Are you feeling sluggish or out of sync? Are you craving hearty comfy foods and are you having skin problems, aches and pains, or digestive problems? Straying from your healthier habits lately? Having trouble kicking off your weight loss? It might be time for a detox. I have gathered some great handy tips on how you can do your own detox without spending all the $$$, but with the same great effects!
What is a Detox?
You might have read or heard about a detox but to be all on the same page, let’s clarify what a detox actually is. According to Wikipedia, a detox is “a process, real or perceived, of removing toxins from the body.” A cleanse means to “rid of impurities.” They sound very similar, so we will use the terms interchangeably here.
The basic idea of a detox is to allow the body rest and restoration from the toxic buildup it endures daily. This can be due to the food we eat, lack of sleep, stress, unknown food allergens, environmental toxins, and nutrient deficiency.
Cleanses can offer restoration of body systems such as the digestive system, the liver, and the adrenals. The blood and bowels can be cleaned of impurities. The immune system and internal inflammation can be reduced by removing the usual suspects such as sugar, gluten, dairy, and caffeine.
Depending on the level of detox you would like to try, you may be enlisting on a juicing-only regimen, fasting, or a whole food diet. Some help the body along with herbal supplements, natural laxatives, and colonics. There is a wide variety of options along with their various price points.
Results may vary depending on level of commitment and the internal environment of a person. You will learn something new about your body and how best to take care of it. Weight loss is a welcome bonus to the purge of the toxic load we have absorbed from our surroundings.
Why You Should Detox
10 Ways to DIY Detox
1. Every morning when you wake up, drink a cup of hot water with juice of ½ a lemon (before breakfast). This helps to stimulate the liver.
2. Load yourself up on water! Just carry a bottle with you and drink up! Drinking lots of water helps to flush the kidneys.
3. Decrease the amount of caffeine you take in (preferably none). Drink green tea if you need it, or herbal tea. One of my great favorites is Nettle tea, this helps my skin. Cut ouf the caffeine helps to restore the adrenals.
4. Supplements: Probiotics are a must for healthy gut flora, in addition to a quality Fish Oil such as Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin D3, and a whole food supplement.
5. Drink apple cider vinegar: 1 TB in water before a meal (start with one meal, possibly work up to two). This helps to optimize your absorption of Vit B12 and Iron from your stomach by increasing your stomach acid. Most of us actually LACK stomach acid.
6. Eat high quality REAL foods that are easily digested and seasonal. If you rather do a juice cleanse, use organic vegetables.
7. Engage in some light exercise such as walking. When you do a cleanse you need to be easy on yourself, so skip the vigorous workouts and just take a yoga class or go for a walk.
8. Start a journal. Write out thoughts and feelings that may be stored in your body. Negative emotions, stress, and daily troubles have a huge impact on the way our body assimilates nutrients.
9. Create a relaxing ritual. Take a bath at night, sip some herbal tea while the kids are in quiet time, meditate, or pray to slow you down.
10. Get to bed earlier than usual. Aim for at least 8 hours. Best to be in bed no later than 10 pm. This is when the body starts to repair itself.
As you can see, it is possible to do this on your own, however you may want to consider working with a professional for your first try at a cleanse.
