9-DAY DETOX PLAN

STEPS TO A HEALTHIER, LESS INFLAMED YOU

Throughout the centuries, health experts have extolled the value of spring-cleaning the body. In much the same way as you need time off sometimes to go on holiday, your body also benefits from a break from its work. This means stopping any foods or substances which increase your toxic load (e.g., alcohol, stimulants, refined foods) while increasing levels of all the nutrients which help your body heal and rejuvenate. Doing this once a year, for a week, can make a major difference to your energy levels.

1. Eat in abundance

• Fruits — the most beneficial fruits, with the highest detox potential, include fresh apricots, all types of berries, sweet melon/spanspek, citrus fruits, kiwis, papayas, peaches, mangoes, and red grapes.
• Vegetables — especially good for detoxification are artichokes, peppers, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, kale, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, tomato, watercress, and bean and seed sprouts.

2. Eat in moderation

• Grains — brown rice, corn, millet, quinoa: not more than twice a day.
• Fish — salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, trout: not more than once a day.
• Oils — use extra-virgin olive oil for cooking and in place of butter, and cold-pressed seed oils for dressings.
• Nuts and seeds — one handful a day of raw, unsalted nuts and seeds should be included: choose from almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecan nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds.
• Potatoes and bananas — limit to one portion/one fruit every other day.

3. Avoid

• All wheat products — including bread, biscuits, cereals, pasta.
• Meat, eggs, and dairy produce (including milk, cheese, butter).
• Salt — and any foods containing it.
• Bad fats — fried foods and anything containing hydrogenated fats.
• Artificial additives — sweeteners, food additives, and preservatives.
• Dried fruit.

4. Begin your detox on the weekend or during a time when you don’t have too much going on.
5. Do some brisk exercise (e.g., walk or cycle) for at least 25 minutes every day, preferably in natural light.
6. Drink at least half a liter of water a day — purified, distilled, filtered, or bottled. You can also drink herbal teas or dandelion coffee (which is good for the liver).
7. Have half a liter of fruit or vegetable juice a day — for example, carrot and apple juice (you can buy these two separately and combine them with one-third water) with grated ginger, or fresh watermelon juice. The flesh of the watermelon is high in beta-carotene and vitamin C. The seeds are high in vitamin E and antioxidant minerals zinc and selenium. You can make a great antioxidant cocktail by blending the flesh and seeds in a blender.
8. Supplement with two multivitamins/minerals, 2 g of vitamin C, two antioxidant complexes eg. CoQ10 and glutathione, and 2 g of MSM every day. Also, have a shot glass of aloe vera juice.