How To Cleanse Naturally

Tori Williams is a senior at College of Charleston majoring in Communication and minoring in International Studies and Dance. She is currently the editor-in-chief of Her Campus College of Charleston, an online magazine for college women, as well as an editorial intern with Charleston magazine. Tori spends her days dancing with Dance FX's adult performance company and through CofC. This West Virginia native hopes to find a career that allows her to combine her two passions of writing and dancing in the Lowcountry. 

Detoxing has become popular today among young adults due to its reputation for making you shed pounds quickly. While this may seem like the amazing new solution to weight loss, suddenly altering your diet can be extremely harmful to your body.

There are so many ways to naturally cleanse your body without the hardcore, crash dieting. Whether you find that detox in exercise or with an added supplement, it’s certainly better than putting your body in harms way.  Next time you feel the need, try out one of these instead.

Spin class

Photo from www.charleston.thescoutguide.com

I took my first spin class this summer, and was literally drenched in sweat by the time it was over. It was incredible. My stomach felt tighter, my body was lighter, and I could tell that I had just done myself a great service. I highly recommend it. You can go at your own pace, and the instructors usually play pretty awesome music. For spinning in Charleston, check out Charleston RIDE, Velocity Cycling Studio, CHS Revolution, or Journey Cycling & Fitness.

Hot Yoga

I’ll admit I’m biased about hot yoga, but that’s only because it’s totally changed my life. I took my first class about two years ago and have been obsessed ever since. It’s the greatest detox I’ve ever experienced, because you’re constantly ringing out sweat and toxins from your body. The balance between relaxation, meditation, and intense muscle strengthening make this workout unique and effective. Plus, you get to rest in a cool, dark room after! For hot yoga in Charleston check out Charleston Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, The Yoga House, Blue Turtle Yoga, or Mission Yoga.

Healthy Additions to Your Diet

Health mentor Stephanie Burg has coached over 100 women in the last year, providing them with the knowledge they need to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle. To naturally detox your body, Burg recommends cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, as well as lemon and garlic to give you that extra boost. Burg also suggests white vegetables including onion and burdock root to rid your body of unwanted impurities.

For a liquid supplement, try ginger lime tea. Simply place two inches of grated ginger, 20 mint leaves, one juiced lime or lemon, and two cinnamon sticks into a French press or teapot. Cover the ingredients with boiling water, and then allow it to steep for 10 minutes.

Burg claims her clients have seen improved sleep, clearer skin, increased energy, weight loss, and more stable moods when consuming these foods. Ultimately we should all strive to eat well consistently. But according to Burg, “it can be helpful to lighten the body’s load so that its natural methods run smoothly.”

For more great recipes, check out stephanieburgcoaching.com