We’ve all been there: it’s the Monday after a long weekend during which you, perhaps, overdid it slightly. How, oh how to help every cell in your body detoxify? I’ve personally tried it all: drinking copious amounts of water filled with electrolytes helps, as does getting outdoors, taking a walk and doing some breath work. But many health experts roll their eyes at the mere mention of detoxification, pointing out that the body does it all for you anyway. And it does, but there are ways in which to help it along on its way, says detox expert Rebecca Faria, who counts Jennifer Aniston, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Hailey Bieber as clients.
What does “detox” mean?
“Detoxification is the process of clearing out harmful substances from the body,” she explains. “Our bodies naturally do this all of the time, through organs like the liver, kidneys and skin, so when I talk about ‘detox’, I mean taking extra steps to support these organs doing their job. It’s like giving your body a boost to help it handle and eliminate things that can slow you down and impair your health.”
Where do toxins come from?
Toxins are everywhere in our environment, from the air we breathe to the foods we eat and the products we use in our everyday lives. Alongside things like cleaning supplies, Faria cites the pesticides used on much of our produce, and the additives in processed foods as examples of where these harmful substances lie—not to mention rising pollution levels. While we’re constantly exposed to these toxins, we don’t always realise it.
“While our bodies are designed to handle a certain amount of these substances, too much exposure may overwhelm the body’s detoxification processes,” she adds. “Being aware of these sources and making conscious choices—i.e. trying to eat organic foods where possible—can help reduce our exposure.”
How to detoxify your body
Lymphatic drainage massage
As mentioned previously, our bodies know what to do, but there are ways to help enhance detoxification. Faria is a big advocate of lymphatic drainage massage. The body’s lymphatic system “plays a crucial role in removing toxins and waste from the body but it doesn’t have a pump like the heart to keep fluids moving”, explains Faria. A lymphatic drainage specialist essentially encourages the flow of lymph fluid using their hands, which reduces swelling, improves circulation and energy, and boosts your natural detoxification process. It’s relaxing too.
For best results, see a therapist who specialises in this method – Flavia Morellato is brilliant if you’re London-based—or you can also try rituals like dry body brushing at home. “Whatever you choose, consistency is crucial,” she says.
Elevate your legs against a wall
A gentle inversion that helps drain lymphatic fluid, reducing swelling and promoting detoxification, getting your legs up the wall is also free and easy. “The lymphatic system is responsible for collecting and removing waste products from tissues, so by elevating your legs above heart level you encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid back towards the drains of the body, where it can be processed and eliminated,” says Faria.
Try this morning routine
Here’s how to start your day right to support your detox efforts:
1. Wake up early
“Waking up early helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, which is essential for the proper functioning of your body’s detoxification processes,” says Faria. “This natural rhythm controls hormone release, including cortisol, which helps manage energy levels and stress. By aligning with these natural cycles, you support your body’s ability to detoxify efficiently.”
2. Scrape your tongue
During the night, the body clears out toxins, which often accumulate on the surface of the tongue. “By scraping your tongue in the morning, you physically remove them and prevent them from being reabsorbed into your system through digestion,” she says.
3. Drink a big glass of room temperature water
“Hydration is a key component of detoxification,” notes Faria. “Drinking water upon waking helps flush out toxins that have accumulated overnight.” It also stimulates the digestive system and kidneys—two vital organs in detoxification—helping to move waste out of the body more effectively.
4. Enjoy herbal teas
As well as being great for hydration, herbal teas that incorporate ingredients like guaraná or ginger can support liver function and promote the elimination of toxins, says Faria. “These ingredients can enhance the body’s natural detoxification pathways, particularly in the liver, which plays a crucial role in processing and removing toxins.”
5. Prioritise exposure to sunlight
“Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate the body’s internal clock and supports vitamin D synthesis,” says Faria. “Vitamin D is important for immune function and can influence the activity of detoxification enzymes in the liver. So, once you’ve woken up early, scraped your tongue, brushed your teeth and drunk a glass of water, make sure you’re looking towards the light for a few minutes – this will signal to the body that you are ready to start the day.” It is also great for our sleep come evening and boosts production of our happy hormones, too.
This post originally appeared on British Vogue.
