In order to remain healthy, it is very important that we inculcate detoxification in our daily routine since one of its benefits is to help build immunity
The first step to a detox is to know what exactly it is. Detoxification is a process wherein you rid your body of harmful toxins by making changes to your lifestyle and abstaining from harmful habits. These changes involve modifying your diet, eating healthier and more natural foods, exercising, and taking adequate rest. To make sure that our hectic lifestyles do not have an adverse effect on our body, it’s highly recommended to inculcate detoxification in our daily routine.
There are several benefits to detoxing beyond just losing weight. Detoxing helps strengthen immunity. Unfortunately, we live in a highly-polluted environment, be it the air we breathe, the water we drink or the food we eat. To make sure that our body can fight the sustained damage, introducing food and drinks rich in antioxidants can lower the risk of cancer by clearing the blood.
Toxic substances and chemicals could lead to an inflexible lifestyle, preventing the release of contaminants. Detoxifying improves the quality of liver functions and ensures your colon is in a healthy state by getting rid of excess waste. Natural cleansers also boost energy, hydrate and help increase cognitive functions.
Most of us are troubled by that little bit of excess fat that just won't leave us alone. Detoxifying helps with the reduction of excess weight without starving you and reduced fluid retention enables the body to get rid of toxic fats from the body. Detoxing further helps in enhancing skin quality. It is extremely helpful for patchy and dull facial skin. Detoxification retains a good balance of moisture and smoothness in the skin and brings a natural glow to the face. It also prevents premature ageing.
Here’s a few ways to detoxify your body:
Begin with water: Water is the most important element. It is also a basic requirement considering 70% of the human body is water. Start your day with a glass of water with lemon juice. lemon and water help rehydrate the system, improve digestion, and help the flow of excess waste out of the body. Moreover, make sure you drink at least two to three litres of water a day.
Exercise: Exercising makes you sweat, which helps release toxins from your body. Regular exercise and physical activity also helps boost blood flow to the organs and keeps stress and mental health risks at bay.
Diet: Detox is not only about what you avoid, but also what you eat. It goes without saying that you must avoid processed and packaged foods including any kind of fast foods. Instead, go for salads that are filled with green vegetables. Certain foods like garlic, lemon, broccoli, bean sprouts, and raw vegetables help with the detoxification process. Other alternative diets like a juice or alkaline diet (uncooked fruits and vegetables) can help purify the liver and improve the digestive system.
Drink tea: Tea contains antioxidants and helps hydrate your body, especially if its green or herbal tea. The caffeine in tea is different from that in coffee and is gentler on your system, giving you a mild dose of energy.
(The Writer is Nutritionist and Dietician, FITPASS)