10 Tips to a Healthy Detox

It's spring in the Southern Hemisphere and time to think of skimpy clothes, beeches and summer holidays.
If you hibernated like I did during the winter, you would also be in need of a decent detox.

I've always been too suspicious of those large boxes with ingredients for a 15 day detox, subscribing to the "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" school of thought!

Here are a few tips for a healthy detox!

1. Follow a wholesome lifestyle – eat fresh, raw, natural foods; drink filtered water; exercise for 30 minutes daily, and avoid junk foods and additives - It will minimize the need to detoxify.
2. If you feel toxic or congested - have aches and pains, allergies and sinus congestion, sluggish digestion, or skin rashes – consider a detoxification program under the guidance of a natural therapist!
3. If you habitually have any SNACCs (Sugar, Nicotine, Alcohol, Caffeine, or Chemicals) take a break occasionally to evaluate how you really feel. These short breaks can give you a new perspective.
   Is your habit an easy pleasure or is your body paying a price? I know I start losing weight and have a clearer skin when I skip my daily glas of wine for a few days running!
4. Detox in a way that feels right to you – through a combination of diet changes, juice cleansing and supplements.
   Challenge yourself a little, but don't ascribe to the "No pain, no gain" attitude! The idea is to give yourself some TLC.
5. Create the time and space to detoxify successfully. You may want to do a 7-10 day Spring Cleanse. Starting on Friday gives you the weekend to move in and out of your program.
6. My favorite cleanses are fresh vegetable juices, and broths, with added Spirulina or other algaes.
7. Include regular exercise in your life and create a balanced schedule of activity and rest, work and play.
   Get outside - walking through the bush, by the ocean or a river. In the city, watch the sky to stay connected to Nature. Don't forget to relate to flowers, birds, and other natural life forms.
8. Do saunas, sweats, showers, and skin brushing to help detoxify. Drink 8-10 glasses a day of good quality spring or filtered water.
9. Make sure you keep your digestive track cleansed. Have a bowel movement at least once or twice daily – using fibers, herbs, salt water flushes, enemas, or colon hydrotherapy (my personal favourite!). A topic not often discussed, but so necessary for experiencing healthy cleansing and vibrant health.
10. Be positive – drop at least one old habit this month. A simple change such as giving up wheat or dairy products, sugar or caffeine, could make a big difference in your health.

Detox does not need to cost you money - neither is it a once in a blue moon project. Make it a lifestyle!