Five ways to detox naturally

It’s easy to overindulge during the winter. Due to the cold, wet weather, we tend to spend a lot of time indoors, where all sorts of naughty comfort foods lurk in our cupboards

If you’re feeling sluggish and still suffering the effects of eating and drinking to excess, it may be time for a detox. But don’t worry. We’re not suggesting you go on a juice diet, or deny yourself the things you love. There are plenty of other ways to kick-start your body’s natural cleansing process.

But firstly, what exactly is a detox?

Detoxification is what your body does naturally to rid itself of unwanted materials and toxins. It’s a primary function of the body. In fact, the human body defends itself very well against environmental insults and occasional indulgences. This means most people don’t need crazy tonics, flushes, or extreme diets.

But it doesn’t hurt to give your body a helping hand.

What can you do to make this process more efficient?

You don’t need to give up food and drink to detox. Try making these 5 simple changes, and you’ll soon start reaping the benefits in your body and mind:

• Exercise
  

Not only does exercise make you feel better, it’s an easy way to help your body in its natural detoxification process.

Exercise promotes the detoxification process giving all systems of the body a boost. As you exercise, the blood circulates throughout the body, bringing nutrients to all the organs and muscles. As you do aerobic exercise you build up a sweat and toxins are released through the pores of the skin. It’s important to rinse off after heavy sweating to help rid the body of those toxins.

• Add naturally detoxing foods to your diet

Certain foods have magical detoxifying powers:

Fruits are high in liquid content, which helps the body wash out toxins. They’re also delicious, easy to digest and full of nutrients; an added bonus in the detox process.

Citrus fruits are particularly good, as they also jump start the digestive tract. An easy way to flush out the system is to start each morning with a warm glass of lemon water.

Green vegetables give a chlorophyll-boost to your digestive tract, and are very cleansing. While onions, carrots, artichokes, and cauliflower are high in naturally occurring sulphur, which helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals.

Garlic is one of the best detoxing foods there is, as it stimulates the liver into producing enzymes that filter toxic residues from the digestive system. It really is a super food in every sense of the word.

• Skin Brushing
  

Your skin is the largest organ of the body. And guess what is included in its job description? Elimination of toxins. In fact, the skin is responsible for 10 to 15% of toxin elimination, and is sometimes referred to as the third kidney.

Skin brushing is an easy and effective way to help your body detox. It improves the appearance of your skin by eliminating dead cells and helping new skin to regenerate. It also stimulates blood circulation and the lymphatic system, which enhances toxin elimination.

• Neti Pot
  

Pollution and allergens are all around us. They’re in the air and can trigger nasty allergy symptoms and viruses.

You can protect your insides by flushing your nasal passages regularly with a Neti Pot. For the uninitiated, a neti pot looks like small ceramic watering can and is used for nasal rinsing, washing or douching with salty water. Some people find it helpful for sinus problems caused by air pollutants and exposure to chemicals.

• Massage
  

Lots of massage therapies promote detoxification. But the best known is perhaps manual lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is one of the main elimination systems in the body, and is integral to the detoxification process. It’s responsible for the absorption of nutrients in foods and creates a waste disposal system in our bodies.

Light rhythmical massage encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate metabolic waste products, excess fluid and bacteria.

Start today

So, there you go. Five easy things you can do to ensure your body is detoxing efficiently. And you can start the process now, by booking a massage at Castle Thai Spa