It's Summer time!!!
After this year, it feels like we really need to get into a better mindset, come out of our "lockdown" habits of sedentary lifestyles, take the take-away delivery services off from speed dial and stop coming up with all the excuses in the world on why you cannot exercise today. With the early sunrise, blue skies, fresh air and so many beautifully delicious fresh fruit growing this season, what better time is there than now to get the endorphins flowing, flush out toxins and feed out body with good nutritious foods?
Out with the old and in with the new, it's time for a DETOX!
Top 10 tips for a refreshing summer detox
Early morning rise
Get a kickstart to your day with waking up early to get yourself refreshed before the heat kicks in. It reduces the stress and anxiety of the morning rush to start your day off on a positive note.
With the early rise comes extra time to fit in a bit of exercise and meditation. Mental and physical fitness is a very essential aspect in moving toward a healthier lifestyle. In addition, exercise improves your overall mood, manages your weight and improves blood flow and circulation. Don't forget to drink adequate amounts of water to replenish and promote detoxification.
Drink Water
We underestimate the importance of water intake, not only does it help us to stay hydrated, it provides oxygen to your system and helps to flush out toxins. If you are not the type to drink enough water, swop out the usual sugar filled beverages and extra cup of coffee for water instead. An easy way to get more water intake is to carry a glass bottle (eco friendly of-course) and keep it on your desk/kitchen table, maybe add some lemon slices, cucumber, mint or even some strawberries to get you into the habit of it and refill regularly. Caution should be taken if you suffer from any medical conditions that limit water intake so speak to your doctor about how much water intake is safe for your condition.
Boost energy with fresh fruit and vegetables
Vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining good health. Most of these are found in our foods, mainly from animal, plant sources. When we are deficient, we tend to suffer from tiredness, fatigue, and various other symptoms including poor immunity, skin and hair problems. When deficiencies are severe, it can result in serious illness. Simple ways to get the most nutrients out of your foods is to eat fresh, juice fruit and veg or blend into a smoothie.
Soak in an Epsom salts bath
Epsom salt bath can remove harmful toxins and balance the body. It contains magnesium which is one of the minerals that many people lack. A 20 min soak in a warm epsom salts bath might restore magnesium (this may benefit people who are at risk for low levels, including those with fibromyalgia), sooth muscle aches, soften skin and induce relaxation. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps adjust blood glucose levels. It aids in the production of energy and protein.
Alternative therapies for detoxification
A healing crisis is a temporary worsening of symptoms after beginning a Natural medicine treatment. You may also see it called a detox reaction, or a cleansing reaction.
Massage therapy: Studies show that not only is massage a relaxing therapy decreasing heart rate and respiratory rates but it showed that is was more effective in reducing Alcohol Withdrawal Scale scores in the early stages of the detoxification process.
Cupping therapy: Releasing of toxins and removal of wastes and heavy metals might be explained by “Blood Detoxification Theory”. According to the blood detoxification theory, there is a decrease in the level of uric acid (which builds up in Gout), HDL, LDL (cholesterol) and the molecular structure and function of hemoglobin (Hb) and other hematological adjustments. Cupping therapy effectively removes heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, silver and lead from the body.
Acupuncture: works as a natural diuretic and helps the body to eliminate toxins in urine cleansing organs such as the kidneys, colon, skin and liver. The process is believed to balance of Qi (pronounced as chi) which is an important life energy force that creates nourishment and alignment of body functions.
Herbal medicine
Specific herbs haven proven effects in promoting detoxification. These are called "alterative herbs" which act as blood cleansers. They alter the blood and lymph to enable detoxification from body tissue. Examples of these type of herbs are Burdock, Dandelion, Neem and Milk thistle.
Although herbs have many beneficial effects, they should only be used under the guidance of Natural Medicine practitioner to ensure that they are suitable for you. Taking herbs without the adequate knowledge of its drug interactions, pharmacological effects, correct dosage, part and route of administration can have harmful effects.
*Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice, please consult a qualified practitioner who can advise you accordingly and seek medical attention if you are unwell.
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