Did you do everything you could to stay fit and healthy last year and then overdo it over the holidays? Don’t worry, we feel the same way. Now we’re turning the tables again: We’re revealing how you can detoxify your body with yoga and nutrition.
In the winter we like to treat ourselves to a cinnamon star or mulled wine. Our guilty conscience is already making its presence known again, sometimes very quietly and sometimes very loudly. When relaxation turns into indolence and the Christmas magic is over, we have to give the body what nourishes it and makes us feel good. This change should be considered so that your body and mind get used to it step by step.
How exactly can you detoxify the body with yoga and diet? The beginning of a year is a good time to free yourself from baggage and cleanse yourself. Residues from our food, but also toxins from the environment, continually put a strain on our bodies. This also includes stress , poor sleep, medication, clothing or exhaust fumes. These “leftovers” promote a feeling of exhaustion, heaviness and tiredness. So get rid of it, but how? The body actually cleans itself quite well. But we can support this body’s own process well.
How does our body actually detoxify?
Our entire body is constantly excreting harmful substances. The skin’s detoxification process is most noticeable when we sweat. Just like the kidneys, the liver plays a central role. It is involved in the entire metabolism including fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Toxic substances are broken down and sent for excretion, while vitamins and trace elements are stored. Water-soluble substances are fed back into the blood. The blood passes through the kidneys several times a day, where harmful substances are trapped. And our largest detoxification organ, the intestines, also checks, filters and then eliminates unusable components of our food.
Detox with yoga: twists
Twists help wonderfully in cleansing the core of the body. They act like a massage on the internal organs, especially the liver, kidneys and intestines. Detox asanas also stimulate digestion. In this way, toxins are increasingly eliminated from the body. In each rotation we feel ourselves letting go of pent-up physical and emotional tensions. Twists can be used wonderfully after forward bends or backbends because they neutralize the spine again. They therefore have a thoroughly balancing effect and should be practiced equally often on each side.
For the twisted poses, imagine a wet towel that you want to wring out. This way you can free yourself from all negative feelings and influences. You will find wonderful rotations especially in the rotating seat, but also in the rotated versions of the lightning/chair, warrior 1, and for more challenge in the rotated crescent. Remember that the rotation comes from the spine and core, not the head or shoulders. The thoracic spine is usually the most immobile part of the spine, making mobilization of this area all the more important. With each inhalation, try to create a little more length in the spine and with each exhalation try to open it up a little more without losing the length.
Detoxification through proper nutrition
Nutrition is primarily about supporting the body’s own detoxification process: i.e. digesting and metabolizing food better. The waste products from food should be processed better. A balanced diet is particularly important in order to provide the body with sufficient nutrients. Above all, focus on foods that are rich in minerals and have an alkaline effect in the body. The body should “deacidify”, i.e. be relieved.
Berries are particularly recommended. Cranberries in particular are said to have a detoxifying effect. The berry contains many ingredients that have a positive effect on the body (e.g. antibacterial). You can consume the berry fresh, dried or as juice. If cranberries are too sour for you, use blueberries or raspberries. They are always a pleasure, especially as a snack. Also delicious: detox water with cranberries, mint or cucumber slices. Appreciated by many: the grapefruit. The sweet and sour fruit is said to improve fat burning and have an alkalizing effect.
Small but nice: linseed.
As a natural digestive stimulant and thanks to the oils they contain, they are particularly suitable as part of a flaxseed treatment to support the metabolism and cleanse and detoxify the intestines. It is important to drink plenty of water at the same time.
All-rounder: celery and fennel
If you prefer it liquid, you won’t be able to avoid celery juice. His superpowers are on everyone’s lips right now. Raw celery contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Especially vitamin K, C, some B vitamins and beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Not only is it said to have a blood-purifying and detoxifying effect – thanks to its alkaline-forming properties, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Fennel is also alkaline. In addition to A, B and C vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus, fennel has antioxidants that neutralize toxins in the body. Fennel also scores points with essential oils that have proven to aid digestion.
Supportive fasting methods: 5:2 diet
With fasting treatments you stimulate important biochemical processes in the body. They have a positive effect on both fat and sugar metabolism and thus counteract inflammatory processes. Fasting does not mean giving up everything. On “fasting days” you can eat up to 1 kilogram of vegetables and 500 grams of fruit. Neither is acidic, easy to digest and rich in minerals. Well suited: the 5:2 diet. You can eat as usual five days a week. On two days you reduce your food intake to the foods listed above. This short detox program is also suitable for at home .
Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is also suitable for detoxifying the body through yoga and nutrition. Intermittent fasting involves only feeding the body food during a certain period of the day. Through a relatively long period of fasting, the body detoxifies optimally without losing muscle mass. One possibility is the 16 to 8 rule: Here you avoid eating completely for 16 hours. You can eat normally during the remaining 8 hours. This is a wonderful option for detox and better sleep.
Take good care of yourself while fasting
During the fasting phases you should pay particular attention to yourself and keep an eye on your fluid balance. In addition to water, unsweetened fruit or herbal teas are also suitable. Herbs in particular, such as fennel, ginger or chamomile, have an alkaline and particularly cleansing effect . On the other hand, you should avoid some foods that contain environmental toxins and pollutants: Alcohol, sugar and caffeine in particular put a strain on the stomach and make it acidic. In addition to yoga and nutrition for detoxification, our secret detox tips will also help you .
read also: Ayurveda and the key to natural beauty
