Real Simple Daily Detox

Are you eyeing that expensive box of fancy pixie dust for a home detox? Best put it back on the shelf. Often they are just a big waste of money. Instead, try this really simple daily detox.

Follow these 4 daily practices and they’ll help you to increase your body’s ability to remove toxins for way less money than some of those boxes that promise miracles!

Combined with healthy plant-based eating, you’ll be detoxing both from the inside and outside! 

#1 Banish Bad Breath

Upon rising, brush your teeth and scrape your tongue. Did you know that you will remove more sticky plaque from your mouth with a metal tongue scraper than you will by brushing your teeth? Don’t bother doing this with the back of your plastic toothbrush. That’s just child’s play. Get serious. Buy a metal scraper.

Here’s a 2-minute video to show you how it’s done.  

Do this before you put anything into your belly.

#2 Rinse Your Belly

I’m sure you know that a clean digestive system works so much more efficiently than a clogged-up, gummy one. To make this happen, it’s best to start with a ‘clean stomach’ in the morning. Drink 8-16 ounces of warm water first thing (or about two cups). This will have three primary effects on your body. 

Number One – Okay, actually it’s about ‘number two’. It’s especially helpful to promote bowel movement and train the body so it will eliminate more easily.

Do you have to add lemon?  Not really. Will it hurt to add lemon? Only if you don’t rinse your mouth afterwards. The acidity can damage tooth enamel.

What about adding ginger, turmeric or Apple cider vinegar? If you like to, go ahead and add those. Just make sure the water is body temperature because that will give the greatest benefit.

Number Two – Drinking clean warm, body-temperature water first thing in the morning will help to clear out leftovers in the stomach. This way yesterday’s food that may not have fully digested will not mix with today’s undigested food, kind of like getting a new plate for your breakfast instead of using the dirty one from last night’s dinner. 😛 

And number three – It also hydrates you! Your body wakes up dehydrated. It’s been starved for water for around 8 hours. Because optimally, your body is about 70% water. And if you start your day with all your internal electrical systems flowing, you will be able to think better. Which means you will make better food choices.  And that’s a bonus, no?

#3 Dry body brushing

Did you know that about 1/3 of your body’s toxins are eliminated through your skin? Let’s help it to do its job properly.
Purchase a large natural, cruelty-free body brush. As vegans, we like to use natural cactus brushes or similar. I’ll teach you how to loosen dry skin, exfoliate and stimulate your lymphatic system.  And as an added benefit, because this gives you improved blood flow, you end up with silky smooth skin that has less cellulite.  😀 

Stand in the bath or on a bathmat and start brushing at your feet and moving in long sweeping motions toward your heart. 
Gently brush several times in each area, overlapping as you go.

Take care as you brush over more sensitive areas, like breasts. Your skin will become less sensitive the more you dry brush. Ahhh, doesn’t this feel invigorating?

Then do this:

#4 Oil up!

The daily practice of ‘Ayurvedic Abhyanga’ is a hot oil self-massage. This one practice will nourish your skin and body on a level that is superior to any other skin treatment. 

How to Abhyanga 101

Once you start the habit, you’ll find it doesn’t take long to add it to your daily morning routine. Begin by warming your massage oil to body temperature. Try virgin coconut oil. 

Pour a small amount into your hand and add oil as you need it.

Massage into hands. Then begin with the neck, working your way down towards your feet, because this routine is a ‘grounding’ massage. Long strokes on the bones and circular strokes on the joints. Until you reach the feet. 

This practice is called a grounding massage. 

When done and you have extra time, allow the oil to penetrate. Sit quietly, cut your nails, or listen to a meditation tape or if short on time, hop into a warm shower and let the water rinse over you.

The warm water will open your pores and press the oil into the skin. This is not only nourishing but protective. If you do want to use soap, use it on your armpits and privates. There’s no need to dry out the skin using harsh detergents. You could use a natural chemical-free cleansing product if you wish.

When finished, gently pat your skin dry and enjoy the glow!

These are such simple and gorgeous ways of taking care of your body that will promote daily detox in a toxic world.  And cheaper too! No more expensive, complicated detoxes. Instead, just a really simple daily detox.

Don’t forget to check out my plant-based eating plans or check my blog for more helpful articles like this one.

Until next time, yours in health

Nicki Kelly, the Vegan Wellness Coach.