Active Weight Loss – Detox, Cleanse, Flush

A detox (short for detoxification) is a short period of time in which an individual reduces calorie intake and eliminates toxic and unhealthy substances.

When we change our dietary habits in a drastic manner, our body goes into a ‘shock’ phase. This is because toxins that have made our body home become starved of the nutrients they need to survive. These include foods rich in sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks.

The majority of our body’s toxic waste is eliminated in our gut, liver and kidneys detox systems. In these systems, a group of enzymes (cytochrome P450) are released and protect our cells from any damage caused by toxins. They do this by converting the toxins into smaller substances, and also making the toxins water-soluble so they are easily eliminated from the body.
Oxidation also occurs as it aids in breaking down harmful toxins into less damaging metabolites. During this process, free radicals are produced which can do both good and bad to your DNA, thus it is essential they are transported through the detox pathway and out of our body. Increasing antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids.

Once the toxins are reduced in size, it is time to break them down; during this period, you may experience a ‘die-off’ and symptoms include insomnia, brain fog, mood swings and cravings. It is key that you avoid triggers such as morning coffees and evening glass(es) of wines as this could start producing toxins again.

The final phase is transportation of the toxins; this can happen through your kidneys via urine  or with bile and down the gastrointestinal tract via stool. During this phase, maintain adequate hydration for elimination via urine and stool.

By upregulating the liver, gallbladder and kidney detoxification channels our body can produce glutathione, a key antioxidant which helps detoxify and eliminate toxins in the organs. Additionally, the conjunction of glutathione with toxins effectively removes fat soluble toxins as well as heavy metals. 

REGENERATION – Glycogen depletion, Fat loss, Metabolic Recovery

 Our body has sugar (glycogen) stored ready to fuel biological, chemical and physiological needs; the average sized human stores up to 300-400 calories of glycogen in the liver and 2,000-10,000 calories in muscles. Also, the current western diet is high in carbohydrates and sugars which produces excess amounts of insulin. Insulin has been shown to cause larger amounts of adipose tissue, particularly around our abdomen as well as around our organs. Additionally, high levels of insulin suppress growth hormone levels. Generic weight loss plans advise having a calorie deficit, however this often can result in the body consuming its own muscle for fuel and still have adipose tissues in the body.
During the regeneration phase, a bespoke meal plan will allow your body to burn off stored glycogen in the liver, and the muscles as well as stabilise your insulin levels. Once the glycogen is used, it will then begin to burn body fat for additional energy – this is key for weight loss. During this phase, you may feel more hungry than usual, but you will experience higher levels of energy, experience better sleep and lose a healthy rate of weight loss.

STABILISATION – Long-term maintenance 

Stabilisation is designed to help you re-introduce different types of foods, so that you do not gain any weight. By now, you will know the calorie level and portion size that you need to maintain your new weight. Additionally, your body should be digesting foods more efficiently, and your metabolism working at the optimum level.