The Essential Five-Step Guide to a Quick Detox

When analyzing this modern day environment, it’s almost terrifying how many toxins people are exposed to on a daily basis. The city pollution which one breathes into their lungs. The exceedingly processed foods one finds on every shelf in the supermarket. Even the water that comes from the taps has a worryingly extensive list of potential contaminants. And, of course, there are the toxins people intentionally expose themselves to, fully aware of the side effects, including alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and assorted medications.

It is important to flush these poisons out and renew yourself with a full-body cleanse every once in a while. What’s more, this process doesn’t have to be a strenuous undertaking of tortuous deprivation either. With a few simple adjustments, you will find that you are giving your body exactly what it is asking for, leaving you with more energy and less weight after surprisingly little effort. Sound good? Here is everything you need to know in five easy steps.

1. What You Should Drink
Start each morning with a tall glass of water and half a fresh lemon squeezed into it. This will not only hydrate you but will also alkalize the body with antibiotic and antiseptic properties, fighting off germs whilst aiding digestion. You should also continue to drink as much water as possible throughout the day.

With that in mind, detox teas are also a tried and tested method to hydrate you with antioxidants whilst perking you up sans the twitchy coffee kick.

2. What You Should Eat
Detox or not, you should always be looking for food groups which are high in protein and fiber to keep your system regular. Whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds are all your friends in this time of need but don’t forget to load up on raw vegetables and herbs too, as they replenish your digestive enzymes without any calorie worries whatsoever.

Naturally, smoothies are almost synonymous with detoxification these days, so blend up your favorite fruits and veg, keeping a handful of kale, spinach, and ginger close at all times.

Finally, the probiotics found in Greek yogurt encourage the growth of good gut bacteria, which attacks the bad bacteria and keeps your intestines flowing.

3. What You Shouldn’t Eat
There are plenty of foods you should be avoiding too, the worst of them all being sugar. These sweet carbohydrates (especially of the white variant) place a lot of strain on your pancreas, which can wear you down, pump up your weight, and may even lead to diabetes. If you suffer from an uncontrollable sweet tooth, seek your fix from honey or dates instead.

Another particularly bothersome adversary would be that of white flour. This substance is can cause your digestive system to slow down, and potentially provoking internal irritations and/or other disorders. Remember to always go whole grain with everything, and look out for alternative flours such as quinoa, brown rice, or spelt.

Bonus tips: cut down on all things meat, and fend off oils that feature toxins (such as vegetable, peanut, or sunflower) opting to use extra-virgin, hemp, or coconut instead.

4. Exercise
What you put into your body is only half the battle, as you will also need to wake your system up by forcing a faster circulation and sweating out those toxins you’ve already trapped inside of you. And that’s where exercise comes in.

Thankfully, these days, there are endless methods to make working out fun again. Jumping on a trampoline, for example, is proven to get the fluids moving whilst activating your detox organs, which is extremely useful for those who suffer from a slow lymph system. Other widely recommended detox exercises include running, cycling, swimming, and yoga, but anything that gets you perspiring and breathing faster will help you in this mission.

5. Pamper Yourself
Who says detoxification has to be miserable? There are loads of luxurious cleansing paths one can pursue which will bring you relaxation and comfort, such as the sauna. This temporary increase in body temperature may help kill harmful bacteria, whilst the excess of sweat pouring from your skin is a great way to force these viruses to vacate.

Other enjoyable ways to spoil yourself could be to exfoliate your skin, which will get rid of all the dirty bacteria your toxins have left behind. You could also pay for an oil massage to stimulate your circulation if you’re feeling particularly fancy today.

Finally, get some rest! The more you sleep, the easier it is for your body to reset itself, and so by dedicating some extra hours to your snooze period, you will live a healthier life with literally no additional effort required.

This is a guest blog entry.