People often ask for an easy detox you can do between Christmas and New Year so that you are bursting with energy for all that the new year has to offer.

Try to find at least 10 days around this time, or at any time in spring and autumn, when you can do the following and you’ll feel fantastic

  • Swap out acidic red meat for more alkalizing fish, seafood, free range chicken and eggs, legumes and bean products (like hummus and tofu for example)
  • Swap out acidic processed and packaged food for lots of alkalizing fresh vegetables (including fermented vegetables and sea vegetables) and a piece of fruit daily
  • Swap out acidic white refined foods and flour (breads and pasta) for more alkalizing whole grains (for example rice, quinoa, millet and oats, and sourdough or sprouted breads). Eat these only once per day for a good detox
  • Swap out acidic peanuts for other nuts and seeds including nut butters and tahini
  • Swap out saturated fatty foods and fried foods (like chips) for good oils (like fish, avocado, nuts and seeds, olive oil or coconut oil)
  • Swap out highly acidic sugar and sugary foods for more sweet vegetables (like pumpkin, carrots, beetroot, sweet potato etc) and a piece of fruit daily
  • Swap out tea and coffee, soft drinks, cordial, and fruit juice which are acidic for spring water, herbal teas, lemon water, dandelion tea, yerba mate, rooibos tea which are more alkalizing
    • Staying properly hydrated is crucial to alkalizing. Spring water or filtered water is often the better option as tap water is actually mildly acidic in most areas with traces of pesticides, heavy metals, fluoride and other chemicals.
  • Have an alcohol and cigarette free week or more if you can
  • Deep rhythmic belly breathing helps settle, balance, and detoxify your body and mind as well as activate your lymphatic system (your body’s garbage disposal). Your lungs also eliminate a lot of waste from your body and getting your diaphragm moving helps massage your intestines for better elimination.
  • Your skin is your largest organ of elimination so try dry skin brushing to remove toxins in the dead skin cells as well as enhancing circulation
  • Regular exercise will accelerate the removal of toxins through your sweat. Exercise is also important for your lymphatic system which depends solely on muscular movement for it to flow.

Lastly you need to put a bit of extra focus on keeping your gut healthy at this time of year as regular bowel movements are another important aspect of great health.

  • Probiotics and fermented foods like miso, kefir and pickled vegetables are a great way to keep your gut healthy.
  • Staying well hydrated with spring or filtered water is also very important for the bowels and for general good health and alkalinity.
  • When you move your body your body will move so regular exercise is important.
  • When you are stressed, in a state of fight or flight, your digestive system switches off so relax and start including stress management into your life. Acupuncture is a great way to relax and strengthen your digestive system.

All these steps will give your body the space to naturally clear acidic toxins daily and reduce damage to your immune system and metabolism. On top of that research is proving that intestinal health directly affects serotonin production, meaning that depression can actually start in the gut, so if you look after your gut you can have a happy summer.

You can find out more about the importance of alkalizing and how to alkalise in Part I & Part II

If you feel you would like help with managing your digestion, metabolism or immunity then book an appointment today as acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and has spent 6 years lecturing at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.