Detox Diet Gets Healthy: A 10 Step Cleanse to Boost Your Immunity for Fall

By Laurie Borenstein

With fall just around the corner, it is imperative to remember that as the weather and our surroundings change, so do our bodies. The days get shorter, the cold and damp weather begins and, with it, our immune systems can become strained. It is extremely beneficial for us to take advantage of this transition time with proper cleansing rituals to help us detox our bodies from the various pollutants we are exposed to on a daily basis in order both to ensure a proper immune response as well as to help us reduce the chances of our succumbing to allergens and disease.

But don’t you worry, this will not require fasting or any sort of extreme measures.  We believe in holistic, healthy and balanced cleanses. We are simply suggesting that during this crucial time of change, you follow some basic steps to honor your body and mind, which will in turn translate into a renewal of self and overall spirit.

10 Tips for Cleansing

1.  Stop drinking caffeinated beverages. Transition to green tea if this is too hard for you. Stock up on herbal teas to drink throughout the day. Ginger, chamomile and fennel teas are great for cleansing.

2.  Drink more water! Water is the best detoxifying agent and helps in the cleansing of the skin and kidney and also increases sweating when exercising. Add lemon to your water in the morning for its alkalinizing effects.

A few more ways to make drinking more water even easier!

3.  Eliminate artificial sweeteners, as well as refined versions of sugars, flours and grains – bacteria and infections breed on sugar.

4.  Eliminate packaged foods with chemicals and additives – these make up many of the toxins we are trying to expel.

5.  Add fiber-rich greens into your diet to flush out harmful toxins in the body. Try steamed greens like Kale, spinach and broccoli.

6.  Replace red meat with fish or opt for vegetarian or vegan dishes – this helps aid in quick digestion and regular elimination.

7.  Ensure you are including at least half an hour of physical activity into your day – Toxins are released from the body when you sweat! Whether it be walking, a class at the gym, jumping on a trampoline – find something you love!

Check out this 100% natural deodorant!

8.  Treat yourself to a massage and a calming steam bath with herbal aromas. A Sea salt or Epsom salt bath is also very cleansing to the body.

9.  Take some time to set some intentions for the season or year ahead. Write them down to ensure they are clear for execution.

10.  Set aside some time each day to meditate. Just sit in silence and clear your mind of the constant chatter. This will help you create the space in your mind to receive, and leaves you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

A simple seasonal cleanse can give the body a break from the effort expended on digesting complex foods and divert some of that energy into expelling toxins and boosting the immune system for healing.  It can also serve to unblock the mind and set us on the correct path to achieve our goals. Think of this autumn cleanse as a tune–up for your body, mind and spirit. This type of cleansing can last anywhere from 2-3 days to as long as you desire, depending on your needs and goals. We urge you to take advantage of the benefits – this is a great time to reboot your habits and start on a healthy path!

5 tips for smart grocery shopping year-round!