With the arrival of warmer weather, many people have started trading in their parkas and boots for shorts and sandals. However, for a lot of us, that summer clothing doesn’t seem to fit as well as it used to. While losing weight is the obvious answer to this problem, how we should go about doing this can often be confusing.

Detoxification is an excellent way to kick-start a weight loss program.

While many products are advertised for detoxification, it is important to understand that there is no magic pill! Proper detoxification consists of eliminating certain foods from the diet for a 2-3 week period of time. This gives our bodies a break from foods (which are often difficult to pinpoint) that make us feel sluggish and unwell. Some common symptoms that correlate with the build up of toxins in the body include: digestive problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, etc.), fatigue, decreased mental clarity and “brain fog”, muscle and joint pains, skin conditions (eczema, acne, various rashes, etc.), and catching colds easily and often.

Toxins are processed by the liver and eliminated through the bowels and the skin. While it is common to experience a worsening of symptoms during the first few days of detoxification, a person usually feels much more energetic and healthy shortly thereafter. Approximately 2-3 weeks later, foods are reintroduced, one-at-a-time, in order to discover which ones were the culprits.

In order to achieve healthy weight loss, you should aim to lose no more than one to two pounds per week. Usually, this can be done by decreasing your daily caloric intake by 500 calories (500 x 7=3500 calories=1 pound). Any more than that and you are actually starving your body of nutrients. This is important to keep in mind because this is the only way to keep the weight off. Be cautious of diets that are very low in calories (less than 1000 calories per day), low in fat, carbohydrate-free, or any other “fad diet.” Many of these diets succeed in allowing someone to lose weight, but it cannot be kept off because it is impossible to eat that way over a lifetime.

Natural health products, used properly, can enhance any weight loss/detoxification program. However, it is important to consult a Naturopathic Doctor to see which are best for you. Even though they are natural, that doesn’t mean that they will not cause side-effects or interact with other medications when used improperly.

To learn more about weight loss and detoxification contact Dr. Kevin Bernardo, ND at Renaissance Holistic Health (613-667-7777). His 6-week weight loss and detoxification program will allow you to rid your body of toxins and lose excess weight, the right way!

Renaissance Holistic Health | 235 King Edward Ave., Ottawa http://www.renaissanceholistic.com