Natural Ways to Detox

 

As Spring is quickly making way for Summer, I find that I am needing a push to get to the end of our homeschool year. So much has been happening, seemingly all at once, and I feel the need to detox and renew.  I also feel the need for a long vacation, but that’s not happening anytime soon.

I’m not talking about the need to wring out my liver, although after the large family get-together we just had, that shoe might fit. What I need is gentle and natural approach to clearing out what is slowing me down and zapping my desperately needed energy.

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These are what work for me. By incorporating these into my daily and weekly rituals, I don’t feel the need to do a hard-core cleanse to reset my system. I don’t seem to have the time to spend a week tethered to nearby facilities. If you have ever devoted yourself to a Whole Body Cleanse, you may know what I’m talking about!

1. Detox Tea
I’m a huge fan of Yogi tea. Their DeTox tea is soothing and perfect for after yoga or any workout. It contains dandelion, cinnamon and burdock root, among other herbs that are great at detoxifying your whole system.  When drinking a detox tea, it is important that you give your body a break.  You can drink it daily for up to 30 days then you need to pause for a week before resuming.

2. Move and Sweat
Yoga is my go-to exercise for health and well being. Grab a non-toxic yoga mat and some floor and twist those toxins from your body. A Yoga Trapeze is a fun way to incorporate deep stretching and inversion therapy at the same time as improving your yoga practice.

If running is your thing, prevent injuries and make sure your running shoes are in good shape or invest in a new pair, then hit the road or trails. Wherever your running happy place is, go there and run like you mean it! I’m currently drooling over these Asics. Momma needs a new pair of shoes!

Do whatever floats your boat, or kayak.  Dust it off, drag it out and put it to use.  Move more than you sit.

3. Drink!
Water. Drink water and plenty of it! Use this handy water bottle to ensure you are getting the right amount your body needs everyday. Many water tracker apps are available for your smartphone.  Use them or set a simple timer and drink a glass of water when it goes off.

There is no magic number as everybody’s water requirements are different.  The goal is to remain hydrated, drinking more water after intense exercise or in hot climates.  CamelBak has a cool hydration calculator to help gauge how much water you should be drinking depending on your activity.

You’ll be amazed how drinking appropriate amounts of water will improve your health, even with no other changes. If plain ol’ water is boring to you, infuse your water with herbs and fruits. However you drink your water, just do it!

4. Detox Bath
Whip up a simple, yet effective bath salts recipe by mixing 1 cup Epsom salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda, along with 20 drops of your favorite essential oil and immerse yourself in a warm bath to draw out toxins through your skin. This is a great way to prevent soreness after any yoga practice or physical exercise. Lavender and ylang ylang are two of my favorite essential oils for relaxation.

Be sure to drink plenty of water afterwards. Detox baths can make you thirsty!

5. Make Simple Swaps
Eat more veggies and less meat by making a batch of veggie burgers and freezing for quick and healthy meals.  These burgers are protein-packed and rich in fiber and nutrients.

Replace your coffee habit with green tea or supercharge with a matcha latte.  Matcha has some impressive health benefits making it a great addition to your daily diet.

Instead of reaching for a convenient bag of chips for your afternoon snack, try prepping a few healthy snacks in advance. Fill containers with pre-washed fruits and veggies to make afternoon snack time a no-brainer.  One of my favorite afternoon snacks is sliced banana sprinkled with cinnamon.  Cinnamon contains highly potent polyphenol antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.  So simple, yet so good and good for you!

Fruit gazpacho is an excellent light lunch or snack.

Cilantro is an excellent detoxifier.  It binds heavy metals in the bloodstream, thereby purifying tissues, organs and blood.  Cilantro pesto is a delicious way to incorporate this powerful herb into your diet.

Don’t forget parsley!  Parsley has its own special purifying qualities.  It acts as a diuretic without lowering potassium levels.  Parsley also helps to eliminate excess salt from the kidneys, thereby purging the body of accumulated toxins.  Try parsley and cucumber infused water to easily incorporate this health benefit into your day.

Be sure to get plenty of fiber to cleanse your entire system. When toxins are pulled from tissues and organs the must be eliminated as quickly as possible.  An apple a day keeps the Metamucil away. That’s catchy! I should be a jingle writer. Too bad whole foods don’t need advertising.

6. Sleep
During detoxification, your body is working hard! Be kind to it and make sure you are getting an adequate amount of sleep every night. If you love your gadgets (who doesn’t?) try a Fitbit Flex wristband to monitor your activity and sleep.

I have a nightly routine of Yogi Bedtime tea.  It is, by far, my favorite tea to ease me from my hectic evening into a restful sleep.  Do what works for you to wind down and get plenty of nourishing sleep.

Disclaimer:  I am not a dietitian, exercise guru, physician or expert in any way.  I’m simply a momma who is trying to be a good example for my kids.  I offer this advice because it is what works for me.  If you have any health issues, please consult your physician before beginning any detox, diet or exercise regimen.

What about you?  What are some of the ways you keep yourself humming along?  If you have a great detox recipe, email me and become a contributor!

Follow Sherry Lyle of TheSimpleHive’s board Wellness on Pinterest.

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