Hormones are one of those things you don’t really pay attention to until something goes wrong. But your hormones play a crucial role in regulating various functions in your body, including your mood, energy levels, metabolism, and reproductive health. 

Hormones are one of those things you don’t really pay attention to until something goes wrong. But your hormones play a crucial role in regulating various functions in your body, including your mood, energy levels, metabolism, and reproductive health. 

However, due to various factors such as stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins, our hormones can become imbalanced, leading to a host of health issues. The solution to restoring balance to your body? Cleansing. 

Detoxing can be an effective way to restore hormonal balance by helping to “reset” your endocrine system. But it's essential to do it right. Below, you’ll discover what you should do before, during, and after a cleanse for optimal hormonal health. 

So, grab a cup of herbal tea, put your feet up, and let's get started!

Why Should You Cleanse?

Though most people can benefit from cleansing periodically, there are some signs that may suggest that your body could benefit from a cleanse or detox ASAP. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Digestive issues: If you experience bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, it may be a sign that your digestive system needs a break. A cleanse or detox that eliminates foods that may irritate the gut and includes gut-supporting foods can help improve digestion.
• Skin issues: The skin is one of the body's elimination channels, and skin issues such as acne, eczema, or rashes may indicate that your body is struggling to eliminate toxins.
• Fatigue: If you feel tired and sluggish, it may be a sign that your body is overloaded with toxins.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can cause a range of issues, from mood swings to weight gain. If you experience these symptoms, it may be a sign that your body is struggling to regulate your hormones.
• Environmental exposure: Exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution, pesticides, and chemicals can increase toxin levels in the body. If you live in a highly polluted area or work in an industry with high toxin exposure, a cleanse or detox can help support your body's natural detoxification processes.

It's important to note that these signs can also be caused by underlying health conditions, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

What Happens to Your Body During a Detox?

During a cleanse or detox, your body goes through a series of physiological processes to eliminate toxins and restore balance. Here's a breakdown of what's happening in your body:

• Liver detoxification: One of the primary functions of the liver is to break down and eliminate toxins. During a cleanse, the liver is given a break from processing the usual load of toxins, allowing it to focus on clearing out any accumulated toxins.
• Increased elimination: Toxins are eliminated from the body through various channels, including the kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs. So while you’re detoxing, your body may increase elimination through these channels to get rid of toxins.
• Improved nutrient absorption: When the body is overloaded with toxins, it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from your diet. But after a cleanse, the body can better absorb nutrients from food. Dr. Sebi’s Nutritional Guide lists all of the foods that will help improve nutrient absorption and support the cleansing process. 
• Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to hormonal imbalances and a range of health issues. It is important to focus on eliminating inflammatory foods, such as processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
• Hormonal regulation: Hormones are regulated by the endocrine system, and toxins can interfere with the production and balance of hormones. But a cleanse or detox can help restore hormonal balance.
• Improved gut health: A healthy gut is essential for optimal hormonal health. A cleanse or detox can support gut health by eliminating foods that may irritate the gut and including foods that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Why Is Supplementation During a Cleanse Important?

While eliminating certain foods during a detox can be beneficial for restoring hormonal balance and reducing inflammation, it's essential to be mindful of the potential for nutrient deficiencies during a cleanse. 

For example, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids may be deficient during a cleanse. But these nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, including immune function, brain health, and hormone regulation.

Additionally, some detox diets may restrict calories or limit food choices, leading to potential nutrient deficiencies. For example, if you're only drinking juices or smoothies during a cleanse, you may not be getting enough minerals, fiber, or healthy fats.

It's also important to note that the body requires specific nutrients to support its natural detoxification processes. For example, the liver requires specific nutrients and minerals, such as magnesium and zinc, to function properly and eliminate toxins.

Detoxing is a useful tool for restoring hormonal balance. However, it's essential to approach it with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. By taking a holistic approach to your hormonal health, you can support your body's natural detoxification processes and promote optimal health and well-being.