Detox Right: 10 Expert Tips To Rid Holiday and Polar Vortex Glut

As if the holiday season wasn't enough to make me indulge in way too many comfort foods, the stress and physical affects of the extreme weather flooding the country makes me want to stay curled up in my bed, reaching for another cookie. But it's time to get back on the wagon and undo all of the bad this time of year brings.

Dr. Frank Lipman, Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician and founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center, offers 10 need-to-know tips on how to effectively detox your mind and body.

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Sweat it out in the sauna

Sweating is a great way to release toxins through your skin during the cleanse. A sauna is also relaxing for your body and mind, which is important during the cleansing process. Sweating in the sauna promotes healthy, glowing skin. Make sure to stay super hydrated with fresh water!

Get A Massage

It is always a good idea to get a massage to promote the circulation of your blood and lymphatic fluids. Massage speeds the removal of your metabolic waste products and can help alleviate muscular tension. It also stimulates the brain to release endorphins, or natural painkillers, thus boosting your overall sense of well-being. Drink plenty of water afterwards, this will help flush the toxins from your system.

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Breathe Deeply

Breathing is your primary source of life-sustaining oxygen, but most of us are shallow, chest breathers. Doing some deep breathing keeps your lungs flexible and enables them to expel any trapped particles or pollutants that you have inhaled. The ideal breath engages not just the chest but the abdominal muscles as well.

Do a Cleanse

The Be Well Cleanse provides targeted nutrients to energize the detox organs, boosting your body’s natural ability to heal and creating a heightened sense of wellbeing. You’ll feel like you just hit the restart button: lighter, more energetic and more mentally focused.

Sleep More

Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. A good night’s sleep is fundamental to good health because your cells repair themselves more rapidly at nighttime. During your hours of deep sleep, the body produces higher levels of human growth hormone (HGH), which promotes cellular renewal. Furthermore, since you are not eating during the six to eight hours that you sleep, your digestive system gets a break and your elimination processes can catch up.

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Rest Your Mind

In addition to resting your body, it is important to rest your mind. In other words, take a break from TV, newspapers, movies, internet, too many parties etc. Make some quiet time for yourself. Use this deep revitalization period as an opportunity to consciously choose to relax or meditate for at least twenty minutes every day. Even five minutes is better than nothing. 

Start the day with warm lemon water

Beginning the day with warm lemon water is a fantastic aid for digestion, and supports your overall detoxification process. Warm lemon water stimulates your digestion for the day and can help flush the body of toxins. Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body, so be sure to include them in your cleanse daily.

Restorative yoga (especially twisting)

Yoga is our favorite detoxifying exercise, and restorative yoga is perfect for cleansing because it’s soothing and supportive. Twisting encourages the flow of oxygenated blood in the body, while helping to eliminate toxins. Twisting can also help reduce any digestive discomfort. Here’s an easy chair twist that can be done at any time of day.

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Epsom salt bath

An epsom salt bath can help your body in eliminating toxins, and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. The epsom salts contain magnesium, as well as other minerals and nutrients that are absorbed into your skin during the bath and can help with the detoxification process. Dissolve about 2 cups of epsom salt in your bath tub, stir with your hands to make sure it’s dissolved, and soak for about 20 mins.

Dry skin brushing

Dry skin brushing promotes cell renewal, blood flow, and helps the lymphatic system get rid of toxins. It’s also a great way to buff away dead skin cells and promote healthy, smooth skin. Get a natural brush, start at your feet, and make long sweeps towards your heart.

How do you detox? Tell us in the comments or tweet @OKMagazine.