Home / Nutrition Program / Basics / Detox Lifestyle
Traditionally throughout many cultures detoxification was seen as a time of rest and reflection. In Europe people would retreat to the mountains to ‘take the air’ along with the expected nourishing diet and supportive herbs, they would rest and relax everyday and take part in gentle exercise. The idea behind this is that they would avoid external stress as much as possible in order to allow their bodies to heal.
This concept is still valid today however it is much harder to achieve! If at all possible it is worthwhile planning some down time during your detox. Rest and relaxation are very important, so while you may not be able to have time off work and family commitments try to minimise what you have to do and make some time to rest.
Sadly most of our favourite personal care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, moisturizer and even toothpaste can contain a cocktail of chemicals, some of which are potentially quite harmful such as parabeens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphate, mineral oil, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, imidazolidinyl urea, the list goes on! So visit your local health food shop and research your alternatives, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that more natural products can be as effective and far less toxic!
One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to household toxins is to buy a water filter. Among the best are the reverse osmosis filters, which also remove fluoride. Do your research and purchase the best one you can afford.
Check your plastic containers: are they bisphenol-A (BPA) free? If not, replace them with non-BPA plastic or glass containers. BPA disrupts hormonal health and acts as a xenoestrogen in your body. Do a stocktake on the most toxic cupboard in your home – the cleaning cupboard – and cut back on your chemical exposure by using natural, non-toxic brands.
Chemicals and pesticides are not the only man made substances we are sensitive to, we are also are influenced by our exposure to artificial light and electromagnetic radiation. To reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation, turn off computers at night and never sleep with a mobile phone plugged in on the bedside table.
The body reacts to emotional stress much as it does to physical stress, by triggering a cascade of chemical messengers in the body that increase toxicity and put pressure on the elimination pathways. A detox should be supported by a period
of rest and withdrawal to address negative influences in our lives and reflect on what is helping – and blocking achievement
of our health goals.
A diary or journal can help you identify areas of stress. Working through personal issues and developing positive strategies to address problems clears the way forward.
Meditation allows the body to deeply relax, supporting its regulatory and metabolic processes, and promoting restoration and healing. I can recommend Headspace a free meditation app that can be downloaded onto your phone. It takes you through 10 minute guided meditations each day, which is an excellent way to help you meditate and relax. There are lots of other available, so try them out.
Negative relationships can be a source of huge stress, so devoting time to addressing or distancing yourself from toxic people will play a powerful cleansing role on your path to health and happiness.
