Like most of my fellow vegan friends, food started to be one of my biggest concern the day I adopted a whole-foods plant-based diet. By cautiously controlling our diets, we get every day more and more aware of the importance of healthy habits and food choices, not only because they are more ethical towards the animals and the planet, but also because they make us better, healthier human beings.
Many of us pride ourselves to be “as healthy as it gets.” We strive to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, take needed vitamins and minerals supplements, do our best to sleep enough, and even practice daily meditation and other spiritual practices. We believe that “doing it all by the book” is a free ticket to optimum health wonderland (while the world around us gets sicker and sicker). I know I used to.
One day, a non-vegan friend told me about all the benefits she was getting from that fantastic detox she was on. A very condescending part of me thought “Well, I certainly don’t need that”, but as she was going through all the symptoms that lead her to starting that cleanse, there was no way I could ignore mine anymore. My vegan body had been begging me for months for some TLC and I wouldn’t pay attention. And chances are – your body has, too.
The process of detoxing consists in eliminating, transforming, and neutralizing toxins in the body, as well as ridding 
it of excess mucus and congestion though nutrition and mind/body/spirit connection practices. Our bodies are constantly exposed to stress, toxic exposure and to other (past or frequent) sources of contamination (food, air, water, electromagnetic radiation, prescription drugs, etc.). In the business of our everyday life, it is crucial to reward your body with the nutritive purification that it needs and allow yourself to feel more energized, environmentally and inwardly attuned, get a clearer skin and lose a few extra pounds.
Following are 9 signals your body is desperately sending “Mayday Mayday! Detox me NOW!” messages your way.
1. Digestive problems
Gas, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn may be linked to an unhealthy digestive tract. Healthy gut bacteria are not only important for how you digest food, they also play an important role in immunity and overall body functions.
2. Sluggishness, fatigue and insomnia
If feeling tired, having trouble sleeping (especially between 3-4 am), waking up not fully rested and having a hard time keeping your eyes open after 4pm is part your everyday routine, hit the reset button and regain the energy your body needs to go through the day.
3. Weight gain and trouble losing weight
A toxic overload (from alcohol, drugs, pesticides, preservatives and processed –even vegan, yes- junk food and other synthetic chemicals) can cause the body store fat cells (leading to weight gain and/or cellulite) and disrupt weight regulation, making it harder for you to lose those extra pounds.
4. Brain fog
You are unable to focus, your workdays are less and less productive and the simplest problems require a lot more energy than usual to solve. If restoring your brain’s ability to focus and concentrate is what you want, detoxing can help.
5. Constipation (one bowel movement a day or less)
Chronic constipation is a sign that should never be taken lightly. If your digestive system isn’t at its best, it could be your body telling you that it needs a cleansing. Waste in your bowels and colon take years to accumulate, an effective cleanse will improve your digestive health and clear your gastrointestinal tract of any stored up matter, enabling your body to function and absorb nutrients properly.
6. Unpleasant body odor
Bad breath, white or yellow-coated tongue, smelly armpits and strong body odors can be the sign that your body is working hard to get rid of its excess of toxins.
7. Acne/skin Problems
Skin is the largest organ in our body. Breakouts and other skin issues are a red flag that your body may be loaded with toxins and needs a deeper cleansing.
8. Congestion/frequent colds
If you are finding yourself with heavy mucus or a runny nose for no apparent reason, you may be dealing with a weakened immune system. If your body is too busy fighting against an excess of toxins, give it the strength and resources it needs to fight infection and prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses.
9. Mood swings and anxiety
An overly toxic body can lead to poor brain and liver function, affecting your mood and ability to handle stress.
If the answer is yes and believe detoxification could help you get back on track, make sure to consult with your doctor.
How would you recommend we cleanse if you can tell you your body needs it? I do have some digestive issues and this might be the trick. Would you recommend a juice cleanse or something different?
Hey McKenzie,
Thank you so much for your comment!
That is a great question: Juice cleanses provide the body with a quick and easily-absorbed amount of nutrients from the fruit and vegetables you juice throughout the day. However, the lack of fiber, water and protein can make it hard for the body to eliminate the released toxins. Also, some may experience weakness, fatigue and light-headedness or even weight gain. What I suggest is a nutritional cleanse that would provide your body with a combination of whole, detoxifying foods, and that would assist your body as a whole in releasing the toxins without deprivation and include cleansing of the mind and soul through self-care practices.