So far this month we’ve explored why we need to detox and then the typical results people experience during and after a detox. In this post, our focus shifts to the essential aspect of how you undertake a healthy detox. I’m emphasising the term ‘healthy’ as certain detox protocols can be overly restrictive, potentially posing more harm than good to the average person.
Firstly, detoxification is something we really should be thinking about every day with the amount of man-made toxic chemicals we are now exposed to – see the first post in this series to read more on this.
Here are some simple ways you can help to keep your body’s toxic/chemical load as low as possible:
- Sweating – in a sauna or hot bath for example
- Dry body brushing
- Exercise & physical activity
- Rebounding – a rebounder is a small trampoline
- Good quality sleep for 8-10 hours
- Intermittent fasting – when done the right way & note that IF is not suitable for everyone
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating cruciferous vegetables
- Choosing organic food produce whenever possible
- Choosing natural or organic beauty & personal care products
- Using more natural scents – air fresheners, perfumes, candles etc
- Using eco-friendly or homemade cleaning products
- Using glass or stainless steel containers
- Taking detox supplements
You want to try and incorporate as many of these into your lifestyle on a daily or weekly basis as is possible for you with relative ease. What I don’t want you to do is read this list and feel overwhelmed. Do whatever works for you in a way that is sustainable – which means starting small!
Beyond incorporating these small daily habits, doing a structured, in-depth detox programme on an annual or quarterly basis can significantly enhance your overall health. As I’ve suggested in the previous posts, envision this periodic detox as a vital maintenance session for your body, akin to servicing your car. Just as regular car maintenance prevents issues, a thoughtful detox routine helps prevent illness and disease and promotes overall well-being
So, how do structured detox programmes work? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, most programmes follow a similar formula:
Firstly, you stop consuming foods and drinks that are recognised for their potential toxicity and inflammatory effects on the body. This includes but is not limited to, gluten (and sometimes all grains), dairy, the nightshade family (often extending to beans and legumes), alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. By abstaining from these items, you effectively minimise the burden of toxins and challenging substances that your body typically has to deal with.
Secondly, to further ease the burden on your digestive system, you incorporate liquid meals, such as blended soups and smoothies, into your regimen. The rationale behind this is rooted in the fact that the body expends a significant amount of energy on digestion. By streamlining the digestive process, specifically through the consumption of easily assimilated liquid meals, you allow the body to redirect more of its attention and energy toward the crucial tasks of repair, healing, and detoxification.
Thirdly, a good detox involves the strategic use of natural supplements and practices that support the body’s detoxification process.
This is a really important stage that some detox programmes miss – imagine your body now has the time to process a build-up of toxins but then it has no support in eliminating them. This is where liver and detox herbal supplements are very helpful and also the practices listed above – such as regular sweating and dry body brushing – alongside the dietary protocol.
Considering all three points outlined above, this is how a safe, ‘healthy’ detox programme is structured and you’d usually follow a programme like this for 1-3 weeks. Some variables depend on the individual: such as your current level of health, your current stress levels, your current life set-up, and what you’re looking to achieve.
This is why I’m currently only offering my detox programme to 121 clients.
I feel it’s most effective when I can customise the plan to the individual so you can get the best results and have the best experience. I can also provide more personal support in the form of accountability … being available for questions and, if/when you struggle with symptoms such as cravings or mindset challenges, I can help you quickly and privately.
If you are interested in learning more about detoxing safely and beneficially, let me tell you more about my upcoming 121 detox sessions starting in mid-February. Get in touch today. Email: info@katehorwood.com
Kate x
