Summer invites us to enjoy the warmth and abundance of nature to the fullest. It is the perfect time to revitalize body and mind and to recharge your batteries. A detox cure can help to rid the body of toxins and increase well-being. In combination with a regular yoga practice and a healthy diet, you can use the summer days to renew yourself all around. Find out how you can effectively implement a summer detox cure with yoga and a healthy diet .
Why is detox particularly good in summer?
The warm months offer ideal conditions for a detox. Fresh and light foods are particularly plentiful now and help the body not to feel burdened. The heat also promotes sweating, which stimulates the body's natural detoxification . A summer detox can help you feel more energetic, lighter and clearer - exactly what we need to make the most of the long, sunny days.
The role of yoga in the detox cure
Yoga is a wonderful addition to any detox program. Certain yoga exercises promote blood circulation , support digestion and help the body to eliminate toxins and toxic waste . Yoga also strengthens the connection between body and mind and promotes general well-being.
Recommended yoga exercises for the detox cure
Twists (twisting positions):
- Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana): This pose promotes detoxification of the liver and kidneys and improves digestion. Sit on the floor, stretch out your right leg and place your left foot next to your right knee. Turn your upper body to the left and bring your right elbow to the outside of your left knee. Hold the pose and breathe deeply before switching sides.
- Twisting Mountain Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana): This pose massages the internal organs and aids digestion. Start in Mountain Pose (Tadasana). Bend your knees as if you were sitting on a chair and bring your hands together in front of your heart. Twist your upper body to the right and bring your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Hold the position and breathe deeply before switching sides.
Prevent:
- Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana): This pose promotes blood circulation and calms the mind. It helps to release tension in the body and promotes detoxification through the gentle compression of the abdomen. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend forward from the hips and let the upper body hang. Keep your legs as straight as possible and relax your neck. Breathe in and out deeply.
- Head-to-Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana): Stimulates the liver and kidneys, the important organs of detoxification. Sit on the floor and stretch out one leg. Bend the other leg and place the foot on the inner thigh of the stretched leg. Bend over the stretched leg and grab the foot. Hold the position and breathe deeply.
Backbends:
- Cobra (Bhujangasana): Opens the chest and improves breathing. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Press your hands into the floor and lift your upper body while pulling your shoulders back. Keep your hips on the floor and breathe in and out deeply.
- Bridge (Setu Bandhasana): Stimulates the thyroid and helps regulate metabolism. It also helps stretch the back and improves circulation. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Lift your pelvis and back off the floor and hold the position while breathing deeply.
Pranayama (breathing exercises): Certain breathing exercises can also help you "breathe out" some toxins. Try the following, for example:
- Kapalabhati (fire breathing): This breathing exercise cleanses the airways, increases energy and supports the detoxification of the body through the increased oxygen supply. Sit in a comfortable position. Breathe in deeply and then begin to exhale forcefully by contracting the abdominal muscles quickly. Inhale passively between exhalations.
- Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This breathing exercise balances the energies in the body, calms the mind and supports detoxification. Sit in a comfortable position. Close the right nostril with the thumb and breathe in through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger and breathe out through the right nostril. Repeat the process and switch sides.
Those who practice sweaty yoga styles also excrete additional toxins through their skin.
Healthy diet for the summer detox
A healthy and light diet is essential for a successful detox. In summer there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are ideal for a detox.
Recommended foods:
- Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale and arugula are rich in chlorophyll, which helps the liver detoxify.
- Fruits: Watermelons, berries and citrus fruits are hydrating and rich in antioxidants.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts promote the liver’s detoxification enzymes.
- Herbs and spices: Ginger, garlic, turmeric and parsley have anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties.
- Plants: Dandelion, nettle, licorice and coriander also have anti-inflammatory effects, support liver and kidney function and promote the elimination of heavy metals or other toxins from the body.
You can find further information on selected foods and their detoxifying effects here: Detoxifying foods - natural cleansing
Inspiration for detox recipes
Green Detox Smoothie
- Puree spinach, kale, apple, banana, lemon juice, ginger and water in a blender and enjoy fresh.
Refreshing salad
- Chop the rocket, watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese and mint and serve with a dressing made from lemon juice and olive oil.
Detox water
- Put water, lemon slices, cucumber slices, mint leaves and a piece of ginger in a carafe and leave to steep in the fridge overnight.
More tips for a successful summer detox cure besides yoga and healthy eating
- Hydrate: Drink at least two liters of water per day to aid detoxification.
- Eat mindfully: Enjoy your meals consciously and take time to chew well.
- Exercise regularly: Complement your yoga practice with walks or light jogging outdoors.
- Get enough sleep: Good sleep is important for the regeneration and detoxification of the body.
A summer detox with yoga and healthy eating is a great way to renew your body and mind and feel fit and vital. The combination of detoxifying yoga exercises and nutrient-rich food will help you enjoy the summer months to the fullest and increase your well-being. Try it out and experience how refreshing a detox summer can be!
Good luck and Namaste!
