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Does The 7 Day Detox Promote Your Natural Defenses

26th September, 2008 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Just after my daughter, our second child was born I was very low and rundown and feeling very tired and lethargic all the time. I’d had several visits with my doctor, and every time I was told the same thing – you’re fine it must be stress.

Over dinner one evening a herbalist friend of mine intimated that I was in need of a natural detox, and take some time to learn how to detox your body and see how toxins accumulate in my body and impact my wellbeing and energy levels. It seemed a lot of people had a lot of good things to say about it, so took it upon myself to learn as much about the process as possible, and get to grips with what is really involved and why the natural health industry advocate following a detox diet and in particular the 1 week detox so strongly.

Something else she recommended I try was a detox foot patch. I have a foot spa two or three times a week now, if I have the time, but if you don’t have one of those, the foot detox patches can be just as good – but doing it this way you miss out on the relaxing foot massage at the same time

There are some very simple things you can do to help detox your body.

Lots of water and herbal teas

Drinking plenty of fluid is absolutely vital while you are following a detox diet because the water will help your body excrete toxins from your system. It also helps to prevent constipation, stops water retention (believe it or not), and hydrates your skin which improves your skin tone. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day (about 2 liters), and more when you exercise.

As a rule of thumb, aim to drink an extra half liter of water for every hour you exercise. Tap water which has been filtered to remove the chlorine and impurities is the best option. Ideally drink water that is at room temperature. If you don’t always fancy water, herbal teas – loose leaf is better than tea bags as it hasn’t been processed as much. Dandelion root, yarrow, roibosch and green tea in particular are great choices as their hidden ingredients naturally support the detox process. Green tea and redbush is especially healthy as it is a rich source of natural antioxidants.

How To Fit It All In

Fitting in 6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day isn’t difficult once you get into the habit. Have a glass of water with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice or root ginger instead of (or as well as) your morning coffee – it’s the perfect way to start up your metabolism and bowel – then aim to drink little and often throughout the day.

Aim to have a glass whenever you eat, try a glass of water and a herbal tea at elevensies, another during the evening and a last drink before you go to bed. Feel free to substitute some water with herbal teas.

Eat Foods As Close To Their Natural State As Possible

If possible you should be buying fresh food and juice or blend them for maximum benefit or just eat them raw, for example as snacks, crudites, salads, and juices. Raw food is full of vital nutrients, phytochemicals and enzymes. If the food stays in the fridge or on the shelf for long periods, or if it has been cooked or processed in any way, its nutritional value plummets.

Try to buy your fruits and veg locally, preferably at farms and markets in your area- imported produce is usually harvested under ripe (so it will be short of it’s full vitamin and mineral supply) and a lot of nutrition is lost during the journey to the stores.