With the arrival of the new year, we make resolutions – one of them is often to live a healthier life. January is perfect for a body detox. If you haven't started yet, read about the benefits it brings to both body and mind and why you should try it this year too.
Body detoxification is a process that supports the body's natural cleansing mechanisms, such as toxin elimination, cell regeneration, and overall health improvement. It is a combination of dietary, physical, and relaxation practices that help the body get rid of harmful substances and restore natural balance. It is a kind of restart, a "service check" for the body, after which it should function like a well-oiled and fine-tuned machine. The result is definitely worth it – more strength and vitality, more beautiful hair, nails, and skin, better sleep and digestion, stronger immunity... and last but not least, weight loss. This is a natural consequence of a detox.
Be careful, a detox is not a starvation strike or a drastic diet! On the contrary, it should be a gradual and safe process. If you suffer from health problems, you should consult your doctor before starting a detox. The alpha and omega of detox is sufficient hydration. Drink plenty of water to support the elimination of toxins through the kidneys. You can add lemon juice or herbal teas to support detoxification. These include green tea, dandelion, ginger tea, turmeric, nettle leaf, burdock root, matcha, fennel, or rosehip tea. During a detox, you should lighten your digestion, so definitely avoid processed foods, sugar, alcohol, or caffeine. You should enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, and foods rich in fiber. Yogurts and kefir containing probiotics are very beneficial for supporting gut health. Garlic, artichokes, and citrus fruits also support liver detoxification. During your detox, include spinach, arugula, kale, beets, avocado, apples, and ginger in your diet. Definitely do not skimp on olive oil. And have you heard of chlorella and spirulina? Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater alga known for its exceptional nutritional properties and ability to support body detoxification. It contains high amounts of protein, vitamins (especially vitamin B12), minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll, which is key for blood purification and supporting liver health. Spirulina is also a single-celled alga that removes toxins and heavy metals from the body, supports gut health, purifies the blood, and helps restore cells. Both can be found in pharmacies and health food stores as dietary supplements in the form of powder, capsules, or tablets. A third dietary supplement recommended for body purification and liver detox is milk thistle. Physical activity is also suitable during a detox – yoga, walking, or swimming support circulation and the elimination of toxins through the skin. Sleep is crucial – quality sleep is essential for body regeneration and supporting natural detoxification processes. You can also focus on breathing and relaxation. Deep breathing supports blood oxygenation. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness help reduce stress, which can disrupt detoxification. Don't forget about the skin – it is an important organ for detoxification. Regular showering, exfoliation, or a sauna can help remove toxins through the skin.
The Slovak appliance brand Orava offers clever kitchen assistants that might come in handy during your detox. With the help of a clever smoothie blender, you can easily prepare a health-packed detox smoothie at home, such as the banana-avocado smoothie recipe found at the end of this article. Especially handy is the Orava RMU-40 A portable smoothie blender, which is rechargeable, allowing you to blend vegetables and fruits just before consumption anywhere – at work, during training, or on the go. This way, your healthy drinks won't be dull but will retain their taste, aroma, and nutritional properties. The second helper is the Orava MH-05 multifunctional pot, which perfectly prepares rice in many ways but also allows for stewing and steaming. It has a non-stick surface, so your meal won't burn even with minimal olive oil. After cooking, it keeps food warm thanks to the Keep Warm function. The manufacturer also included a steaming basket, a measuring cup, and a special ladle. The third kitchen helper is the special Orava Delux temperature-controlled kettle, which allows you to heat water to 70, 80, and 90 degrees Celsius in addition to the boiling point. You will appreciate this when preparing tea. Did you know that tea should not be brewed with 100-degree water? Green tea is sensitive to high temperatures, which can make it too bitter. Green tea should be brewed with water at 70 – 80 °C. Black tea needs a higher temperature to release its full flavors and aromas, but even then, 90 °C is optimal. Only herbal tea should be brewed with boiling water.
Ingredients:
1 banana (source of potassium, supports digestion)
1 cup of spinach or arugula (rich in chlorophyll, helps remove toxins)
1/2 avocado (contains glutathione, which supports liver detoxification)
1/2 lemon (juice) (rich in vitamin C, supports liver cleansing)
1 cup of coconut water (hydrates and supports toxin elimination)
1 teaspoon of turmeric (anti-inflammatory effects, supports liver regeneration)
1 teaspoon of chia seeds (source of fiber, supports digestion)
1/2 cup of frozen pineapple or mango (contains enzymes that support digestion)
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Serve immediately, ideally in the morning on an empty stomach.
Photo source: Orava, pexels.com, iStockphoto
