Your complete guide to detoxing
We know there’s plenty of fun to be had in Dubai, and boy do we love doing as much of it as we can. But every once in a while your body needs a break. So why not try a detox?
Also in the series…
– Tried and tested: we sip our way through a five-day juice plan
– Healthy eating tips from the experts
– Makeover for you soul – volunteering in UAE
EXPERT ADVICE
Why do people detox? Some people do it because they have a particular issue that they want to address. They might have a skin problem, or they’re bloated, or they feel tired all the time or generally unbalanced. Others might have been leading an unhealthy lifestyle and want to change that. But super healthy people can still detox and benefit from it – detoxing is for everyone.
What are the benefits? It removes toxins from the body, helps to get rid of bloating, and will leave you feeling healthier, lighter and more energetic. It’s not just a quick fix either. In the long term it can help to prevent premature ageing and disease. Very healthy people often detox once a year to ensure a longer, healthier life.
What advice would you give to a beginner? In order to really see and feel the benefits I would recommend a five-day detox for a beginner, although if you can do longer it’s better. It depends on how unhealthy you are – if you are someone who eats nothing but junk food obviously it’s going to be more difficult. If you really think you can’t survive without food you could do three days, but five is much better in terms of results.
Any negative side effects? You can get headaches, and you often feel very, very tired – particularly during the first couple of days of the detox. You can also suffer mood swings, especially if you are used to eating a lot.
What are your tips for getting through a detox? I recommend that you don’t do too much for the first two days because you’re likely to feel tired and it’s important to take a little bit of downtime. I’d suggest taking a hot bath, and if you feel like going to bed at 8pm, do it. As you get further along, book in for some yoga, Pilates or a massage. I wouldn’t recommend planning any nights out or parties – don’t put yourself in temptation’s way if you can help it.
Can you make the juice yourself at home? Absolutely. It just requires a little time and effort.
Is there anybody who should not detox? You should not follow a detox programme if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have just undergone major surgery. It is also unsuitable for diabetics – although this can depend on the type of diabetes.
What happens after you’ve finished the detox? If you can, it’s great to introduce one detox day per week. Just detoxing for one day will be like pressing the reset button.
CELEBRITY DETOXERS
Gwyneth Paltrow We all know Gwynnie isn’t one for McDonald’s, but the health-conscious actress has become such a juice cleanse devotee she created her own personal seven-day detox to share with her fans. The Gwyneth-endorsed programme is a seven-day mixture of smoothies, soups and salads.
Beyoncé Queen B reportedly lost 20lbs in a matter of weeks by following the Master Cleanse, otherwise known as the Maple Syrup Diet. This hard-core cleanse involves surviving for 10 days solely on a cocktail of fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. Oh, and a daily laxative.
Jennifer Lopez All natural, vegan, gluten-free meal replacement cleanse programme Kaeng Raeng counts J-Lo among its fans. Followers drink three meal replacement pouches per day, and can supplement the drinks with raw fruits and vegetables if they need to keep hunger pangs at bay.
Kim Kardashian The most famous Kardashian sister is said to be a fan of Ritual Cleanse, which allows followers to continue working out while they detox. Ritual Cleanse devotees can opt to add two extra pre and post-workout drinks to their daily menu of raw juices so they can still hit the gym.
TREATMENTS
The Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre
The new detox programmes on offer at the Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre range from one day to three weeks – so you can choose your detox according to just how much you enjoyed yourself over the holidays.
Those who are keen to shed a few festive pounds and rid their body of some toxins could choose a Detox Day for a quick fix. You’ll get a three-hour session incorporating a body composition analysis, colon hydrotherapy, acupuncture and detox juice and tea. You’ll also be treated to that ancient Chinese therapy beloved of Hollywood types: cupping, which sees plastic or glass cups used to create suction on the skin. Devotees believe it boosts blood flow and promotes healing, as well as triggering the lymphatic system to help release toxins.
Elsewhere, the centre’s Detox Classic programme includes manual abdominal treatment, which is the application of pressure to the abdomen to help reduce inflammation and intensify the absorption of nutrients.
Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, Oud Metha Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dhs799, Sun to Thur 8am to 8pm, Sat 10am to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3351200. Taxi: Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre. dubaihtc.com
Overhaul your body in just three weeks
If you’re serious about a fresh start – and if buying all those gifts didn’t do too much damage to your wallet – Ignite Wellness are offering a 21-day Kick Starter plan at a special rate for the new year. Dhs2,500 (reduced from the usual price of Dhs4,157) gets you a full body assessment and nutrition plan, a three-day juice cleanse, a home visit from a trained massage therapist, and personal training sessions from Ignite. And in case you want to show off how good you look after all that hard work, the package includes a photo shoot at the end of the 21-day programme.
Ignite Wellness, Dhs2500. Tel: (04) 4487142. Ignite-wellness.com
