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With health and wellness becoming more of a priority, detox diets are gaining popularity. But what does a detox do? How does it affect your liver and other organs? We spoke with Accredited Practising Dietitian Shivaun Conn to get an expert’s view on detoxing.
What exactly is a detox? Shivaun says that it’s a buzzword, and adds that our bodies are pretty good at detoxing themselves. Both our livers and kidneys play key roles in flushing out toxins.
Let’s bust the four most common myths about detoxing, according to Shivaun.
Focus on including fresh, whole foods for healthy living.
What a detox may be good for is kickstarting a healthier lifestyle. “Sometimes people will start those diets and then actually establish healthier habits because they're having more water, fruits and vegetables. It will kickstart them to not having as much alcohol too,” says Shivaun. But it’s a short-term change that comes with an element of risk.
Shivaun’s key message is that there are better, safer ways to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle or have more energy, here are some ways to safely change your eating habits:
Consuming healthier alternatives increases your energy, improves sleep and boosts your self worth. Rather than beating yourself up over one too many slices of cake, you’ll feel confident in your healthy choices.
Eating a balanced diet made with healthy food choices can improve your energy and wellbeing.
Knowing you’re nourishing your body from the inside out also helps to motivate you far more than numbers on a scale would.
“Consider your overall diet, and make any changes that might improve your energy or make you feel a bit healthier,” advises Shivaun.
Shivaun believes there is not. She says detoxing through diet changes is never natural. It’s also unnecessary. Instead, choose to improve your body’s health with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
A simple tool to provide insight into your shopping habits and inspiration to make healthier choices
healthylife Food Tracker is a simple tool to help you achieve a more balanced diet. It helps you assess the balance of the foods that make it to your plate, based on the groceries you buy.
Related:
Shivaun Conn is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Accredited Nutritionist and Certified Health Coach with particular interests in nutrition, lifestyle, executive health and health behaviour change.
Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board June 2021