Detoxification
Detox Diets
A detox is thought to cleanse and rejuvenate your body, improve the circulation and metabolism, and strengthen the immune system. It can also improve the condition of your skin, hair and nails, and slow down the ageing process. As well as the physical benefits, a detox can improve your ability to cope with stress, clear your mind and lift your mood. Fast foods, sugary or salty snacks, alcohol, coffee and tea all contain toxins, which can build up in the body and cause us to feel lethargic and unhealthy. Even if you have a healthy lifestyle, you are still exposed to poisonous substances in the atmosphere. The air that we breathe contains chemicals, gases and dust particles, and it can pollute our land, water and food. The body is a highly efficient machine, and it is constantly working to remove toxins from the circulation. However, an unhealthy diet, stress and late nights all put the body under pressure, and can affect how well its elimination systems work. Regular exercise supported by a healthy diet and a weekly detox massage regime will help improve your circulation, eliminate waste from the muscles and keep the detoxifying organs in good working order. It is also vital that you drink plenty of water. We lose fluid through the natural processes of urination, defecation and sweat. This fluid needs to be replaced. To maintain good health and an efficient detox system we should drink at least 6-8 large glasses of water each day.
Detox Diet Plans:
1.One-Day-Mono Diet:
A good introduction to detoxing, a one-day mono-diet is based on eating just one type of raw fruit or vegetable for a whole day. A one-day mono-diet gives your digestive system a rest, allowing it to concentrate on eliminating stored toxins. You are unlikely to experience any dramatic side-effects but a mono-diet will have a noticeable positive effect on your health and wellbeing. Raw fruit and vegetables have a powerful cleansing effect on the body and also supply plenty of vitamins, minerals and fibre. If possible, choose a day when you are not working, to make sure that you have time to rest, relax and sleep.
Preparation: Choose just one of these fruits or vegetables:
Fruits: Grapes, Apples, Pears, Pineapple
Vegetables: Papaya, Carrots, Cucumber, Celery.
It is best to choose organic produce and you will need:
– 1 – 1.5kg / 2-3 lb of your chosen fruit or vegetable.
– 2 litres / 8 cups still mineral water or filtered water
– Herbal teas or fresh herbs to infuse.
The days before detox:
Prepare for your detox by cutting down on meat and dairy products, salt, wheat, tea, coffee and sugary foods. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. The evening before, eat a light evening meal. A vegetable and bean soup or a stir-fry would be perfect. Have an aromatherapy bath and go to bed early.
Detox Day:
Morning: Start your day with the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water. This kickstarts the liver. Do some simple stretching exercises. Give yourself a dry skin brush to stimulate the circulation before you shower or bathe. For breakfast, prepare your chosen fruit or vegetable. Sip water at regular intervals throughout the day.
Late Morning: Have a massage or try out some relaxation techniques. Eat some of your fruit or vegetable and drink plenty of water.
Lunch: Prepare and eat your fruit or vegetable. Drink plenty of water.
Afternoon: Try doing some gentle exercises, such as yoga. Pilates or body conditioning, or brisk walking , cycling or swimming. Follow this exercise with some of your fruit or vegetable and herbal tea.
Evening: Finish off your quota of fruit or vegetable. Meditate or practise a relaxation technique, such as visualization. Pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure. Listen to some calming music. Have an Epsom Salt Bath to encourage the elimination of toxins through your skin. Pour 450g / 1 lb of salts into a warm bath. Go to bed early.
The Day After:
It is important to ease your body out of a detox gradually. Start the following day with a cup of hot water and lemon juice and some simple exercises. For the first few days keep to cleansing foods and simple recipes. Try not to over exert yourself.
