Are you just tired? Or do you need a detox?

April is Detox month here at Missi Balison Fitness and we are going to find your if you need a detox. Here is what we’ve covered so far:

In part 1 of this series we covered creating a new mindset around detoxing the body, learn about what detox is and the benefits of detoxing. If you are wanting to take a deep dive into “all things detox” start HERE

Part 1.5 (this was a “Saturday-morning-before-Easter-Sunday-great-cup-of-coffee” inspired impromptu inspired post) laid out for you what to do when you run into a weekend of binge eating and what to do to get your body feeling better fast Read it HERE

Today, in Part 2, we are going to dive into the signs your body will give you when you need a detox

Here are a few questions to consider to help you determine if your body is showing you signs that you need a detox:

Skin issues

Do you frequently get rashes? Acne? Dry skin? Flat skin tone?

I can’t think of anyone, man or woman, that would say “No” to beautiful glowing skin. Did you know the skin is the body’s largest organ. It is like a window to what is actually going on inside the body. If your skin is dry, looks flat or you have a lot of eruptions (rashes, patches, acne…) this is a very clear indicator that the body is struggling and needs some help to rid itself of toxins building up on the inside. We can try all the topical solutions in the world and they may work for a short time but if we don’t take a look at what is going on inside, the irritations will continue to pop up.

In the beginning phases of a detox or cleanse you may find that your skin actually gets a little bit worse. This is actually a sign that the toxins are moving through and being removed (through the skin, remember, it is the largest organ in the body so the body knows that it will be the best way to shed the toxins) This effect will be short lived just a few days) and on the other side you will be so pleased with the glow!

Headaches

Headaches are easy to pass off as being caused by fatigue, hunger or stress. Constant unexplained headaches is a very clear sign that the body is ready for a cleanse. A headaches is a very simple indicator that something in the body is “off”. Sometimes you can pinpoint a headache back to tight neck muscles, dehydration or stress but outside of those things chronic headaches are tell tale that the body is wanting some attention. Getting rid of impurities through a detox will help. While headaches can be one of the side effects of the first few days of a cleanse, they are also a very clear sign that you need a detox.

Foggy Brain/Poor Focus

Do your thoughts drift?

Do you have a hard time finishing a project before switching to a new one?

Do you have trouble remembering names, words or things on your to do list?

All too often we blame lack of focus on having too much to do and trying to multitask. When your cells aren’t burdened with processed foods, sugars, fats and heavy proteins and they are soaking up nutrient dense foods and getting the nourishment they need and want, you will be amazed how much more clearly your brain can function. The clarity you get with a detox is unbelievable. When detoxing, I personally feel like my eyes are wide open, bright and I am ready to take on the world!…Especially after the first 2 days

Sluggishness

Do you wake up still feeling sluggish even after a “good” nights sleep?

Do you often catch yourself needing a pick me up in the middle of the day and being driven toward caffeinated beverages and sugary foods to fire you up and bring you quick burst of energy?

When the the “hit” of caffeine wears off do you find yourself crashing and needing more?

If you find that you are constantly fatigued and feeling sluggish, it may very well be time for a detox.

Slow digestion

Are you often bloated or gassy?

Do you frequently have a case of constipation or diarrhea?

Our colon (the large intestine) is all about passing out waste (otherwise known as poop). When we eat a lot of processed foods, don’t exercise enough we collect waste in our colon “Yuck” is right…we want that stuff out of there! A detox/cleanse can help give the digestive system a break as well as move things through properly and make way for the next round of waste to move through

Feeding your body healthy foods, raw foods and going lighter on fats and heavy proteins for a time can give the body just the rest and additional fiber it needs to get things moving

Weight Loss Plateau

Is your weight loss progress stuck even though you feel like you are doing all the right things?

We tend to think that weight loss is about moving more and eating less. While this is a piece of the equation, we have to consider the other factors, especially if your fat loss is stalled. The liver plays a major role in metabolism and when it is burdened with the clutter of toxins it can’t do it’s job as well as it should. A detox will free up the liver to be able to focus on fat metabolism leading to weight loss.

These are just a few of the most common signs that your body needs a detox. In Part 3 we will take a look at some of the many ways you can introduce a detox to your body. HINT: It doesn’t have to be brutal…I promise 🙂

Part 1: How to detox: What, Why & Mindset

Part 1.5: Quick Tips To Bounce Back After Binge A Eating Weekend

Part 2: 6 signs you need a detox

Part 3: Best Time To Detox

Are you ready to dive into detoxing? Don’t do it alone!