By Dr. Mary MacDonald, ND
Detox – a controversial topic and often discussed after the holidays.
Here’s what my patients are usually asking about when they’re asking about detoxes: how can I get my energy back after eating less healthy foods, sleeping less, and drinking more alcohol than usual? Here’s my answer (though it’s always individual to each person):
- Get back in a routine that works best for you
- Start the day with hot water with lemon – or, even better, hot water with lemon, a dash of sea salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to get the liver pumping, digestive juices flowing, and the adrenals started
- Green Tea: 2 + cups a day – increases metabolism, boosts the immune system, and is a healthy alternative to coffee.
- Contrast Showers: Alternating hot and cold showers provide cleansing, increases circulation and are a simple, effective way of improving metabolism.
- Dry Skin brushing: This clears toxins from skin & lymphatic system.
Get back to the foods that work best for you: I’m thinking more fruits & vegetables, more pulses (beans & legumes) and less cheese and processed meats (usually eaten more during the holidays) - Exercise: Very important to support cleansing. It helps to relax the body, clears wastes, & prevents toxicity symptoms. Any non-stressful activity that you enjoy will help rest, recuperate & encourage detoxification.
- Fresh air: Plenty is needed to support cleansing and oxygenation of the cells and tissues. Sunshine is also needed to revitalize our body
- Rest: An important component of allowing the body to detoxify and heal. Ensure at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Take naps – listen to your body!
- Work and be creative: And make plans for your life! While detoxifying, most people experience greater work energy and more creativity!
- Clean up your room, desk, office, closet, and home. If we want to prepare for the new, we need to clear out the old!
- Journaling: Allow yourself time at some point in the day to write down your feelings and thoughts, positive or negative, and reflect on the day and what you are learning about yourself.
- Spend at least 30 minutes per day doing something that you really enjoy.
- Add supplements as necessary to help you feel better as quickly as possible: reach out if you want more info on that – there are so many options!
- Repeat!