After a challenging period last year, marked by stress and holiday indulgence that resulted in some extra pounds, I realised it was time to rejuvenate and reset my system. Over the years, I’ve observed that the demands of modern life, with its environmental toxins, processed foods, and various stresses, take a toll on our bodies. The increasing prevalence of conditions and diseases underscores the necessity for detoxification to cleanse our bodies from within.
Detoxification is a natural body process for eliminating toxins. However, in today’s world, our detox pathways often become overwhelmed due to contemporary lifestyles and diets. Embracing a program focused on purification can provide crucial support, helping enhance these natural processes and promoting overall well-being. Incorporating a clean diet, targeted supplements, and a daily intake of 2 litres of water can be transformative and potent in facilitating a gentle detox.
In essence, recognising the importance of detoxing and purifying the body becomes imperative in maintaining health and vitality amidst the challenges of modern living.
A Purifying Diet
An important part of any health program is a ‘clean’ and nutrient-dense diet (no processed food, simple carbs, alcohol or refined sugars). Focusing on whole foods such as fruits (berries/apples/pears/cherries which are lower in sugars) vegetables, lean proteins and good fibre, provides the body with essential nutrients. Alongside increasing the consumption of whole foods, it is also important to drastically reduce, or cut out, exposure to additives and preservatives.
Including foods known for their detoxifying and purifying properties, such as dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and antioxidant-rich berries, can amplify the cleansing effect.
Hydration for Cleansing
Being hydrated plays a vital role in cleansing the body. We need to drink 2 litres of water every day, AWAY from food. This means drinking water up to 15 mins before food and at least an hour after. Water flushes out toxins, supports cellular functions, and helps with our digestion. We can add lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist which also provides additional detox benefits, herbal teas, particularly those with dandelion or ginger, can also contribute to the cleansing process.
Targeted Supplements
Supplements can enhance and complement a clean diet by providing specific nutrients that support the body and reduce inflammation. Inulin, for instance, boosts populations of beneficial gut bacterial species which in turn boost levels of anti-inflammatory immune T cells. Psyllium and apple pectin, can aid in binding and removing toxins (including heavy metals) from the digestive tract.
Probiotics for Gut Health
A healthy gut is fundamental to overall well-being and effective detoxification. Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi can support the balance of good healthy bacteria in the digestive system. When we have a fresh, widely varied and colourful diet this supports all the different colonies of bacteria and microorganisms that make up our microbiome. However, we often get in a rut of buying the same (often processed) foods week-in-week-out that do not support the multitude of bacterial colonies in our intestines. Taking a spore probiotic can help new colonies to thrive. This not only aids digestion, but also contributes to a robust immune system and a clearer mind too.
Mindful Eating
In addition to the foods we eat, how we eat, can have a big impact on our health. Mindful eating, such as chewing food thoroughly (around 35 times per mouthful) and savouring each bite, allows our brains to let our bodies know what is ‘coming down’ which helps hugely with digestion and the ability to absorb our nutrients well.
Balancing Exercise and Rest and Relaxation
Getting physical, promotes our circulation, which, in turn, helps the body eliminate toxins through sweat and lymphatic drainage. ‘Rebounding‘ is one of the best activities to achieve this for our bodies. Adding in regular exercise (that we enjoy!) with rest, relaxation (even a peaceful 5min feet up/meditation) and good sleep, helps the body keep clean. Quality sleep (being asleep by 10pm) allows the hormones from the pineal gland to be active within the body and mind to clean, repair and regenerate, supporting its natural healing processes.
Summary
To foster well-being, cleanse the body, and promote vitality, one can embark on a journey towards optimal health by integrating a powerful combination of elements: a nutrient-rich clean diet, adequate water intake, regular exercise, sufficient rest, relaxation practices, quality sleep, and the strategic use of targeted supplements. This holistic approach provides a robust foundation for nourishing the body and thriving in overall health.
Next Steps
- Purify Programme: Taking a look at a Purify Programme that can help achieve the above may be helpful. I follow this twice a year.
However if the Purify programme isn’t for you then employing positive changes in lifestyle with a clean diet, water, targeted supplements and exercise helps enormously.
Whatever decisions you make for yourself, please feel free to download this FREE clean pantry diet PDF which can be really helpful to follow.
- A Session with your Local Kinesiologist: If you would like to visit a systematic Kinesiologist for testing and treatment please go to taskuknetwork.org to find your nearest practitioner.
NOTE : If you have a health condition or are taking medication consult a medical doctor before embarking on any health programme or taking supplements.