Considering doing a detox? Here are seven facts about detox you need to know before you start. These tips will also come in handy during the detox.
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Prepare yourself
If you tend to consume a lot of caffeine or alcohol, try to reduce your consumption bit by bit leading up to your detox, that way you won’t suffer withdrawal. The same applies to refined sugars and processed foods – if you wean yourself off it slowly, you’ll reduce cravings and your detox will be less of a challenge.
Drink lots of water
When you’re detoxing, water might help keep you fuller to reduce food cravings, but it also helps flush out toxins: when we’re well hydrated, this means our kidneys are staying healthy, because our bodies use fluid to transport toxins. Water is also crucial for exercise, as it keeps your muscles from getting muscle fatigue as a result of dehydration.
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Go for a lymph tissue massage
The lymphatic system is one of the ways the body eliminates toxins – lymph is a fluid that transports excess fluid and toxins from the liver. It moves slower than the cardiovascular system, so sometimes giving it a little help, with a stimulating manual lymph drainage massage, can help with a detox.
Enjoy regular, gentle exercise
Moving around and sweating are great ways to help your body along. But don’t get too vigorous – if you’re eating less than usual, you might not be consuming enough energy. So stick with something gentle, like walking or yoga.
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Sleep
There’s been a lot of attention lately on the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. And with good reason – the benefits of good sleep are numerous. Getting a good night’s sleep can also help your detox – sleep deprivation reduces your willpower and puts you in a foul mood. Inadequate sleep can also make you hungrier, as research has shown a link between bad sleep and lower levels of the hormone leptin, which reduce hunger.
Take a detoxing bath
For an added boost, try having a detox bath. Add one to two cups of Epsom salts to a comfortably warm bath, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Once all the Epsom salts have dissolved, climb in and soak for 20 to 40 minutes. The magnesium in the Epsom salts helps draw toxins from your skin.
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Eat slowly
Chewing your food thoroughly aids in digestion, as you’re breaking up food better before it reaches the gut. It also prevents you feeling bloated – when we eat too quickly, we tend to swallow a lot of air. It’s a good habit to keep up even after your detox – studies have shown people who eat more slowly tend to consume fewer calories.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
