Week-Long Gentle Detox Program

You've decided to detox, but you want to use all natural products and do it yourself, at home. That’s fine; this easy-to-follow natural detox plan will get you where you want to go. You'll want to follow this plan over a course of a week, easing your way into it.

Monday and Tuesday – Prepare for your cleanse by cutting all sugar and fat from your diet. Promise yourself you will not drink alcohol for the next seven days. Eliminate or reduce caffeine use, too.

Wednesday and Thursday – Eliminate processed foods, meat, and dairy from your diet. You'll need to drink plenty of water.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday – Commit to a raw fruit and vegetable (oganic) diet for the last three days of the detox plan.

Your weekend of detoxing should include most if not all of the following: Drink water, senna tea, fasting support tea, and Master Cleanse lemonade (lemon juice, water, cayenne pepper, and pure maple syrup, to taste) throughout all three days.

Eat every two hours. You’ll want to keep portions small, but alternate between raw fruit and raw vegetables. Scrub all produce to eliminate pesticides.

Encourage elimination. Follow your body's urges, which may mean you spend a significant amount of time in the restroom.

While detoxing, it's advisable to get extra rest. Take time for regular sleep and naps.

Get a massage. A good massage will encourage your body to process and release waste products. If you get a full-body Swedish or deep-tissue massage, your body will process waste much better, leaving you feeling all the more refreshed. Mention the fact that you are detoxing, and drink water before and after the massage.

Exercise gently. You will benefit from a hike, walk, or yoga session.

Cleanse your biggest organ, your skin. Take long, warm showers, using only natural substances. After you dry off, use a body brush to exfoliate and stimulate the shedding of dead cells and toxins.

When you've finished your week of detoxing, slowly return to your old ways. Take this detox opportunity to change bad habits as you carefully reintroduce favorite foods, drinks, and activities.