What is a detox? Detoxing can mean many different things.
Some people believe in a total fast--that is, water only and nothing else. There are many benefits to fasting, including autophagy which is the process of ridding your body of old, dead cells. This might prevent old cells from hanging around too long and perhaps becoming cancerous. If you are interested in a total fast, I'd recommend doing plenty of research first and maybe even getting medical support. A water-only fast can result in loss of minerals that are vital to your body's functioning, so please be prepared to replace those minerals when you are fasting for long periods!
If a total fast is not your cup of tea, then there are juice fasts or liquid-only fasts. Again, do your research and be sure you will receive all the minerals needed to stay well hydrated.
Maybe fasting is not the type of detox you are looking for. Detoxing can also mean removing substances from your diet that are interfering with your health and happiness. This is the type of detox I am following for the month of March. I am deleting added sugar and sweeteners from my diet in order to improve the health of my joints, reduce pain, and hopefully lose a few pounds. You might choose to give up sugar, but other options are alcohol, fried foods, processed foods, grains, gluten, dairy, or another substance that you feel has gotten in the way of your health.
And while you are detoxing the body, you might also give some thought to detoxing the mind. Negative thought patterns are extremely toxic to your psyche! Do you ever catch yourself in the middle of a negative thought? Do you talk to yourself in a way that is hurtful? Maybe for the month of March, we can also work on eliminating these thoughts that cause us harm. Instead, learn to become your own cheerleader. Notice all the positive things you do. Stick up for yourself!
In addition to negative thought patterns, we allow all kinds of negative influences to enter our minds. Think about the television shows you watch, the books and articles you read, the people you hang out with. Do they make you feel happy, uplifted, supported? Or do they leave you feeling sad or angry? March is a great time to experiment with cutting out influences that are basically harmful. Your health and happiness depends on it.
So let's start our spring cleaning a little early!
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