Photo: prideandvegudice / Flickr

If you’re not feeling on the top of your game and there’s no medical reason for your not feeling well, it might be time for a detox. The aim of a detox is to give yourself a break from foods that the body finds difficult to process, giving it a chance to do the important work of eliminating toxins. At the same time, eating nutritious foods that cleanse and nourish helps your body repair itself. In the words of Paracelsus, who is often regarded as the father of modern medicine, ‘Fasting is the greatest remedy, the physician within.’

Do I need to detox?

If you lead a hectic lifestyle, drink alcohol, and have a diet high in sugary and fatty processed foods, you might benefit from detoxing. If you have chronic health complaints, discuss the fact that you want to go on a cleansing diet with your doctor. He or she will be able to give you valuable input on staying healthy while you detoxify.

Out with the bad

First lighten the load of toxins your body needs to process. That means cutting out alcohol, coffee, cigarettes and refined sugar. If you can’t cut out cigarettes, at least try to smoke less than usual. Also avoid gluten (found in wheat and rye) and animal products like meat and dairy, which are difficult to digest.

In with the good

Replace the foods you are cutting out of your diet with healthy, nutritious options. You’re looking to eat whole food, as close to its natural state as possible. Fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa are the way to go. Be sure to include beans and/or lentils in your diet so that you don’t run short on protein, and take a vitamin supplement if you’re not used to eating a vegan diet, just to be on the safe side.

How long should my detox last?

A detox programme can last as long as 21 days, but three to five days is the norm. Some programmes recommend abstaining from food or consuming only liquids for a period of time, but we don’t recommend this approach unless you’re familiar with fasting and know how to do it safely.

Stress is as damaging to your body as toxins from food and pollution, so use your detox as a time to relax and reconnect with yourself. Consider trying a yoga or meditation class, or simply take some walks in nature – all of these activities have proven calming effects.

Tags: detox, eating healthily, Healthy diet, vegan diet, yoga