HOW TO DETOX WITH YOGA

In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with toxins. They’re everywhere: in the air, in our food, in the clothes we wear. As a Spoonie, we may be exposed to even more than most people because of medications we may need to survive. It’s not always within our control.

Detoxification has become a buzzword in our culture that is used to promote expensive products, but the truth is that there are easier and less expensive methods we can use to aid the body’s natural detoxification process. Your body was designed to detoxify itself, but sometimes it does need a little bit of help if the system gets overwhelmed by toxic buildup. 

SIGNS YOU MAY NEED A DETOX

The human body is inherenly wise. It knows exactly what it needs to do to restore and maintain balance, and it has ways of communicating with us so that we can know what to do to help. Here are some signs you may be in need of a detox:

  • Sluggish digestion, constipation
  • Bloating
  • Foul-smelling stool
  • Feeling of “heaviness” in the abdomen 
  • Foul body odor
  • Bad breath
  • Acne
  • Other skin eruptions
  • Headaches
  • Sinus congestion

We all experience this from time to time, so don’t be hard on yourself. There are simple things you can do to find equilibrium again.

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HOW TO DETOX

Because our digestive tract plays such a huge role in the detoxification process, it is important to make sure you are experiencing healthy digestion. This means at least one bowel movement per day and minimal gas. Some supplements I like to use to keep my digestive tract running smoothly include:

  • Triphala - works like a stool softener but is non-addictive
  • Milk Thistle - supports the liver
  • Slippery Elm - lubricates and heals damage in the digestive tract
  • Probiotics - populates the colon with healthy bacteria which aids complete digestion 

It would also be beneficial to eat a simple diet composed of mainly fruits and vegetables for at least a week to reset your system. Some detox meal plans that I have personally tried with success are from Reboot with Joe and Medical Medium. 

Make sure to take it slow and listen to your body. It is normal to experience some detox symptoms, but you shouldn’t feel miserable. If it’s your first time doing a detox, a sixty day juice fast may not be the best idea right off the bat. Talk to your medical team or consult a nutritionist to find a plan that will be safe and effective for your unique situation. 

Beyond dietary changes, we can also support detoxification with dry skin brushing, salt baths, and our yoga practice.

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USING YOGA TO SUPPORT DETOXIFICATION 

Many yoga classes for detox will be energetic practices that promote vigorous movements in order to encourage sweating. This allows you to eliminate toxins through the skin. It’s very effective, but for those of us with chronic pain, chronic illness and/or limited mobility, this type of practice might not be accessible or appropriate. Fortunately, there are other kinds of yoga moves that aid detoxification. Today I shared a video on my YouTube channel that shows you a gentle seated yoga practice that promotes detoxification. Click the video below to get started 👇🏼

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Disclaimer: I am not a physician or nutritionist. Everything I share is from personal experience. Please consult with your doctor before trying any supplements, exercise or detox program.

 

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