by Joan Inong

Created on: December 19, 2008

Cleansing your body by eating healthier and more nutritious foods is another way of saying "detox." Not only will you be eating healthier, but you'll be solving many digestive disorders and eating problems that can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Many people, however, think that detoxing is difficult to do. They don't realize, of course, that detoxing can be a couple of steps away. The first step is recognizing what detox can do for you in just one day.

Do you want to rid yourself of gas, bloating, or heartburn? Your gastrointestinal tract is one of the most important parts of your body. About three-fourths of your immune system is found there, and it's also the place where your body makes neurotransmitters, "which influence how you think, feel, and sleep." Follow the one-day plan below to get started on a detox diet.

Drink vegetable juice in the morning. Vegetable juice helps relieve constipation and may even prevent it. Drinking it in the morning gets your body ready to go for the day. You can lower your risk of digestive diseases, too. Eat yogurt to give your body the probiotics that it needs. Add Culturelle or Yakult to help ease diarrhea and food intolerances. Some lactose-intolerant people think that eating yogurt will only intensify their intolerance towards lactose. However, eating small amounts of foods everyday can actually ease their intolerance.

Abdominal breathing is critical to a good detox diet. Breathe in and out and put one hand on your stomach. Breathe in and out and check to see that there's movement in your stomach. Then, breathe in and out and put one hand on your chest. Compare the movements between each. There should be more in your stomach. Repeat this until you have more movement in your stomach.

Exercise for at least twenty or thirty minutes a day. This isn't hard to do if you have stairs around. Walk the dog, walk to the store, play with the kids, etc. Find fun ways that will get your body moving for at least half an hour.

When you sit, check your posture. Straighten your spine and your shoulders. You shouldn't feel yourself slumping in your chair. Keep your stomach tight to encourage the straightening of your spine. Practice the abdominal breathing technique while practicing good posture.

Eat salmon for lunch or dinner. It's chock full of omega-3s, and salmon isn't as fatty as you think. In fact, its content of fish oil is tremendously beneficial. Add some bell peppers, garlic, or basil. Drink fruit juice, such as pomegranate, which is heavy with antioxidants. For a light snack, grab an apple or a banana, which is rich in fiber and vitamin K. To ease late-night hunger, eat a handful of nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or walnuts.

Last but not least, sleep like a baby. You should get at least seven hours of sleep each night (and at least eight hours for children). Allow your body to rest and be ready for the next day. As you can see, a detox diet isn't any different from a healthful, mindful diet.

Resources: Natural Health, Nov. 2008, vol. 38, issue 10

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