Detox

This weekend was a busy one. It was both physically and mentally draining, and I didn't eat as well as I would have liked.  My husband and I attended a wedding on Saturday evening out of town. I ate the best I could, filling my plate with vegetables and salad. But when you're used to an extremely strict paleo diet, even eating a conventional salad dressing is considered cheating. When we left just after the dinner, I became extremely fatigued and a headache soon followed. The next day was a long one. After church we headed to the park to attend a Lyme fundraiser (which was absolutely wonderful) and we were around a lot of people which drains me quite easily. Immediately after the fundraiser we headed to my dad's house for supper. Again, I didn't eat the cleanest, though I tried my best (I'm seriously a sucker for mashed potatoes and gravy). When we got home that evening my hips, legs, and back hurt so much I could barely stand it. When I woke up this morning I felt like I had been hit by a truck. It's amazing what being mentally drained can actually do to your body.


As a family we try to rest and spend time together on Sundays, so when Monday morning comes there's usually a lot to catch up on. This morning I asked the kids to carry the laundry baskets up from floor 4 to floor 1 (why did we buy a house with 4 floors??!) because I just can't carry them up the stairs. As I sat sorting the laundry, I was hurting so much and I just knew I needed to be careful today. I don't always stop myself and often push too far but today I made a wise decision. I finished the laundry then drew myself a bath! Detoxing is imperative for me and, I'll admit, I don't do it nearly as much as I should. I figured it was an important time to have a detox bath because of the not so clean food I consumed over the weekend (even if it was only a small amount) and with the pain I was feeling.


If you've never had a detox bath it is a great, easy, and relaxing way to draw the toxins out of your body. I like to dry brush before I get into the tub. Not only does this stimulate your lymphatic system but it also clears your pours to let those toxins out. Get a good quality soft brush (not a synthetic one) and brush your dry body starting at your feet and hands and brush towards your heart. Once you are done you are ready for the bath!


All you really need are some Epsom salts (make sure to choose one that has just the salt in it). I like to add some non aluminum baking soda which also helps draw out the toxins. I also add some lavender essential oil ( add it to the salts first and mix, as the oil will not mix in the water), and also a dash of ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C) because this will neutralize the chlorine in the tap water. If you don't have a whole house filtration system you might want to consider adding this to your bath so you're not bathing in chemicals. I add all of this to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. And, listening to some music is an important addition to my detox bath because I have a hard time relaxing for that long!

Do you have a good detox routine?