If you’re passionate about fitness, you know how important maintaining good overall health is to achieving your athletic goals. A strong metabolism, efficient immune system, and well-nourished body are key when you’re hoping to log significant hours at the gym – but with all the toxins we’re exposed to in our modern lives, we end up feeling lethargic, irritable, and bloated. And no one wants to go to the gym feeling like that.
Stress, animal protein, alcohol and caffeine, and processed foods can wreak havoc inside our bodies – but engaging in a healthy detox can help get you back on track and ready to tackle new fitness obstacles. There are a number of reasons why detox is such an important, healthy practice for everyone, but athletes in particular will find that participating in a regular detox is an essential activity.
- Detox promotes healthy eating habits.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to hit the gym to make up for a bad diet, detox could be just what you need to fix your eating habits once and for all. Most detox diets will require you to reduce your intake of unhealthy foods and replace them with more nutrient-rich options.
While you can always return to your regular diet after the detox is over, most people find that after the initial withdrawal period is over, it’s easier to find the motivation to maintain the new healthier eating plan.
- Detox stimulates the immune system.
Your body will be better prepared to fight off illnesses and infections that might keep you from working out with a regular detox. Cleansing your body of toxins and impurities allows your organs to more easily absorb the nutrients you need, and helps restore balance to all your body’s functions.
With a stronger immune system, your body will be able to support you as you pursue greater physical fitness – and you won’t need to be as concerned about recovery time or healing after an injury.
- Detox increases energy levels.
When you find yourself skipping the gym in favor of spending an extra hour or two in bed, it might be time to think about engaging in a detox. Thanks to the increased nutrients your body will be absorbing, and the healthier diet choices you’ll make during a detox, you’ll find yourself feeling revitalized and more energetic.
The detox will also promote enhanced mental clarity, which will increase your energy levels as well. You can maintain this stimulated feeling by continuing with the detox diet and limiting your intake of sugar-rich foods.
- Detox boosts weight loss.
If your fitness goals are tied to weight loss, detox is a great way to jumpstart the process – help you get past a plateau if you’ve been struggling to get back on track. It’s not just about reduced calories, though. The toxins that accumulate in your body can actually lead to excess fat and mucous, which your body will use to protect your body from the waste.
Detox will enhance your digestive system, boost your metabolism, and reduce bloating, as well – all of which will contribute to healthy, regular weight loss.
- Detox reduces stress.
Stress is one of the most toxic things you can do to your body, and regular stress management practices have proven to lower fatty acid levels and even cholesterol in the blood. A detox can help equip your body with everything it needs to fight the impacts of stress, allowing you to feel more confident and optimistic.
You’ll enjoy a better mood and more relaxed outlook with regular detox practice – and everyone else in your life will benefit from your calmness, as well. Exercise also helps keep stress manageable, so when you combine detox with your regular fitness regimen, you’ll achieve even greater results.
A regular detox can help rejuvenate your entire system – liver, colon, kidneys, brain, skin, lungs, and heart – and brings with it a host of additional health benefits. If you’re aiming to break some personal records and achieve optimum fitness levels, this can be just the thing you need to give you the strength and endurance to get there. Don’t let your health get in the way of your goals – let detox put you on the right path to wellness.
This article was written by Jon Reyes from Steam and Shower UK. He has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.
