Detoxing means limiting the junk that enters the body. This means cutting back on irritants to the gut where possible (alcohol, coffee) and foods that trigger inflammation, like sugar and processed foods within reason. Even if you can’t eat perfectly 24/7, you can do simple things to help the liver – your body’s natural filter – do its job. Here are several cleansing techniques you can do right now, no juice diets required
Start your day by drinking a tall glass of water with juice from half of a lemon in the morning. Lemon helps re-hydrate the system and promotes digestion, which will help the flow of waste out of your body. The vitamin C in lemon juice, a powerful antioxidant, also protects against free radicals, strengthening the immune system.
Regular exercise encourages circulation in the blood and lymph system. Doing so will also enhance digestion, reduce tension, lubricate joints, and strengthen your body. People who exercise (even while at home) regularly have far fewer total toxins in their systems, so get in your daily 2km walk to start getting rid of those toxins.
Working from home means we’re definitely moving way less than we normally would. Take a break once an hour, even if only for five minutes, to stretch and move around. This will help decrease fatigue, get your blood flowing through the muscles, and get your heart rate up, burning calories.
Giving yourself a good night’s rest is one of the best ways to detox your body and reset. Sleep, as we know, has been connected to reduced cortisol levels and stress, and improved overall health, so never underestimate a great night of slumber.
Skin brushing and oil massages will help exfoliate the toxins from your skin and refresh circulation – especially important as our skin is feeling it with so much time inside. Twice a week is recommended, along with a really good moisturiser when you’re done.
It’s fair to say that Irish folk do not need an excuse to drink extra cups of tea, but the good news is that as it’s full of antioxidants, it hydrates you (especially if it’s herbal) and fills you up, so you’re less likely to overeat or indulge in things you shouldn’t. Bear in mind, the caffeine in tea is different than the caffeine in coffee as it’s gentler on your system. It’ll also give you a pick-me-up minus the jitters.
Where you can, you fill your plate with sulfur-rich foods, such as onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, as these foods are high in antioxidants, which support the body’s ability to fight off toxins.
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