Tips to Detox Your Life in Just a Week
By Nutrition Consultant, Jess Robinson
In this day and age, more than ever it is essential to support our detoxification systems as whether we like it or not, we are exposed to an array of ever-increasing chemicals. Factor in stress, lack of sleep, poor diets, and nutritional deficiencies, and it’s no surprise that our body struggles to deal with the build-up of toxins. Here are some simple dietary and lifestyle changes to increase your detoxification abilities in a week:
1. Reduce alcohol intake
Set aside alcohol-free days, and when you do drink opt for healthier options such as gin and tonic, vodka, lime and soda or red wine – all in moderation of course. Ensure to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to better enable the elimination of toxins and hydration of the liver.
2. Drink loads of water
It is recommended to drink between 1.5 to 2L of water a day, to speed up the detox process and ensure cells are adequately hydrated to carry out their many important functions. Water has numerous other health benefits such as promoting clearer skin, weight loss and boosting metabolism. Green tea also goes toward fluid intake and is loaded with antioxidants to boost metabolism and hydrate the body.
3. Make some basic food-swaps
Swap for healthier options, such as using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice. Brown rice is much more nutrient-dense and has a lower GI, which means it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels as much as white rice. Use extra virgin olive oil or nut oils instead of canola oil or vegetable oils. The latter oils contain cheap, damaged fats, while the former, are full of beneficial omega 3 fats and offer many health benefits. Avoid creamy salad dressings and instead make your own salad dressing using a combination of apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon or lime or extra virgin olive oil. The latter options are much lower in calories and are great for digestion.
4. Eat more plant-based foods
This is referring to fresh vegetables and fruits, which are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It is essential to consume some of these foods raw, as they contain enzymes to aid digestion and are high in fibre to support detoxification and keep you regular. Vegetables and fruits are also high in vitamin C which helps to naturally boost glutathione; a powerful antioxidant that promotes the elimination of toxins from the body.
5. Set a sleep routine
Aim to get to sleep around 10 pm every night and get up around 6 am or 7 am every morning, so you will get adequate sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. It might be tricky to start off with, especially if you are used to going to bed a lot later and sleeping in, but it is definitely worth it. Read a book before bed and minimise technology use, as the blue light emitted from your TV and phone can impair your sleep cycle. You may benefit from taking magnesium, a powerful mineral that helps to promote healthy sleep. For more tips, check out Dr Cabot’s book ‘Tired of Not Sleeping’.
6. Move your booty
When it comes to eliminating toxins from the body, exercise is key. When we exercise toxins are naturally eliminated through our sweat, as well as lowering blood sugar levels, boosting heart health and aiding weight loss. If you lack motivation, start going to the gym with a friend or joining a boot camp class together. Exercise can be fun, find something you enjoy such as Zumba, spin classes, yoga, rock climbing or swimming, which are all great forms of exercise. You may benefit from taking glutamine, an amino acid that is important for muscle growth and muscle recovery. Magnesium is an important mineral which may help to ease muscle spasms and cramps.
7. Limit social media time
In this day and age, it’s become all too common to spend ridiculous amounts of time frequently checking social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat. If you are with family and friends, actually be there. No one likes the feeling of trying to talk to someone and they are on their phone. Try to limit social media time to an hour a day, put your phone away when socialising, and turn off notifications. Obsessively checking these outlets can actually have a negative impact, as you automatically start comparing yourself and your life to other people.
8. Withdraw from toxic people
You know who I’m referring to, the people that only bring negativity into your life and leave you feeling down. Perhaps it’s a work colleague, if this is the case then try to distance yourself from the them as much as possible. Perhaps it’s a friend that doesn’t make you feel good about yourself and you no longer enjoy spending time with them. Either way, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life and should only surround yourself with people who boost your mood and are worthy of your time.
9. Fengshui Your Room
Fengshui is about balancing the energies in any given space, and a key principle is removing clutter or getting rid of unnecessary items. I’m sure many of us are guilty of hanging on to things we say we will use or wear and never get around to doing. Go through all the items in your room and only keep the items you love or use, get rid of everything else. Either sell it on eBay for some extra cash or do a good deed and donate it to charity. This will help to eliminate clutter and create more space in your bedroom for the things you value and love.
10. Socialise
We all know life gets busy, but it is always possible to make time for a quick catch-up coffee or phone call with a friend or family member you may not have seen in a while. Family and friends are important, and these simple acts can often do wonders for your mood. Socialising can often be therapeutic as it could be a way to unload certain worries or burdens, get some advice or simply have a laugh.
There are many more ways to detox, but following these strategies is an excellent starting point. Dr Cabot’s 15 Day Cleanse is a great way to ensure sufficient detoxification through eating healthy, delicious meals and having our three different cleanse powders daily.
