Post Summer Detox

Need to kick-start your mind and body? Here’s how a cleansing diet can help you look good and feel great!

By Tracy Simmons

After a summer of all-inclusive vacations, barbecues and cocktails, your waistline might be paying the price. Never fear, the fall detox is here!  If you’re cringing at the word "detox,” take comfort in knowing that this seasonal cleanse is gentle yet highly effective as it promotes weight loss, improves your complexion and increases energy levels.

The toxins found in the air and water, including chemical pollutants, find their way into our bodies and prevent our systems from performing their jobs properly. A detox is a terrific strategy to help you get back on track . Tackling a cleanse program can be a bit overwhelming, though, especially if you don't know where to start .  "We want to detoxify all organs/pathways including the bowels, liver, kidneys, skin, lymphatic s and lungs," says Dr. Carole Peters, a naturopathic doctor from Ontario’s Naturopathic Perspectives .  This is important as toxins affect all of our systems, playing a role in weight loss and overall health.  "There are various types of cleanses, and the one you choose is based on your individual needs and your experience with detoxing," explains Dr.  Peters. "If you have never done a cleanse before it is best to start with a food- based detox, as a juice cleanse may be too much of a shock to your system."   On a side note, a good detox can last anywhere from 10-21 days.

Where to Begin
Dr. Peters notes that while there are some great detoxing kits on the market, you can gain similar effects and health benefits by going the natural route. If that’s the direction you want to take, here are some general guidelines that she suggests:

• Consume six to eight glasses of water every day
• Sleep seven to eight hours every night
• Take half an hour to eat each meal
• Do not read or watch TV while eating
• Concentrate on eating fresh plant foods that are high in chlorophyll as a source of enzymes
• Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre
• Use organic, cold-pressed oils for cooking (e.g. olive oil)
• Eat live bacterial cultured foods to re-seed the intestinal bacteria and help digestion (e.g. miso)
• Engage in deep breathing exercises to aid in the detoxification
• Saunas, steam baths and epsom salt baths aid in elimination if done properly (consult your naturopathic doctor for details)
• Drink cleansing herbal teas (e.g. combine yarrow, milk thistle, burdock root, red clover and cleavers)
• Try the juicing portion of your cleanse over a long weekend, when you do n’t have any major work or social obligations
  
  
  What To Eat
• 
  Some foods you should consider including in your detox diet are:
   
• Whole grains (brown rice, millet, quinoa)
• Fibre (for the bowls )
• Fruits (including cranberries for the kidneys)
• Vegetables  ( cabbage, onions, garlic, artichoke, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale and cauliflower are particularly good for detoxing the liver)
  
  More Detox Details
  Meats, legumes, sweeteners, wheat, corn, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, pop, fried and processed foods and dairy should not be consumed .  In the weeks following the detox, you can slowly introduce natural sweeteners, fats, heavier proteins and limited dairy products. If possible, continue to stay away from refined/processed foods, saturated fats, fried foods, red meats, caffeine and excessive dairy.
  
  
  Try This
  Dr. Peters has put together a great example of a Modified Juice Cleanse .  If you have any medical conditions, make sure you consult health care professional before changing your diet.
  
  Day 1-2

• Eat whole grains (e.g. brown rice, millet, quinoa), steamed vegetables and fruits.
  

Day 3

• Remove grains (millet, brown rice) from your diet and eat only fruits and steamed vegetables.
  

Day 4

• Eat only fruits and steamed vegetables. The evening before your elimination/modified fast, take your choice of gentle laxative (e.g. psyllium husk or capsules).
  

Days 5-7

• Consume fibre when you wake up. Drink organic juices or green drinks five times a day.  For dinner, have miso soup (paste, not packaged).  Take a fibre supplement before bed and 1,000mg citamin C + bioflavonoids with each meal.
  

Day 8

• Continue with the menu from days 5-6, adding steamed vegetables and fruits.
  

Day 9

• Add rice, millet and other grains to your daily diet. 
  Day 10
• Finally, add beans and other protein sources.
  
  

Even More Helpful Hints

Dr. Peters notes that a detoxification is also a good method of cleansing your mind.  Take 15 minutes to an hour every day to meditate, allowing your mind to rest. She also recommends dry skin brushing (light circular motions, not exfoliat ion), alternating hot and cold water in the shower, and yoga and massage to help the lymphatic system improve circulation.

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