These days, many of our images of a ‘detox’ include diets by way of starvation: Ten-day master cleanses, strict juice-only regimens, and restrictive carb/gluten/sugar/dairy-free diets. More elimination rather than detoxification, more sprint rather than marathon.
But a detox doesn’t have to be a 100-yard dash to the finish line. Like a marathon, detoxification can be achieved slowly and steadily. It can—and should—incorporate elements embedded into our every day routines, thus ensuring we take the most stress-free and healthful paths to a healthier body.
By its intrinsic role as the body’s natural purifier, replenisher, and hydrator, water is the easiest and most effective detoxification weapon. All functions of the body require water; a crucial component of the biological make up of all human cells. Water flushes toxins out from organs. It provides an adequately moist environment for the ear, nose and throat tissues. Water enables the liver to metabolize stored fat quicker, giving our overworked kidneys a break. The oxygen in water carried from cell to cell helps build muscle and increase cognitive and nerve functions. Drinking water can help lose weight, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and maintain healthy skin and nails. Plain and simple: water detoxes, from the inside out.
The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate liquid intake for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. For women, this number is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. Today, in the U.S. water is readily available and cheap….so why don’t we drink more of it?
Because water is boring, that’s why, and it’s often overshadowed by far sexier electrolyte-induced beverages, vitamin and nutrient-packed juices, and tastebud-exciting fizzy drinks. But water can be fun, too, and we’re here to show you how.
By adding a few slices of fruit, or vegetable, into our daily intake of water, we can benefit the mind, body, and soul at the same time. Adding a few slices of whole fruits and vegetables heightens minerals and vitamins that our bodies can easily and quickly consume, and at the same time are so delicious that we may find ourselves tricking our mind into drinking more water than we have in the past.
At the heart of it, a detoxification diet is simply a way to purify the body by flushing out whatever ‘toxins’ exist, and water is the best way to make this happen. Best of all, it is something that we can sustain as a daily practice in what will hopefully become a long, detoxified marathon called life.
5 Detox Waters to Try Today:
Orange, lemon, ginger
Oranges aid with healthy blood circulation, lemons help aid digestion (and freshen breath), and ginger is a notorious immune system booster.
Cucumber, raspberry, grape
Cucumber is hydrating and flushes out toxins, Raspberries have anti-inflammatory properties, and grapes contain cancer-fighting and cleansing compounds.
Rhubarb, apple, cinnamon
Rhubarb contains vitamin K to help with blood clotting, apples have a slew of benefits including maintaining bone and tissue health, and cinnamon is one of the most efficient boosters of metabolism.
Strawberry and lime
Strawberries are jam-packed with anti-oxidants, and limes are an excellent anti-aging weapon due to its restorative properties for hair, skin, and nails.
Pineapple and mint
Pineapple is an anti-inflammatory that helps relieve joint pain and arthritis, and mint supports the digestive system by activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes.
Instructions to make Detox Water:
Slice fruits or vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces.
In a 1 liter jar, place sliced fruits at the bottom of the jar. Cover to the rim with ice.
Pour water until full (approximately 1 cup) and seal with a lid. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes so flavors can seep into the water.
Keeps in the fridge up to two days, water is most refreshing when cold.
Granted, you’re not going to get your daily dose of recommended nutrients just by drinking a detox water…but every little bit helps.