A Healthy Cleanse — From My Own Physician
Here's a healthy, non-gimmicky and easy-to-do regimen
While it may be chilly where you are, here’s a fact that’ll blow your mind: summer is only three months away. Ahhh! Now, I’m not telling you this to spur you into action so you can look good…nay, I want you to FEEL good. I want you to enjoy being back outdoors, seeing friends, playing with kids (make sure they’re related to you, otherwise yikes), taking walks, bike rides, swims, hikes…whatever floats your boat. (Oh snap, please add “boating” to that previous list.) To that end, my personal doctor, Dan Yadegar, is sharing 6 easy tips for adopting a cleaner, fresher lifestyle this spring, which will give your body a good old-fashioned control-alt-delete. -NPH
Some might say that the only thing that feels better than emptying out your closet during spring cleaning is doing a seasonal body cleanse and detox program. We can embrace this spring season by focusing on our well-being…and when you do a cleanse or detox regimen, the benefits are numerous: losing weight becomes easier, your immune system gets stronger, you have more energy and your overall health improves. And, since we all want to look and feel our best as we head into the summer, now’s the perfect time to start a cleanse. Below are 6 simple tips that can help achieve that goal.
1. Drink more water
H2O is our friend…and proper hydration is important for flushing out toxins from your body, via the kidneys. I recommend about 8-10 glasses (8 oz. servings) a day. Carrying a reusable bottle of water around and refilling it throughout the day is a great way to make sure you’re drinking enough.
2. Limit booze intake
Alcohol is a direct toxin to the liver — and this organ’s main job is detoxifying the body. So you can see how too much alcohol is detrimental if you’re attempting to cleanse toxins. Limiting (or even eliminating) your liquor, wine, beer or spiked seltzer intake may help your body clear those toxins more effectively — in addition to following the other tips on this list.
3. Hop into a sauna
Saunas are an amazing way to get your sweat on…and help your body get rid of toxins and impurities. However, don’t stay in for more than 15-20 minutes, and make sure to hydrate.
4. Prioritize sleep
Getting regular Zzzzs can help your body eliminate even more of those toxins that accumulate every day during waking hours…not to mention how crucial sleep is for everyday performance, and overall health. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep a night — consistently — which is very important for brain health, and keeping your noggin sharp!
5. Eat the rainbow
Eating foods high in phytonutrients and antioxidants (i.e., fruits and veggies) can give your body an advantage in neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are pesky molecules circulating in the body that can do cellular damage and lead to chronic health conditions. Committing yourself to eating several servings of natural, unprocessed, colorful foods a day ensures you’re not only getting proper nutrients, but also fighting these damaging free radicals.
6. Increase the amount of cilantro you eat
Lastly, a bit of a curveball for you: Yes, cilantro and some other herbs can potentially help remove heavy metals like mercury from your circulation! Garlic, wild blueberries, spirulina and chlorella all work well, too.
Always make sure to include your primary care doctor if you have any questions! Just like we revamp our closet, embrace this opportunity to nourish yourself from the inside out.
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