DETOX Step 4 - During the Fast
As mentioned before, there are so many kinds of fasts. Not all of them restrict you from everything except water and juices. Almost all of them, however, require you to concentrate on multiple healthy measures. Below, is a generalized list of things to do that are acceptable practices. Customize this list according to your specific fasting program, or what is most needed for you to improve upon.
Things to do while detoxing
1. Morning lemon juice: This is a great thing to do at all times to kick-start the digestion and cleanse the system. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water. Drink first thing in the morning before breakfast.
2. Exercise: During your detox, aim to exercise for one hour daily. And not just any exercise – something cardio-related that makes you sweat. Running, jogging, kickboxing, a spin class, or hot yoga. High-impact exercising will increase lymph flow and circulation to help sweat out toxins.
3. Raw foods: Aim to cut out the cooking process and eat mainly raw foods. Raw foods contain more nutrients and enzymes, and contrary to popular beliefs, you will receive adequate protein as well. Spouting your beans and greens takes things to an even higher level of goodness, so add fresh sprouts to a salad daily.
4. Detox your mind: While detoxing your body, it’s great to take that time to clear the clutter from your mind as well. Aim for 15 minutes of meditation per day. I would encourage you to have a notepad handy—or better yet, a special meditation journal—to capture your authentic thoughts. Never leave it to chance you’ll remember later the information that comes to you.
5. Breathe: Now, this may sound crazy to you that you’re being told to breathe. However, most people don’t do it properly, and doing it properly improves your health. A simple way to understand the importance of breathing is to know that healthy cells are those that are highly oxygenated. Therefore, bringing in oxygen (O) and water (H2O) keeps the body filled with more healthy cells than cancerous cells (which we all have a certain amount of).
So, here’s a good regimen to get you in the habit of breathing properly. It’s called belly breathing. Start by placing hands palm down on your lower belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose, counting to 3 or 4 counts. Take note of your belly rising with each breath. Breathe out just as slowly, allowing your belly to drop. Do this for 15 minutes daily along with your meditation.
6. Drink: Aim to drink close to three liters of fluids daily, which is almost one gallon. This will help move the lymph and support kidney detoxification. Most of what you drink per day should be fresh, alkaline water. Water is so very crucial to wellness; it is one of the fundamental vehicles of life, making it a sacred element.
Other liquids should also be fresh, i.e., 100% vegetable juice (no concentrate!) and herbal detox teas. You can make your own brew by mixing one or more of a combination of Dandelion root and nettle, cleavers, calendula, burdock and red clover. Add one teaspoon of the dried herbs to a cup of boiling water. Let this steep for five minutes, strain, and drink.
7. Body brushing: Do this daily to support blood circulation and increase your skin detoxification. Using a loofah or natural fiber body brush, brush your skin with firm circular strokes before you step into the shower. Begin with your feet and hands, moving up the legs and towards the arms, avoiding the delicate area of throat and face, and any rash or sore spots. Then jump in the shower. Finish your shower with a 30-second burst of cold water, which helps to bring blood circulation to your skin.
8. Chew: Again, this may seem like a crazy thing to instruct someone on, but most people don’t do it properly! We’ve heard for years to chew our food 32 times before swallowing—which seems like an insane amount of times. What we may not have heard, though, is the WHY behind it.
Chewing your food until it’s liquefied by your saliva breaks down the food so that the nutrients and enzymes in it are absorbed more easily into your system. This improves digestion. It also allows you to feel a sense of fullness without a need to overeat. Being more mindful of these things helps to make all that chewing not seem so insane after all!
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There you have it. Do some or all of these things according to your particular detox fast. Perhaps you have other principles you swear by to maintain your healthy lifestyle. The important thing is to do something every day that brings you closer and closer to agility, vitality and longevity! Your body deserves it and YOU are the only one who can deliver it!
