Why I decided to do a 21 day detox, cleanse and reset programme

During the last few months of 2023, I’d started to put on weight, mainly around my middle, and I just couldn’t shift it. I felt uncomfortable in my usual clothes and was feeling sluggish in myself.

Although post-menopausal, I was aware I was having more night sweats again. I knew that I needed to address all this, so this new year I started a 21-day cleanse, detox, and gut microbiome reset.

I’d met Sue Thomas, a Nutritionist, through networking, and what she offered totally resonated with me, knowing that gut health is the foundation for good health.

As far back as 2500 years ago, Hippocrates stated 

“All disease begins in the gut”

What is the Microbiome

The gut microbiome (gut flora) is like a bustling community of tiny living things (microbes) —bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that reside in our digestive system, mainly concentrated in the colon of the large intestine, 38 trillion of them.

The foods we choose to eat impact our microbiome.

It’s time to start thinking of food as our medicine, as it’s what we are feeding our body all the time.

Our microbes are alive and need nutrition to consume for energy. We have both “good” and “bad” microbes. The recommended ratio is 80% good microbes and 20% bad but it’s estimated that most people’s gut flora is the opposite way around.

Our choice of foods impacts which microbes are fed. Some like sugar while others like kale for example.

Dr Tim Spector, a microbiome specialist, recommends 30 different plants per week, stating the key is variety. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes (pulses and beans).

Why is the microbiome so important?

The gut is a major centre of activity in the body and plays so many different roles,

• It absorbs nutrients
• Immune responses are triggered (70% of our immune system is in the gut)
• A lot of energy production comes from the gut
• Some hormone production takes place
• Impacts brain health. The gut is known as the 2nd brain due to the interplay between the two.
• Assists in blood sugar regulation
• Responsible for keeping cholesterol levels healthy along with the liver
• Vitamin D3 absorption

Some common symptoms that your gut microbiome isn’t working optimally

• Bloating, gas, IBS
• Acid Reflux
• Food sensitivities
• Sugar cravings
• Skin conditions
• Allergies
• Depression/low mood/anxiety
• Brain fog/memory issues
• Autoimmune disorders
• Hormone imbalances
• Compromised immune system

Living in the 21st  century with stress, sleep issues, environmental toxins, and readily processed and packaged foods all have an impact on our gut health.

We wouldn’t survive without our microbiome, so it’s important to look after it.

Back to my 21-day cleanse, detox, and microbiome reset

I’d be lying if I said it was easy! I had to cut out all the CRAP (caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol, and processed food) along with avoiding anything beige such as bread and pasta.

I thought my diet was pretty good, and I didn’t drink much alcohol (not because I don’t like it but during my menopause journey I found I couldn’t tolerate it) but I did like my coffee and I knew I’d struggle with not having a cup or two and the odd bit of chocolate!

The first few days were hard. I was obsessed with food, thinking about what I couldn’t eat or drink rather than all the lovely variety of food I could eat. And although the first week was quite gentle in terms of supplements, I was a bit grumpy and felt tired.

Supplements are needed to cleanse the gut and liver, help regulate blood sugar, provide essential nutrients and promote healthy gut bacteria

Weeks 2 and 3 were easier as I was now in the swing of it.

I began to enjoy cooking again and experimenting with different recipes. The handbook provided included lots of new recipes, most I enjoyed but not all of them! My family also enjoyed some of the meals 😊

The aim is to eat nourishing foods that sustain you to the next meal rather than having to snack in between. I learned about foods that worked well for me and those that didn’t.

By the end of the 21 days, this way of eating felt right and natural. I didn’t crave anything and am determined to carry on eating foods that nourish rather than deplete me.

It’s hard to put into words how I now feel but I no longer have the need to snack between meals, I have more energy and feel able to think more clearly. I didn’t realise that I had brain fog until now, the difference is amazing – a bit like when you clean your windows, you don’t realise how dirty they were until afterwards when more light comes in.

I’ve also lost weight, and fat around my middle, my clothes are comfortable again! I’m sleeping better and am aware I’m dreaming more.

I’m so amazed by the difference I feel, physically, mentally, and emotionally that I now plan to offer this programme and a more gentle detox programme to clients.

If you would like to find out more about the Detox programmes, please use the link below to get in touch.