Shahnaz Husain
Pollution in the air and in water are making our world increasingly hostile to our good health and well-being. Lately, there has been higher awareness of pollutants and how they lead to a build up of toxins in the system. Our lifestyle can compound the problem further.
During parties, we tend to drink more alcohol and eat rich and spicy foods. We have late nights and go without enough sleep. Many lead sedentary and stressful lives too, without any exercise. It’s high time we decide to detoxify our bodies and get rid of toxins and wastes. Many theories abound nowadays, including a theory which says that detox programs hardly help. So what do we do? Actually, the best thing is to go nature’s way and detox the system…….. to feel and look good.
Bring about changes in the diet. One of the easiest ways of supplying nutrients to the body is through fresh juices of fruits and vegetables. They are the richest sources of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes, which are invaluable for both health and beauty. Juices are in a form that is quickly and easily assimilated by the body, because they are easily absorbed into the blood stream.
Being rich in the essential nutrients, juices revitalize the blood, organs and glands. They also have a calming effect on the nerves. Thus, they are of benefit to both mind and body. Taking fresh juices also helps to strengthen the immune system and prevents early degeneration and aging. Importantly, juices also have powerful cleansing and curative actions. They help to cleanse the body of toxins and wastes and also purify the blood. The functions of the internal organs and glands improve and this, in turn, is reflected externally, on the skin, hair, eyes and nails.
Juices can be extracted from almost all fruits and vegetables. You can choose from apples, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, pomegranate, beetroot, carrots, cucumber, tomato, spinach, cabbage and so on. Start by taking small quantities and increase the amounts gradually. Once your body gets used to it, you can have juices daily.
It is essential to remember that juices must be diluted with water. They should also be taken fresh, immediately after extraction, so that all the nutrients are intact. The fruits and vegetables should be very fresh. Lemon juice or orange juice may be added for flavour, but try to avoid the addition of salt and sugar. In fact, without sugar, juices can make ideal low calorie drinks for losing weight. The vessels in which juices are kept should not be made of aluminium or any corrosive material. If you have any illness with diet restrictions, be sure to seek your physician’s advice regarding the fruits and vegetables that are permitted for you.
Recently cold-pressed juices are becoming popular in India and many ingredients are added to increase the nutritional value and the taste. Cold pressing juicers are available. Some of these ingredients are vanilla beans, aloe vera, amla, etc. Or, cucumber can be combined with celery and lemon juice during summer. They also contain minerals that help to cleanse the system. Gourds are also available in summer and have high water content. Bottle gourd (lauki) can be combined with tomato and carrots to make juices. Experts say that cold-pressed juices contain more nutrients. Green juice, made by the cold pressed method, is said to be rich in enzymes. It helps to detoxify the body and also makes the system more alkaline. It can contain greens like spinach, mint, parsley, celery, cucumber, lemon juice and fresh ginger.
Include fresh fruits and lightly cooked vegetables, unprocessed cereals, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, yogurt, in your diet. Take up yoga. The exercises or “asanas” are particularly beneficial for strengthening the body, making it flexible, supple and youthful. They are combined with breathing exercises, thus improving oxygenation, purifying the organ systems and inducing relaxation of both body and mind. It also helps to reduce stress. Bring about lifestyle changes – giving up smoking, alcohol, bingeing on heavy, fried foods, etc. Last, but not the least, you can go for a deep tissue massage. It will not only be most relaxing, but will also help to release toxins due to massage on pressure points.
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