After the holidays, people begin to feel weighed down. The effects of rich foods, sweet drinks, and lack of exercise cause sluggishness and lethargy. This gentle, herbal cleansing detoxification regime will bring the body back into balance and restore energy and vitality.
When to Do a Detox Diet
Whenever feelings of tiredness, lethargy, and sluggishness appear as a result of not eating healthy, a detox diet can help to invigorate the body’s systems. A detox diet may be followed once or twice a year to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
According to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, (NCACM), a division of the National Institute of Health, (NIH), herbs can have powerful effects on the body, and may interact with other drugs. Therefore, check with a health care provider before beginning this or any other detox regime to rule out underlying health issues or complications.
Benefits of a Detox Diet
An herbal cleansing routine can help bring back feelings of energy, alertness, and positive attitude. This detoxification regime can give the same benefits as going to a health spa.
Cleansing Herbs
The cleansing herbs help the body eliminate waste products and toxins from the liver, the kidneys, and the colon.
As a tea, drink:
- Dandelion root – acts as a diuretic.
- Senna – activates the bowels.
- Slippery elm – soothes the throat and activates the bowels.
As a tablet, take:
- Milk thistle – helps with liver function.
- Cinnamon – helps with metabolism of glucose.
Soothing Herbs
The cleansing herbs may cause slight discomfort as they work, so soothing herbs are used to make the process gentler. Drink these as a tea.
- Chamomile - relaxes the nervous system.
- Malva - relaxes the digestive system.
- Ginger - soothes the stomach and digestive system.
- Parsley - soothing to the digestive system.
The Detox Diet Regime
Follow this diet for at least one day but no longer than three days.
- Upon rising, drink one cup of warm water with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Alternatively, drink one cup of warm water with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are said to get the digestive system moving.
- In the morning, drink one cup of senna tea or slippery elm tea. The slippery elm is gentler than senna. Flavor the tea with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey. There are also herbal teas made of a mix of these herbs available at the market.
- All day, drink plenty of soothing teas, such as ginger, chamomile, parlsey, malva, and lemon grass. It's important to stay well hydrated, drinking at least eight cups of tea each day.
- In the evening, fill a tub with warm water and one cup of Epsom salts or sea salt. Soak for 15 minutes, then scrub with a loofah or other bath scrubber. The heat and scrubbing will invigorate the skin and relax the body, while the salt will pull out the impurities.
Healthy Foods to Eat
Eat moist fruits, such as melons, apples, pears, and citrus. Eat salads or vegetable soups made with clear broth. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices. Eat plenty of food to feel satisfied.
Foods to Avoid
Refined sugars, pastries, candies, and chocolates are not advised while on this cleansing diet. Fatty foods, meats, and dairy products are also off limits.
Exercise
Gentle exercise is recommended, such as yoga, or walking.
This gentle, herbal detox diet can be a springboard for a healthier lifestyle. After one to three days on the diet, replace unhealthy food choices with healthier ones, and exercise daily. Using this method to cleanse the body once or twice a year will renew the feelings of being refreshed and energetic.
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