"Unhealthy foods, lack of exercise, and spending little time outdoors can result in weight gain, low energy, a weakened immune system, and inflammation throughout the body. One of the best ways to get your body back on track and undo the damage done with holiday indulgences is to cleanse” (Jockers)
Most of the processed food we consume is full of toxins! Many of the products used to extend shelf life and make you “think” the food tastes good are carcinogens, addictive and inflammatory. They can lead to brain fog. They destroy the gut which leads to further inflammation. They are full of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). GMOs are linked to cancer, organ damage and fertility problems, just to name a few. They are filled with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Many are not even synthetic. Yikes! In fact, in the U.S., it is still legal to use many ingredients banned in other countries, including: Olestra, brominated vegetable oil or flour, azodicarbonamide, BHA, BHT, rBGH, rBST and arsenic. In addition, filling up on these non-foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies because you are not eating those foods that actually nourish the body.
Other than our foods, where are we being exposed to toxins? Internally, this could include excess hormones, free radicals, bacteria, fungi and yeast. Externally (aka xenobiotics) includes pesticides, chemicals in personal care products, cleaners, heavy metals (cookware, dental work, etc), mold, pharmaceuticals, off-gassing of paint/carpet/cars, smoke, smog and contaminated water.
What do toxins do to our bodies? Toxins found in plastic, cans, detergents, skin care/makeup and pesticides can interrupt our endocrine system. Some even mimic estrogen which leads to imbalance in the body.
So, why cleanse? The liver processes toxins and packages them for excretion to be removed from the body. The liver can only handle a certain quantity. Hence, when toxins are going in faster than they can be removed, the body needs to find places to store the extra toxins.