Despite increasing pollution and toxins in our daily environment, we are not helpless in preventing our bodies from being ravaged by the toxins and chemicals in our food, air, water and environment. These following Prana Wellness detox tips can help.  

1. What is detox: Detoxing is the removal of toxic build-up, pollution and chemical residue stockpiled in the body, that are blamed for weight gain, cellulite, dis-ease and increasing poor health. 



2. Who can detox: Most people in good health can safely detox. Individuals with pre- existing conditions (diabetes, cancer, auto immune issues, children, elderly, pregnant and menstruating women etc.) should consult a qualified practitioner or natural physician for guidance.



3. Where can I detox: Prana Wellness has a twenty one day (see special below) simple non invasive sauna detox program, introducing detox to your lifestyle. Detoxification kits may be purchased from health food stores, (buyer beware), or a qualified practitioner or natural physician can recommend detox products.



4. What part(s) of the body can be detoxified and what can I expect: The body as a whole can be detoxified or specific organs can be targeted (liver, colon, kidney, gall bladder, arteries). It is important not to overtax the body with a program that is too strong if you’ve never done a detox, more is not better. While detoxing cleansing symptoms may occur, headaches, nausea even tiredness are some of the physical symptoms you may encounter. These symptoms happen as toxins are released from the cellular level and are travelling to the organs of elimination. As the toxins move through the detox passageways, you may feel worse before you feel better which is part of the process. Do not be alarmed, this part of the detox. If you have properly chosen a detox program these symptoms are minimal if at all. It is recommended you consult your attending practitioner or natural physician for guidance, if the symptoms are unbearable.



5. How do I start: A program lasting 1 – 3 days using freshly blended or squeezed juices, fruits and vegetables is a great way to see how you and your body behaves while detoxing. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are consumed along with lightly steamed or cooked vegetable dishes. This is a safe gentle and inexpensive way to gage your level of commitment to detoxing. Consult your practitioner or natural physician before this point or directly after to move onto the next step.



6. Why should I eliminate certain things: Meats, bad carbohydrates and junk foods should be minimized during this time along with, alcohol, cigarettes even coffee to give the body a rest from the toxins contained in these things. If the body does not have to process these items along with detoxing, it has more energy which is used to facilitate the detox process. 



7. Far Infrared Sauna: Far Infrared technology has been utilized since the 1960’s in Asia and introduced to North America in 1981. The Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School among others have researched the benefits of infrared sauna as the most superior, gentle and non invasive form of detoxification today to cleanse the 21^st century toxic residue (which we all have) from the body to improve health and wellbeing.



8. Additional Detox Items: During a detox it is recommended to do the following; skin brushing to stimulate the lymphatic system and open pores, drinking 6 – 8, 250ml cups of pure water daily along with sea salt baths to help flush the system. Taking digestive enzymes, probiotics and a good multivitamin at this time will help repopulate the healthy bacteria in the body along with minimizing stress on the body systems. 



9. Ending the detox: When ending a detox it is important to slowly reintroduce foods and practices that were eliminated, begin to reintroduce better quality meats, breads and starches in a minimal capacity if at all. It is also recommended in addition to better food choices, better behaviour choices (water consumption & exercise) are made in order not to retoxify the body immediately.



10. Keeping a record: Maintaining a record or documenting your detox experience is beneficial so you can recall what type of detox you did, how long it lasted, the detox symptoms you encountered and how your body handled them. It is also good for keeping track of detox intervals or a detox schedule, body detox is not just a one time thing, for best results it should be done on a regular basis throughout the year.