Aims of detox

The aims of a detox programme are to reduce the workload of the digestive system, allowing it to perform more efficiently, and to stimulate the parts of your body that are responsible for cleansing and elimination. Successful detoxing depends for the main part on what you eat and drink, but it can be complemented by body therapies to speed up the elimination of toxins, and mind therapies to help you relax and reduce stress levels. The intention is to coax your mind and body to rid itself of waste, replacing it with revitalizing and nurturing foods and thoughts.

The food detox programme improves the digestive system and immunity; reduces your exposure to toxins; and, finally, increases the actions of the liver and kidneys, the main organs of detoxification. It will provide you with everything you need for a full internal spring clean. However, to get the most out of detoxing you need to look after your mind as well as your body. Well-being depends on maintaining a balance between your emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health, and if this balance is upset it disrupts your body's harmony and leads to ill health. The body and mind detox programme contains simple yet effective techniques that will help you to look after your body and encourage a positive state of mind to promote all-round well-being and good health.

Wean yourself off alcohol

Reduce your alcohol intake so that by the end of the fortnight it is down to little or nothing. This will reduce the liver's workload, the main organ of detoxification.

Start exercising

Take a walk at lunchtime, build up the amount of time you spend doing it and step up the pace.

Keep a food diary

Note down everything you eat and drink, the times, the approximate quantities and relevant details such as whether or not the products are organic. This will help you towards eating more healthily.

Cut down on caffeine

Reduce your consumption of tea, coffee and fizzy drinks. Do this by gradually replacing them over the course of a fortnight with herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices and water. If you drink a lot of caffeinated drinks and give them up overnight, you will experience unpleasant side effects such as headaches, sleeplessness and irritability.

Drink more water

Increase your intake of fluids to at least 1.5 litres (3 pints) a day.

Eat more fruit and vegetables

Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet so that by the end of the fortnight you are consuming at least three portions of each every day. Apples, pears, pineapple and berry fruits are good choices at this stage and will speed up the passage of food through the intestines. Avoid citrus fruits for now because they are potent cleansers. Sweet potatoes, squashes and root vegetables are gentle on the digestive system.

Cut down on carbohydrates

Reduce your consumption of bread and pasta to one portion a day (one slice of bread or one heaped tablespoon of cooked pasta).

Citations

Sara Rose, (2004).
Detox: The process of cleansing and restoration, U.K.:Parragon

Image Source: Sara Rose, (2004).
Detox: The process of cleansing and restoration, U.K.:Parragon