Essential Detox

Spa Magazine – Jan/Feb 2005

The statement, “All things in moderation, especially moderation” is tossed about holiday parties because occasional indulgence feeds the soul. Still, even ceremonial gluttony should be followed by one to three weeks of detoxification so those plentiful “anti-nutrients” – alcohol, sugar, caffeine – that steep in our cells between Thanksgiving and New Years are released before they do harm.

Dr. Mark Hyman, author of the Detox Box, believes that unchecked toxicity over time leads to fatigue, digestive disorders, allergies, fibromyalgia, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, and that annual detoxification is actually a gateway to long lasting health . Hyman’s popular, successful Detox Program is simple, accessible and makes for a great new years resolution. Here are the five building blocks.

• Get Rid of Toxins: Stimulants, alcohol, caffeine, et al, are avoided along with processed foods, refined oils, dairy, wheat, meat, poultry, citrus, tomatoes, potatoes and peanuts.

• Fix Your Gut: The Digestive system is repaired and nutrient absorption improved through a diet of brown rice, wild salmon, trout and cod, organic vegetables, rice protein shakes, vegetable juice, and legumes. Supplements – bentonite clay, flax seed oil, and magnesium citrate – are taken to assist the rejuvenation process.

• Get Your Fluids Moving: Hyman calls for 30 minutes of daily yoga, and aerobic exercise. Yoga twists and stretches toxins from muscles and organs and aerobic activity flushes them out with sweat.

• Love Your Liver and Sweat it Out: Heat therapy, via saunas, steam rooms and hot baths, increases the excretion of heavy metals and supports the liver cleanse sparked by recommended nutritional supplements.

• Detox Your Mind, Heart and Spirit: Turn off the television, stop surfing the net, cancel the paper, meditate, nap, journal, get a massage or three, and avoid negative relationships and situations. Get clear, calm, and connected.