Detoxing the right way can help optimise body’s functions. It not only boosts energy levels and stamina, but also improves your skin and hair… Though detox literally means getting rid of toxins from your body, it is equally important for your skin and hair. There are too many environmental pollutants and chemicals around and most of the time, your body cannot handle them.

You begin feeling listless and restless — and that is the time you need to go on a detox for a day or two. There are many ways to do it — fasting, being on a juice diet, or going off sweets/salt for a day are a few examples. If you stop overloading the body with food, the system gets some time to rejuvenate. Detoxing does lead to a little weightloss, but a detox should never be done with that in mind. If one wants to lose weight, the best option is to exercise and follow a regular balanced diet. Detoxing once a week or month helps your system to flush out toxins and here are some simple tips to detox the healthy way…

Minimise all toxin load
Stay away from refined sugar, saturated fats, alcohol, coffee and smoking. Also, avoid using too many chemical products on your face and body for a day.

Have fruits and veggies
When on a detox, include many fruits and vegetables in your diet. Take ones that are different in colour, because each colour family usually has a particular vitamin in it. You could have fresh juices — the canned and packaged ones have too much sugar and preservatives that may be harmful. If you are only on fruits and vegetables, you should aim for at least five-six portions a day. They usually have a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals and are also rich in antioxidants and fibre.

Stay well hydrated
Water is definitely the best option and so are all kinds of fruits and vegetable juices. Have green tea, camomile or rose tea. Avoiding caffeine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fizzy drinks and aerated beverages are ideal.

Eat less salt
Avoiding salt for a day is a great idea. In your general meals also, you should not have excess salt.

Have fibre-rich food
This is important because the fibre helps cleanse your system thoroughly. It will prevent constipation and also keep your digestive system healthy.

What does detoxing do for you…
1. Your organs get a rest because you are not overloading it with all kinds of food.
2. Stimulates your internal organs to remove toxins from the body and eliminate them.
3. Toxins and free radicals affect mental functions also so, a detox programme can help you deal with fatigue, sleep problems, memory etc.
4. Detoxing refuels the body.