We all know it’s traditional to begin the new year with a detox regime, removing toxic substances from your body via the bloodstream. I have started today, as in January I always have a lot of really nice new years events to go to :). But there’s no need to cringe in fear: it doesn’t have to be a painful week of cabbage-broth concoctions, brutally early running sessions and caffeine-withdrawal headaches.
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| Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables |
The human body has a natural detox function through the liver, kidneys and lower gastrointestinal tract. Before learning how to detox your body naturally, you need to understand the basics of how your body cleanses itself: The liver attempts to keep the body clean as it denies other toxins from entering the blood stream, however, over time, this body detox process is exposed to so many toxins that this natural fight mechanism can wear down – so learning how to detox your body in the right way can bring substantial benefits to your health and well being.
Please don’t jump into a quick fix detox, just to "flush out" your system in a matter of 3 days. Sure, you can benefit from this and may even lose a little weight, however you really haven't given yourself much time to get rid of all of the toxins that are in your body.
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| Excercise regularly |
Do:
- Drink 2 lt water (fill a bottle in the morning en drink it all through the day)
- Drink lots of green tea
- In the morning (for instance under the shower), and if possible in the evening, massage your entire body with a massage brush. Always massage towards the heart.
- Treat yourself during detox week to a (or more) massage(s) and or beauty treatments.
- You can eat a much of fresh fruits en vegetables as you want (try to eat every 3 hours a portion). If you need a warm meal try to make your own tomato soup with lots of vegetables
- Detox your mind as well – limit your tv and computer time, but do read a good book or take a warm relaxing bath.
- Yoga (preferably daily)
- Excercise regularly. When excercising you can drink coconut water, from young coconuts, for extra energy. This is also a good replacement instead of your first cup of coffee in the morning, if green tea doesn’t cut it for you.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep (at least 7 hours per night and if possible take a power nap around lunch time).
- Take a vitamin supplement so that your body can have all of the nutrients that it is suppose to have. They also help and aide in the process.
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| Drink lots of water and green tea |
Don’t:
- Don’t drink Coffee, tea or cola ( or anything with caffeine).
- Don’t eat to much sugar and salt. Limit your sugar and salt intake (not counting the sugar from fresh fruits).
- Don’t drink more then 1 glass of red wine per day (preferably no more then 1 or 2 per week).
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| If possible practice yoga daily |
Note: If you’re used to lots of caffeine, you may get headaches and other withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, cut down gradually so your body can adjust. If you get tired, you may not be taking in enough calories. You can best detox 2 times per year. If you (might) have health issues, first consult a health care professional befor going into a detox.
