Written By Go Vita
As Winter sets in, motivation dwindles, exercise is rare, comfort foods become part of our daily menu and the Winter weight starts to creep on. But Dr. Sandra Cabot says Winter is the perfect time to kick-start your health and weight loss goals!
Here are the top four reasons you should do a Winter cleanse:
Stop the Winter weight gain
It can be difficult to deny that extra serving of hot chips, or to skip a work out to watch a movie in bed when it’s raining outside. According to Dr Sandra Cabot, weight gain is more insidious during Winter; it creeps on and we don’t really notice because we are wearing baggier clothes and our friends are probably gaining weight too. Toxins in the body act as ‘obesogens’, storing fat and preventing weight loss. Doing a cleanse will give your metabolism a good boost, will get your liver burning fat, remove those nasty toxins and will motivate you to reach for healthier food choices. You’ll be looking great by the time Spring rolls around!
Boost your energy
It’s not uncommon to lack energy or to feel sluggish during Winter. The cold, dreary weather can be very unmotivating and we can lack the energy or vitality to achieve our daily goals, let alone our health goals. Our metabolic rate slows down, particularly in people with thyroid or hormone problems according to Dr Cabot. Doing a cleanse program will cleanse your body of stored up toxins, will flood your body with wonderful antioxidants and will leave you feeling healthy and raring with energy.
Support your immune system
Influenza and respiratory infections replicate and spread like wildfire during Winter. The lack of vitamin D from the sun, spending more time indoors and indulging in sugary treats leaves us more susceptible to infection. It’s very important to support our immune systems during Winter, giving it the tools to fight off infection. Did you know that about 80 per cent of your immune system resides in your gut and that the lymphatic system is important for protecting against infection? A cleanse program will heal your gut, support your lymphatic system and boost your overall immune system to protect you.
Improve your mood
Winter is often associated with low mood and loss of motivation, due to the short days, lack of warming sunshine and cold, uninviting weather. Toxin overload in the bowel or liver can directly affect your hormones and your mood balancing brain chemicals, such as the happy hormone serotonin. Add this to the nutrient depleted, sugar and additive laded comfort foods eaten during Winter and you have yourself an anxiety-inducing, low-mood provoking combination. Doing a cleanse will not only remove toxins from your liver and bowel but will also clean up your diet for a healthier, happier you.
A good cleanse program should target the three key pillars of health – the liver, the gut and the immune system – which in turn will help you to achieve optimal health and vitality and put weight gain at bay this Winter.
