Anyone who’s ever done a detox can tell you that it comes with some highs and lows. The hunger and withdrawal are far outweighed by the energy and triumph!

But once you triumphantly complete your detox, what do you do next? Chances are, you’ll be tempted to jump right back into your old way of eating, but you suspect that’s probably not the best route to take.

You’ve taken a major step toward better health! But now that you’ve completed your detox, here’s what you need to know about maintaining the benefits going forward.

What happens inside your body during a detox?

Natural detoxification involves multiple hard-working organ systems, including the digestive system, skin, lungs, kidneys, and most of all, the liver. But, every day, you ingest, inhale, and absorb numerous toxins into your body… more than it can effectively detoxify on its own. 

That’s why our detox programs in Thailand are so beneficial! The entire process is highly complex, but here are the basics of what’s going on inside your body during and after a detox retreat:

• Digestive System: When toxins accumulate in the digestive system, they can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. During your detox, built-up waste is removed from your digestive system so future waste can pass through quickly and efficiently.
• Kidneys: The detoxification process gives the kidneys a much-needed break. Now, they can filter toxins more efficiently to ensure detoxification throughout your entire body.
• Liver: The liver is one of the most overworked organs in the body. When it comes to detoxification, its job is to separate waste from nutrients. But it can’t do that efficiently if it’s overloaded with toxic substances. During a detox, toxins and harmful chemicals are broken down and then excreted through the gut, skin, urine, and bile. This greatly reduces the burden on the liver, allowing it to do its job more efficiently.
• Skin: Many toxins are eliminated through the pores of the skin. Detoxing supports this process and removes excess toxins, improving the overall appearance of the skin.

Tips for Maintaining Optimal Benefits After Your Detox

Now that you understand the wonderful things that are happening inside your body, what can you do to maintain the benefits of your detox for as long as possible? Here are the healthy habits that can result in lasting change!

Follow a Plant-Based Diet

If you weren’t following a plant-based diet before attending our detox program, now is the perfect time to make the switch. The benefits of a plant-based diet are numerous, not just for detoxification, but also for overall health and longevity.

Plant-based foods are much easier to digest than animal foods, so they move through the body more efficiently. They’re also loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants that support natural detoxification and fight free radical damage. 

And, if you choose organic, plant-based foods you can greatly reduce the number of toxins you are ingesting to begin with. Animal products are often full of toxic chemicals and hormones that are harmful to your body and can build up in your tissues.

Stay Hydrated and Start Out Your Day with Lemon Water

Staying well hydrated after your detox is crucial for supporting the natural detoxification and elimination process, as well as healthy weight loss. Most people don’t drink enough water on a daily basis, so be sure to make this a priority.

Starting out your day with a glass of lemon water is an easy and highly effective way to support natural detoxification and maintain the benefits of your detox. Since you’ve been fasting overnight, water will help to flush toxins from your system. And the lemon boosts the detoxification benefits by stimulating the detoxifying enzymes in your liver.

Take Care of Your Gut

If you only take away one thing from your Thailand detox experience, it should be that a healthy gut means a healthy mind and body. Much of your immune system lives in your gut and there’s a direct connection between gut health, mood health, and healthy hormone balance.

Now that excess toxins and waste have been removed from your gut during your detox, you need to support the good bacteria it needs to do its job. Following a plant-based diet is crucial, but you should also be sure to eat some fermented foods and take a probiotic every day.

These beneficial bacteria support your liver, too, so their importance can’t be overstated. Kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, and kimchi are all fantastic probiotic foods.

Drink Your Greens 

Drinking green juice or a smoothie made from leafy greens every day is a fantastic way to support your body’s natural detoxification process and maintain the benefits of your detox for as long as possible. It’s also a great way to get more minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients into your body.

Keep in mind that fruit is full of sugar. Even though it’s natural sugar, adding fruit to your drink will cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to spike. You are much better off sticking to green vegetables like kale, spinach, arugula, dandelion greens, herbs, and cucumbers. 

Lemon and lime juice can add a little flavor to your drink. They are both fantastic for supporting detoxification, and they won’t spike your blood sugar as other fruits can.

Exercise Daily

Daily exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind. It also improves circulation and digestion, which will help to maintain the positive effects of your detox.

Prioritize Healthy Sleep

Healthy sleep should be a priority for everyone. Your body heals and regenerates while you sleep. Going to bed at your body’s natural time… usually around 10 PM and not later than 11 PM… helps to support your body’s circadian rhythm and maintain healthy levels of melatonin and serotonin.

Wrapping It Up: Foods to Avoid After Your Detox

After your detox, there are some foods you’ll want to avoid: sugar, gluten, non-fermented dairy, and all processed foods, including overcooked or fried foods. These foods can lead to inflammation, so avoiding them will help you maintain the benefits of your cleanse and feel great for as long as possible. Many people choose to avoid caffeine and alcohol, too.

That being said, everybody is unique. The most important things to avoid will differ from person to person. Pay attention to what your body is telling you- if these foods don’t bother you, it’s totally fine to consume them in moderation.

But it should go without saying that processed foods are loaded with artificial chemicals and hydrogenated oils. They should always be on the foods to avoid list for anyone interested in maintaining good health.