Detox is very likely THE word of the month in January, and most probably even for the whole year. But what does it really mean to people? A time where you should fast and starve? Is it really possible to just get rid of all those indulgences from the long holidays. (And why is Chinese New Year so close to Christmas!?)
‘Detox’ – according to the dictionary – “is a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances”.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, we are surrounded by 80,000 plus toxic chemicals, every day! Unfortunately, these not only come from the delicious meals that come to mind, but even from vegetables and processed food, the very cute ‘tapao’ containers that hold our food, body products, perfumed home sprays, clothes, even the most simple and indispensable resource that we need to survive – water.
The great news is that our body can be our best friend, as it is an amazing machine that alarms us whenever something is not running smoothly. Maybe you often feel bloated, get random headaches, have a lack of energy, get mood swings or food cravings. Or maybe there’s that stubborn fat or skin problem that you’ve just gotten used to and blame on the weather or your family genetics.
Truthfully, anything can become toxic if we have it in excess in our system. You may not be in full control of the environment, but you sure can start taking care of what you choose for your own temple (your body) and thinking about how to reduce your exposure by taking full control of what goes into your home.
Here are a few suggestions to start the year off healthy:
1- Eat whole and organic foods as much as possible – Convenience is never the cheapest thing. Taking a bit more time to prepare your food or spending a bit more on grocery bills, might turn out to be cheaper than a possible future visit to the doctor. Just think that whatever is sitting on a shelf for more than one week and doesn’t change colour, cannot be a good thing to put in your body.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), an American non-profit organization, estimates that conventional produce contains 178 pesticides. These are created to kill insects, invasive plants and fungi. And no, they do not make us stronger. If you’re on a tight budget, start researching about the least pesticide-ridden fruits and vegetables: ‘Dirty Dozen and Clean 15’ – a list put together by the EWG – will help (www.ewg.org). Or how about growing your own herbs and some vegetables? It’s happening in Macau, so give it a try!
2 – Read the labels – If you don’t understand what one third of the ingredients listed on the packaging are, either Google them or put the item back on the shelf. And not just canned and processed food, but also toothpaste, body wash etc.
3 – Sweat like a pig (the whole CNY) – Sweating is the best way to eliminate BPA, a synthetic compound found in plastics that has been linked to a range of health problems. Besides, sweating is the ultimate therapy for all the 30 trillion living cells that make us who we are!
4 – Avoid plastic – Watch ‘The Plastic Ocean’ documentary and nothing else needs to be said!
5 – Become a waterholic – You want to be running to the toilet as often as possible. But you also want to invest in a good water filter such as the Reverse Osmosis (RO) to eliminate the heavy metals as much as possible. Aim for three to four liters a day. If you’re in training, go higher!
6 – Turn your blood green! – The greener, the better. Chlorophyll, known as the blood of plants, contains vitamins, antioxidants and therapeutic properties. But everything in moderation, of course. Gradually add to your diet supernatural agents such as wheatgrass shots (contains about 70% chlorophyll), spirulina, spinach and parsley.
7- Sleep! – Something I will never get tired of saying. It’s the precious time to repair all the damages done and it’s when miracles happen to your body. Digestion, mood, energy, you name it. Having good night sleeps for some is a dream. So start the cycle, start analyzing the root of the problem and start getting to bed earlier.
By the end of all this, if none of this is talking to you, and your comfort zone is not letting you change, then ask yourself: How are your habits working for you?! My advice: start detoxing your mind first. Let your soul awaken, your mind work and your body give you back the love.
