illnesses that we weren’t born with have some link to diet; some can be blamed entirely on diet. (And some that develop in utero can be blamed on mom’s diet. And now, we’re learning, grandma’s diet.)
What we eat and drink is really important. REALLY important. But because the side effects are gradual, because we’re “all” tired and a little (or more) overweight, because we’re “all” a little achy, we assume that’s just how it goes, but it’s not.
A detox doesn’t fix it.
Eat well. Drink well. Your body will thank you. It’s the only one you get. Treat it well.