We all need to detox from time to time. It can be hard to get back on track after letting healthy habits slip and a detox is an amazing way to give yourself a little kickstart. Of course, the body regularly detoxifies itself – that’s what your liver and kidneys are for – but there are plenty of things you can do to assist with this natural process. If you’ve been working or playing too hard recently and have been neglecting your health for a while then it can take a while to feel your best self again, and this is where a detox can really help. There’s quite literally nothing I love more than heading to the spa for a good old fashioned detox treatment, but during the covid-19 pandemic that’s not always possible, which is why I’ve come up with this list of ten easy ways to detox at home.

1. Perform an At-Home Facial 

Facials are an amazing way to detox at home. They’re a perfect way to pamper yourself and they’ll leave you glowy and radiant once more. During an at-home facial, I recommend steaming your face either using a bowl or this amazing device from skincare legend Sarah Chapman. Then, follow up with a purifying clay mask like this rosemary and honey one from Chantecaille.

2. Take an Epsom Salt Bath 

Epsom salt baths are commonly used to treat inflammation, aches and pains. These salts are named after the English region of Epsom, where they’ve been used for this purpose for over 400 years. They contain magnesium and sulfates which help to draw out toxins from the body and help to stimulate the lymphatic system, further encouraging the detoxifying process. I can honestly say that Epsom salt baths are really helpful for sports injuries, a bad back or even when you’ve just overdone it at the gym. 

However, the benefits don’t end there. 

The popularity of Epsom salt baths soared back in 2013 when actress Jennifer Lawrence revealed them to be part of her pre-award show routine. Epsom salts reduce water retention in the body, so although they don’t contribute to fat loss, they can certainly help you to appear slimmer and get rid of that horrible, bloated feeling that often follows a series of unhealthy choices. Plus, taking a long, warm bath is always a great way to relax and refresh yourself. This is a really easy way to detox at home and it’s one of my favorites.

3. Turmeric Water 

Staying hydrated is important to allow the body’s detoxifying processes to function at optimum levels, but adding two teaspoons of turmeric to your morning glass of water can have some other fantastic health benefits. This bright yellow spice is lauded for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that turmeric can help with arthritis and cholesterol, whilst the National Cancer Institute has even recognized that turmeric can help to prevent certain types of cancer. I drink a glass of turmeric water every day and I recommend that you do the same. It doesn’t have a strong taste but you can add honey and lemon if you prefer a sweeter drink.    

4. Cardio

The phrase “sweat it out” doesn’t just refer to the sauna. Cardiovascular exercise gets your heart pumping and improves circulation, which prevents toxins from building up in your body. It also makes you sweat, which in turn makes it easier for your body to get rid of toxins in double quick time. Regular exercise also promotes digestive health which can help with stomach cramps and bloating, as well as supporting the body’s natural detoxification process. 

You don’t have to run ten miles or do a million burpees to get a good cardio session in. If you’re pressed for time, try a short sharp HIIT session using one of my favorite at-home fitness apps or go for a bike ride with a friend. It all helps. 

5. Stretch

You might be surprised to learn that a few simple stretches can really help to detox your body. Stretching reduces fatigue, stimulates blood flow and can aid with lymphatic drainage. You could do a full-on yoga session but if that’s not your preferred style of exercise, why not set a timer at work to remind you to take a five-minute stretch break once every hour?

6. Detox Teas 

Now, before you roll your eyes I’m certainly not talking about the infamous “detox teas” you see certain influencers flogging on Instagram with bold claims and questionable ingredients. There are plenty of natural, inexpensive teas out there that do have detoxifying benefits for the body – they just don’t claim to make you drop 10lbs overnight. 

Personally, I love peppermint tea. It aids with digestion and even acts as a natural appetite suppressant which is great if you’re trying to make healthier choices but still find yourself craving sugary snacks. Ginger tea, meanwhile, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with nausea, whilst Rooibos contains antioxidants, relaxes muscles and improves circulation.

7. Dry Brushing 

It may sound bizarre, but the practice of dry brushing has actually been around for thousands of years. Brushing your dry skin with a natural stiff-bristled brush assists with lymphatic drainage and exfoliates the skin, thus unclogging your pores. This practice can also temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite, too. It works by plumping the skin through increased blood flow to the surface. I always feel invigorated and refreshed after a dry brushing session, so it’s the perfect detoxifying ritual. 

8. Sleep

We flush out a lot of toxins during sleep and it’s difficult for your body to do what it needs to when you’re running on empty. A good night’s sleep is an invaluable part of the detox process, which is why so many of my favorite wellness retreats in the USA offer entire programs dedicated to improving the quality of your slumber. 

For more tips on how to get a better night’s sleep, check out this post. 

9. Intermittent Fasting 

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern with a number of healthy benefits. It’s also very easy to follow, so it’s a great way to detox at home. It means consuming all of your meals in a smaller window than usual, for example across eight hours rather than your usual twelve.

This style of eating not only helps you to shed pounds but also to focus and even live longer! As if that weren’t enough, intermittent fasting helps to release polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from your stores of body fat. PCBs are man-made chemicals which occur in very low levels in animal products. They’re stored in fatty tissue within the body and overtime can build up. PCBs are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and melanomas, so the fact that intermittent fasting can help to rid the body of these nasty chemicals is really something to celebrate. 

If you’d like to read my full guide to intermittent fasting, click here. 

10. Switch to Natural Deodorant 

Last but not least, switching to natural deodorant is an easy way to detox at home. The aluminum in regular deodorant blocks your sweat glands, whilst parabens may disrupt your hormone levels. When you switch to natural deodorant, you’ll experience a very noticeable detox period where your sweat will smell pretty bad as your glands unblock themselves but thankfully, this doesn’t last for too long. The following natural deodorant brands smell amazing and provide great protect against body odor:

To find out more about the benefits of natural deodorant, be sure to read this article.

For more on wellness, check out the best destinations for spa lovers around the world or these easy ways to boost your immune system.