The Basics of Ayurvedic Detox

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The Basics of Ayurvedic Detox

Ayurveda - the ancient Indian system of medicine, which is currently very popular - provides the perfect knowledge base for excellent detox remedies and treatments. As Spring is coming and you may feel in need of an overhaul and to spring-clean your system, we present our top Ayurvedic detox tips for your health and rejuvenation:

  • Start the day with a glass of water at room temperature with a slice of lemon… and
  • Drink a glass of still water at room temperature, with a slice of fresh ginger, just before each meal.
  • Always leave three hours between each meal to properly digest your food
  • Eat small meals - eating 3or 4 small meals a day is preferable to one or two big ones.
  • Only eat unprocessed whole fresh foods. Look at your plate and ask yourself how close your food is to nature…. this is sometimes called "eating like a peasant"!
  • Drink 1/2 pint of fresh fruit juice or lemon and honey drink (3 tablespoons of honey with juice of 1/2 lemon with one pint of water), 3 hours after lunch and dinner.
  • Avoid preservatives, colourings and flavour enhancers, such as MSG, in your food. Always read labels and check for E numbers, added salt, sugar and fat.
  • Restrict or eliminate excess salt, sugar, saturated fats, animal fats, red meat, shellfish, margarine, lard and refined oils, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol and cola/carbonated drinks.
  • Do not overcook your food. Steamed, grilled or sautéed is always better than fried.
  • No more than 25% of your meal should contain raw foods. Raw foods can be difficult to digest. Even if you are having a salad lightly dress with extra virgin olive oil as this makes it more digestible and reduces Vata (air energy)
  • Always eat your three-four meals a day - but don't snack. Choose from a wide variety of foods and include at least 4 portions of fruit and 5-7 portions of vegetables. Good choices are: green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables eg broccoli, avocado, cooked tomatoes, cabbage, sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans, carrots, watercress. For fruit eat: apples, apricots, berries, grapes, papaya, pears, peaches, plums.
  • Eat 3 portions of oily fish a week – tuna, sardines, salmon, herring, or mackerel

According to Ayurveda you should Include the six basic tastes in your diet on a daily basis, and if possible, at every meal: - sweet (e.g. grapes), sour (e.g. lemons), salt (e.g. olives), bitter (e.g. fennel), pungent (e.g. watercress), and astringent (e.g. pear).

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Other Examples of Basic Tastes

Sweet - starchy vegetables e.g. parsnips, grains, milk, pasta, sweet fruits
Sour - yoghurt, lemons, cheese, vinegar, wine
Salty - sea salt, food with added salt
Pungent - spicy foods, peppery foods e.g. chillies, watercress, garlic, onion, cumin
Bitter - green leafy vegetables, spinach, courgettes, turmeric
Astringent - beans, lentils, apples, rhubarb, lettuce, black tea

  • Have a liquid diet – of fruit and/or vegetable juices - for 1 day every two weeks.
  • Take regular moderate exercise and practice a yoga routine regularly, preferably daily
  • Although some sunbathing is good for you - ...

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