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Thanksgiving is over, but the overeating, bloating and sugar-filled cranberry, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie may still be with you. Did you know that some food can remain in your system for up to four days? This can make your body constipated, your mind foggy and your overall energy and mood sluggish. But with some simple steps, you can detox and cleanse your post-Thanksgiving system and revive it back to its healthy state.
A detox program can help your body’s natural cleaning process by:
1. Stimulating the liver to release toxins from the body;
2. Promoting waste elimination through the intestines, kidneys and skin;
3. Improving circulation throughout the body;
4. Refueling you with healthy nutrients.
Not that we are fans of using a cleanse to lose weight; nor do we recommend partaking in a diet void of food, vitamins and minerals (like the Lemonade Diet), but we do like the idea of incorporating more natural methods into the day in order to help release toxins from the body. If you are still feeling the effects of your Thanksgiving feast, here are some tips to naturally cleanse and detox your system:
Awaken the toxins. When we consume unnatural foods, they can leave behind a dense residue in our cells, according to nutritionist Marlena Torres. This residue turns into excess weight, body odor, wrinkles, cellulite and aging. Torres says we can awaken and loosen these toxins by consuming alkaline substances such as fresh vegetable juice, raw vegetables and fruits. Apparently, the negative ionic charge of these foods are opposite of the positive ionic charge of toxins in our cells.
Release the toxins. Once they have been awakened from our cells, toxins are then moved into our bloodstream and organs. They then need to be flushed from our bodies through natural elimination (going to the bathroom). Drinking at least two quarts of water a day will help, as will eating a diet rich in fiber (like the fruits and vegetables mentioned above).
Go clean. Eliminate other toxic-producing things like alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all of which will just create more toxins and become obstacles to your cleanse. You should also try to minimize use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal beauty products (shampoos, deodorants and toothpastes), and substitute with natural alternatives instead.
Eliminate stress. Stress triggers your body to release stress hormones into your system, which in large amounts can create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver.
Incorporate daily yoga. Yoga is not only an effective way to reduce stress, but it’s a natural way to detox your liver and other organs, while also helping to relieve constipation.
Practice hydrotherapy. Take a very hot shower for five minutes, allowing the water to run on your back. Follow with cold water for 30 seconds. Do this three times, and then get into bed for 30 minutes. This can help to stimulate your circulation and organs to help flush out toxins.
Sweat. Sit in a sauna or steam bath so your body can eliminate wastes through perspiration.
Article by Deborah Dunham of blisstree.com
