Have you ever been asked why detox? Do we need to detox occasionally?

A friend recently asked why detox, surely that’s what my liver does for me? I replied yes, and so do your lungs, kidneys and skin. Of course it depends what we demand of our body. Does it sometimes need a little extra help? We give our car a yearly MOT and change its oil from time to time, but do we afford the same care to our body?

Looking back, peoples around the world have traditionally allocated times during the year to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually. In northern climes, Spring has long been synonymous with detoxing after stodgy winter food. Religions have linked fasting to creating a higher spiritual awareness – from Hindu Ayurvedic Pancha Karma (physical elimination) to Native American purification rituals (sweat lodges, fasting), to the Christian Lent fast.

You might think that was OK then, but what about the 21^st century? Why detox today? So much of what we eat has been chemically grown, prepared, or processed, and is very likely to be laden with sugar and salt. In fact, the average westerner’s diet is richer than ever before in history. This can place a strain on our digestive system and major organs.

In addition we tend to get into habits of eating the same foods year round because they are readily available. This means we do not eat food only when it’s in season, and therefore we don’t maintain a certain variety. The Swiss German physician Paracelsus said: (“Alles ist Gift, nur die Menge macht’s.”)

“Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison.
The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy.”

Basically, don’t overdo it on any one food, herb, spice or even superfood! There is strength in variety. Our body can get burdened and laden with toxins unless we manage to maintain good variety and balance in our diet. – Easier said than done in our busy lives!

So why detox? What does cleansing offer us? It supports the elimination of toxins from our system and improves health and wellbeing. Apparently detoxing can strengthen our immune system, help prevent illness, support weight loss, and slow premature aging. In addition detoxing can help us be more alert mentally, increase energy levels and improve our skin quality.

There are those, such as Dr Terry Wahl, who claim that detoxing has changed, if not saved, their lives. Listen to her story of recovery from MS through a cleansing diet (17min video).

There are many more who claim that in the 21^st century there are very good reasons for all of us to consider detoxing combined with a healthier lifestyle. Consider this, in the USA 1 in 2 adults are pre-diabetic/have Type 2 diabetes. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with the right diet and exercise. Eliminating certain foods and a diet that helps the body to cleanse are improving health and wellbeing.

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Disclaimer
The content within this blog is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional – this applies especially for pregnant women and teenagers. Neal’s Yard Holidays is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. Neal’s Yard Holidays is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed. Always consult your own doctor if you are in any way concerned about your health.

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Is the thought of dark, wet November days getting you down?
Want to recharge your batteries before winter with relaxing November retreats?

It’s the time to grab a winter holiday in the sun – and avoid high-season fares and rates.  Or just treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend retreat in the UK. Here’s a choice of November retreats handpicked by Neals Yard Holidays.

In the warm winter sun of the Canary Islands, enjoy the unique Yoga, Pilates and Surf Holidays on Fuerteventura.  With white sandy beaches, set against a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, the retreats offers yoga, pilates and meditation classes.

If that sounds a bit too energetic, try the South Coast Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka – nominated best chill out spot by Harpers Magazine.  Offering some of the island’s best Ayurvedic treatments, it’s a “real pampering, a true healing experience”. 10% reduction until 20 December.

November’s your last chance this year to sail with WildQuest and swim with dolphins in the Bahamas.  Snorkeling lessons, daily sailings, coral reefs – and meeting dolphins, plus yoga and a free massage when you mention Neal’s Yard Holidays.

Then, on our doorstep, there’s a great choice of relaxing and rejuvenating weekend breaks. Two great yoga retreats are running in southern England by Chillout in Sussex.

This November, just enjoy chilling out – before the Big Winter Chill hits.
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Happy travelling.

The post Where to go for November retreats appeared first on Neals Yard Holidays Blog.