The Right Time to Detox

Now this may seem like an odd topic for the end of the year when everyone is gearing up for the excesses of the festive season, but it’s not. Right now is a great time to press pause on your body and I’ll explain why. 

First, let’s think about why we detox…

Why detox?

Most people think about detoxing as a reset, but it works exceptionally well for people who are stuck and just not seeing changes in the way they look and feel, despite the work they are doing and the goals they are setting themselves.

That’s because detoxing unblocks certain pathways in the body. It brings clarity of mind and focus, and it helps people to change behaviours and make healthier choices.

Contrary to popular opinion, detoxing doesn’t have to be gruelling and isn’t about extremes. It’s about giving your body (and your mind) a gentle reset. It’s about restoring balance and removing toxins that have built up which affect your energy, mood, digestion and skin.

Toxins don’t just come from things like alcohol and coffee, they come from water, which may contain chlorine, ammonia, fluoride, and even hormones.

They come from food, which carries pesticides, additives, genetically modified organisms and heavy metals.

And they’re found in medications, cosmetics, cleaning products and the things you put on your skin. Yes, up to 70% of the lotions and potions you use on your skin are absorbed and with them aluminium, parabens and synthetic fragrances.

And then there’s the environment around us too, which of course, carries even more toxins.

Little surprise then, when we think of all the things we’re putting into our body, that it can become overloaded and in need of a reset.

Detoxing my way

Now I love a detox and the way it makes me feel afterwards. And I try to do one two or three times a year. I don’t often go to extremes; I’m not into punishing myself and I’m proof that you don’t have to.

I did my last detox back in September after coming back from holiday. I’m all about balance, so I didn’t drink and eat to excess while I was away, or become completely sedentary, but I did indulge more than I normally would.

So, when the kids went back to school, I, along with my husband, did a two-day detox, eating a completely plant-based diet of mainly organic foods. No eggs, no dairy, no grains.

I bought everything in advance and then made up recipes with the ingredients I had. Breakfast was tahini with raw vegetables – carrot, cucumber, spinach, a few unsalted mixed nuts and some organic dates.

Lunch was a bowl of home-made vegetable soup and dinner was a stir-fry with mixed beans, kale, hemp seeds, mung beans, peppers, a Thai sauce and some coconut cream with ginger and turmeric as they’re anti-inflammatory. Oh, and then some frozen berries for dessert.

I drank water (lots of it) and herbal teas, bathed in Epsom salts to relax and draw out toxins, and did dry skin brushing to boost my circulation, immunity and lymph flow.

Now obviously, with the work that I do, I’m constantly active and on the go and people always ask how I manage to carry on with normal life when I’m detoxing. The answer – I don’t.

Well, I don’t do my usual exercise regime, and I certainly don’t sign myself up for a tennis tournament! I go for walks (I have to with my 2 doggies) and I do some low impact grounding exercises, like Pilates or yoga – but that’s about it. I use it as a time to nurture myself.

The right time to detox

I mentioned that early December is a great time to detox as doing one at this time of year can give you a boost ahead of the festive season. In all honesty though, there is no ‘perfect’ time of year. The ‘perfect’ time to do this is when it’s right for you. Consider what’s going on in life and at work, and if you’re menstruating, what stage of your cycle you are in as it’s better to detox in the first half of your cycle. It’s also important to be aware that you may experience side effects like migraines, nausea, skin breakouts and rashes. These are completely normal and part of the process. But (and this is a big but) you should avoid reaching for medications or make up to soothe you, instead I suggest taking yourself off to bed and letting these symptoms pass. So, consider if and when you would be able to do this.  

And then, of course, there’s your general health to think about as you should be fit and well before you start. If you have any concerns, it’s advisable to seek medical advice.

I’m not saying these things to put you off. You know my mantra is ‘why wait?’ but it’s important to be aware of what detoxing entails. 

The one question I’m often asked is whether I do an enema before I detox. No, I don’t always. You can, and you can get them over the counter and they’re easy to do. As I said, I’m about gentle and natural. That said, I’d be lying if I said all of this was easy. 

What to eat after detoxing 

Another thing to consider is how to reintroduce foods when you finish. I don’t suggest reaching for a celebratory slice of cake or glass of wine, despite what you may think! You need to be mindful and take things slowly, otherwise you’ll overwhelm your system and undo all your hard work.

I start with foods that are easy to digest - steamed vegetables, lean proteins, fruits and plenty of water. I also pay close attention to how my body feels after reintroducing each type of food. If I notice any discomfort, bloating or other issues, I leave it out of my diet for a few days before trying to eat it again. After about three days I bring in probiotics like yogurt and kefir to help restore healthy gut bacteria and over the course of a week I gradually bring back all food groups – dairy, grains and even potentially allergenic foods like caffeine and alcohol.

As I’m doing this, I pay close attention to my body and how it feels. Making note of what serves me, and what doesn’t. And the things that I may choose not to eat again.

Detoxing, although hard, doesn’t have to be hellish. It’s not easy but don’t let that put you off, because as far as I’m concerned, it really is worth it.