Detox Your Life

YOUR HOME is your sanctuary-a place where you should feel safe and relaxed, not harried and anxious.

Follow these simple tips to eliminate chemicals, freshen the air, and restore restful energy to every room in the house.

STORE FOOD IN GLASS CONTAINERS
Some plastic containers contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical which has been linked with behavioral and neurological problems. To avoid exposure, use plastic food containers with the recycling labels #1, #2, and #4 on the bottom, which are free of BPA, says Annie B. Bond, author of Home Enlightenment (Rodale, 2008), and green editor for Care2 (care2.com). To be safer still, use glass containers instead. As a general rule, recycle any scratched plastic containers to avoid having other chemicals leach into your food. Discard nonrecyclable plastics, or store non-food items in them.

CLEAN WITHOUT CHEMICALS
Avoid harsh detergents and chemicals in commercial cleaning products by making your own cleanser: mix one half-cup of vinegar with one half-gallon warm water, and fill a spray bottle. The mixture works wonders on wood floors, countertops, and appliances, says Nena Baker, author of The Body Toxic (North Point Press, 2008).

PURIFY YOUR SHOWER WATER
Filter chlorine out of your shower, sink, and bath water and you'll notice a softer touch to your hair and skin. You'll also be protecting yourself from an increased risk of bladder cancer, according to a 2006 study that found risk of the disease nearly doubled for people in households where chlorine levels measured 49 micrograms per liter of tap water-a ratio that's common in most industrialized nations.

CHOOSE NATURAL FIBERS
Switch to organic cotton towels and bedding and avoid exposure to pesticide residue, which can cling to non-organic fabrics. Swap out your vinyl shower curtain and liner with ones made from organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo: A 2008 study showed that new vinyl curtains can emit volatile organic compounds, lead, phthalates, and other potentially toxic materials for at least one month.

FILTER YOUR DRINKING WATER
Use a filtering system to minimize the amount of chemicals in your tap water, says Elson Haas, M.D., author of Staying Healthy with Nutrition (Celestial Arts, 2006). He recommends reverse osmosis systems, which can clear out agricultural pesticides, chlorine, and other toxins. Or, use a common carbon faucet filter like Brita. When on the go, tote your water in reusable stainless steel bottles from companies like Sigg (mysigg.com) and Klean Kanteen (kleankanteen.com). Unlike many plastic bottles, these are guaranteed BPA-free.

EVERYDAY HOME DETOX
These three steps will help cut down on the amount of pesticides, allergens, and contaminants (not to mention grime) in your home, says Nena Baker. 1. Instill a "no-shoes indoors" policy. 2. Vacuum and dust regularly. 3. Buy an eco-friendly vacuum: Dyson (dyson.com), Miele (miele.com), and Bosch (bosch.com) each make energy efficient models that are bagless and feature a HEPA filter for extra protection against common allergens.

USE NATURAL FRAGRANCES
Add a fresh scent to your home with flowers instead of commercial air fresheners, which contain hormone-disrupting phthalates. In winter, fill a vase with dry lavender (the scent has a calming effect), or put a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle and fill the rest with water.
FRESHEN NATURALLY:

DIET DETOX
A WEEKEND CLEANSE helps flush out food additives and pesticides that can build up, and reduces inflammation. It also restores your alkaline- acid balance, making it easier to fight disease and stay energized, says Adina Niemerow, author of Super Cleanse (HarperCollins, 2008).

DAY ONE
UPON RISING: Drink two glasses of warm water with lemon: Water helps eliminate waste and lemon makes the water more alkaline. (Brush your teeth afterward. Some dentists warn that the acid in lemons erodes tooth enamel.)

8:00 A.M.
BREAKFAST
Energize your morning with a liver-detoxifying green juice.

2 heads romaine lettuce
1 bunch kale
1 V-inch piece of fresh
ginger
2 medium cucumbers
1 lemon, juiced
Purified water, as needed

Cut the first four ingredients into pieces and put into a juicer. Add lemon juice and enough water to make two 16-ounce servings. Stir and drink one serving. Save the rest.

10:00 A.M.
PREP BROTH FOR DINNER
Part of tonight's dinner is a warming broth. To prepare it in advance, boil the following:

2 cloves garlic
1 1-inch piece of ginger
2 yams
1 onion
2 stalks celery
1 carrot
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 medium-sized acorn
squash, skinned and diced
1 V-inch strip of kombu

Cover with 10 cups of water and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 hours. Let cool. Strain and save the liquid for your broth and discard vegetables, except the squash. In a blender, mix the squash with some of the broth to create a liquid consistency, then add it back to the broth. Add salt to taste, and some cayenne, which increases circulation. Set aside to cool.

10:15 A.M.
SNACK
Drink the second serving of your green juice.

NOON LUNCH
Eat a big, fiber-rich salad with spinach, sprouts, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Dress with cold-pressed olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

3:00 P.M.
SNACK
If you're hungry, eat 1 to 2 tablespoons of almonds. Drink tea that aids digestion like licorice, peppermint, or ginger.

4:00 P.M.
SIESTA
Take a nap or just relax in bed for at least an hour.

6:00 P.M.
DINNER
Eat a bowlful of warm broth, followed by a bowl of quinoa (a protein-packed grain) and a big salad of seasonal vegetables and avocado.

DAY TWO
UPON RISING: Drink two glasses of warm water with lemon.

8:00 A.M.
BREAKFAST
Mix a smoothie in the blender with 2 cups of almond milk, 1 cup of berries of your choice, 1 teaspoon of flax oil, and 2 tablespoons of a green chlorophyll powder.

NOON LUNCH
Fill your plate with steamed broccoli and onions to help clean your arteries, raw beets to purify your blood and strengthen your heart, and raw cabbage for better digestion and to add a satisfying crunch. Toss in some greens-romaine, spinach, or red leaf, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon.

3:00 P.M.
SNACK
Bust fatigue with a shot of wheatgrass (make it at home or buy it from your local juice bar) or a handful of Brazil nuts.

4:00 P.M.
REST HOUR
Pamper yourself with a Swedish massage or some restorative yoga. Or, write in your journal or meditate.

6:00 P.M.
DINNER
Pour yourself another bowl of the nutritious broth. This time add a side of brown rice and a fresh arugula or spinach salad with a piece of avocado.

EVERYDAY DIET DETOX
Lean on these detox aids when you feel a need to clear out your system. Follow dosage guidelines on the labels. Flush waste from the colon and intestines with Fiber Fusion by Enzymatic Therapy (enzymatictherapy.com), a fiber-based drink mix (or capsules). For an extra, um, push, try Cleanse More by ReNew Life (renewlife.com). These capsules contain natural laxatives like slippery elm bark and rhubarb root. To boost digestion, drink Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicinals (traditionalmedicinals.com), an organic tea with senna leaf (a mild laxative), ginger, fennel, and orange peel. Dedicate one week to the Complete 7-Day Cleanse by Hydroxycut (hydroxylcut.com), a capsule-based detox plan that uses cleansing herbs and fibers, with added prebiotics.

STAY HYDRATED: On both days of your cleanse, drink one liter of water (or herbal tea for every 40 pounds of body weight.

EMOTIONS DETOX
There's nothing more liberating- and energizing-than clearing out toxic emotions. It's also an effective way to boost your health: When you release anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions, you feel less anxious and fatigued. (You might even notice fewer pains in places where we tend to store stress: the stomach, head, neck, and back.) Practice these steps to pamper your body and clear your mind, and you'll be rewarded with extra zest and brighter spirits.

PERFORM A HEALING CEREMONY
Take an afternoon to reflect on any emotions or situations that might be toxic to your mind and body, then create a personal ritual to help symbolically release those issues. Some ideas:
1. Perform a rock-throwing ceremony. Each rock will represent an emotion you'd like to release.
2. Write a letter to someone- and burn it.
3. Call somebody you've been avoiding for a while and make an effort to clear the air.

TAKE A BREATHING BREAK
Give yourself a five-minute deep-breathing break whenever you need to soothe or quiet an anxious mind.
1. Find a quiet spot and sit comfortably.
2. Bring your attention to your breath.
3. Inhale through your nose, feeling your belly expand and chest rise. As you exhale, gently pull in your belly.
4. Strive to make your exhalations twice as long as your inhalations.
5. Do this for five minutes at a time.

PRACTICE RESTORATIVE YOGA
Find inner stillness with a restorative yoga pose called Legs up the Wall. It helps regulate blood pressure, and refreshes the body and mind. (Skip this if you're menstruating: Yogic teaching says not to interrupt the downward flow of the body's fluids.)

1. Lie on your back with one hip touching the wall and your legs off to the side.

2. Bring your knees to your chest and swing around, allowing your legs to rest on the wall.

3. Relax your head, face, neck, shoulders, and belly. Hold this pose for ten minutes, breathing deeply.

Learn more about yoga's healing powers

EVERYDAY EMOTIONS DETOX
Stay on track with your emotional detox goals by taking a few minutes to set a specific intention every day, says Holly Lucille, N.D., R.N., a naturopathic doctor and author of Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman's Guide to Safe, Natural Hormone Health (Impakt Health, 2004).

1. Place a journal, pen, and glass of filtered water near your bed at night.

2. Upon waking, clean your palate with the glass of water.

3. Sit up tall (remain in bed) and take ten deep breaths. Think about what thoughts, feelings, and emotions you'd like to release. Are you carrying anger, frustration, or resentment?

4. Write down your goals in your journal. Continue this practice daily as needed so that difficult emotions don't build up over time.

USE A LOOFAH BRUSH
Dry brushing stimulates the lymph system and enhances your body's natural detox process. It also removes old skin cells, which makes it easier to excrete waste through the skin. You'll find instant energy, a clearer head, and better strength of mind.

1. Start at the heart and work your way up to the head, and then back down.

2. Brush before a shower so you can wash away any dry skin.

3. Take five minutes to brush your entire body; twice a day is best.

SCRUB GENTLY: Dry brushing enhances your body's natural detox process.

TRY A MASSAGE
Nourish your spirit with a 10- to 20-minute massage, suggests Ayurvedic practitioner John Douillard, Ph.D, author of The Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Massage (North Atlantic, 2004). It can prevent the accumulation of toxins, and lubricate muscles, tissues, and joints. Learn to read a spa menu.

1. Heat sesame oil slowly on low heat until it feels slightly warmer than body temperature. (You can also use coconut or olive oil.)

2. Place a small amount of warm oil on your fingertips, and starting with your scalp, rub the oil into your head, massaging firmly with your palms.

3. Continue applying oil gently to the rest of the body, moving downward from the head.

4. Use a gentle circular motion when you reach the abdomen and chest. Massage the joints with circular strokes, and the bones with long back and forth strokes.

5. End at the feet, rubbing the soles vigorously.

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