It is unrealistic for people living in the modern age to engage in a lengthy detox, so a series of gentle detox programmes is perfect. After all, it may have taken a person 20 years to get into their current state – a sudden and deep detox may be too much of a shock to the system. You can start with a 24 hour detox, a week later a 3 day detox.

Benefits

The benefits of a detox are well known – the number of detox centers that have appeared over the last few years is a testament to this. Apart from obvious detox benefits such as more energy and vigour, efficient digestion, improved immune system and better skin complexion your clarity of mind improves, with a vast reduction in “mental chatter”.

Side Effects

It is not uncommon to experience headaches during the beginning of a detox as your body is dealing with the dramatic reduction of its daily poisons. This is why reducing caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol is important before one starts. Reduced energy during the beginning of a detox has also been been reported.

Before the Detox

If you are on any medication or have any health concerns then consult your doctor. Try and cut down or eliminate caffeine, nicotine, alcohol a couple of days prior to the detox if possible. Avoid strenuous exercise like running, try walking, yoga, or pilates instead.

After the Detox

It is unrealistic to cut out all foods that may have a negative effect on the body. The 80/20 rule is a good guide after the detox. Basically you can be good 80% of the time, the rest of the time add in a little naughtyness!

General Guides

During the detox it is very important to get enough sleep – especially during the early stages. This is not as important during the 24 hour detox. The number of hours for a person to sleep varies, but as a genreal rule one hour before is better than one hour after i.e. go to bed earlier and rise earlier.

A good amount of water, at least 1 and a half litres per day is essential. Do not go to extremes with this however as anything in extremes is dangerous. Herbal tea or even warm water is very beneficial during a detox, as this boosts your metabolism. Try warm water with some fresh lemon juice

Try and cut back on solid food, try a broth made from warm water and vegetables. Salads are the exception, as well as some fruits.

Try this recipe for herbal broth:
Chop 3-4 whole, unpeeled potatoes
3-4 stalks of celery
Handful of green leafy vegetables
Herbs to taste
Place in 1 and a half litres of water and simmer for 20 minutes. Blend and then strain.

1-3 Day Detox

Morning:
herbal tea

Mid morning:
Glass of warm water with lemon

Lunch:
Electrolyte broth
Herbal tea

Afternoon:
Glass of warm water with lemon

Dinner:
Electolyte broth
Herbal tea such as camomile