Detoxing is the first step to reviving yourself; be it your body, mind or soul. When you stop consuming unhealthy foods, drinks, and drugs, you are detoxifying your body. When you control your thoughts and engage in good deeds, you are detoxifying your mind and soul. Allah says:

He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself [Qur’an: Chapter 87, Verse 14]

Before starting to detox yourself, you must know these 5 facts about detoxing:

1. Your body already detoxifies itself all the time

I’ve seen two things happen here and they are as follows:

The word detox gets a bad impression because of companies and individuals who turn it into this ridiculous extreme notion.

People believe they have to do something special to make their body detoxify itself.

Listen, your body detoxes all on its own. Your liver, kidneys, lungs and your skin are powerhouse examples of organs working to filter and detoxify your body daily.

With that being said, certain things can help these natural processes. Most people have an overload, meaning they have more harmful things coming in than they do going out. This can be due to the environment, daily habits, genetics, lifestyle choices, the increase in chemicals, heavy metals, stress, among other things.

2. Detoxing, it’s not just physical

It’s important to know that it’s not only our physical body that needs detoxing. Our spiritual being and mental being need it even more so.

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it,
And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness,
He has succeeded who purifies it,
And he has failed who instills it [with corruption]. [Qur’an: Chapter 91, Verses 7 – 10]

We can detoxify mentally and spiritually by setting healthy boundaries, taking breaks, reading the Qur’an and spending time in nature, learning, etc.

3. ‘Small and steady’ can win the race!

Small changes that turn into daily non-negotiables are far more powerful than any short-term extreme method. Here are 3 of my favorite detox superstars:

Yasmin’s Detox Superstar #1: Water

Our bodies are mostly water and need water for a plethora of things. Aim for at least half of your body weight in ounces. If you are more active or have weight loss goals, aim for one ounce for every pound you weigh. Aim to drink no more than 32 ounces at a time, making sure you don’t overtax your kidneys.

Yasmin’s Detox Superstar #2: Lemon

Lemon alkalizes the body’s pH level, improves digestion, and boosts immunity via vitamin C and lime is a good substitute for lemon.

Yasmin’s Detox Superstar #3: Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens naturally increase our energy levels by alkalizing the body’s pH level and their fiber content improves digestion. Greens also clear congestion by reducing mucus. Varieties include bok choy, cabbage, kale, collards, watercress, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, dandelion, arugula, endive, chicory, lettuce, mesclun and wild greens. Spinach, Swiss chard, and beet greens are best eaten in moderation because they are high in oxalic acid which depletes calcium from bones and teeth. Green powders such as spirulina and wheatgrass are also good but should be seen as a supplement and not substitute.

4. Know yourself and take action accordingly

Here’s a list of common physical and mental problems I see when I work with clients and students. For each ailment follows a minor Recommendation and major recommendation. Everyone is unique and we need to be honest with what we are willing to commit to. While major recommendations will yield better results, it’s better to do a minor recommendation daily than a major one every once in a blue moon.

Problem #1: You deal with sinus discomfort and allergies
Minor Recommendation: Eat raw ginger daily
Major Recommendation: Cut out dairy + refined sugar

Problem #2: You struggle with digestive issues and discomfort
Minor Recommendation: Take a good probiotic. Eat foods with probiotics like sauerkraut
Major Recommendation: Separate drink + food. Drink liquids 20 mins before/2 hours after eating

Problem #3: You feel sluggish and irritable
Minor Recommendation: Begin your day with lemon water
Major Recommendation: Drink 1 gallon of H2O/day, cut out sugar

Problem #4: You want to cook more but don’t know where to start
Minor Recommendation: Go to the bookstore or library or online and plan out recipes
Major Recommendation: Implement 1 *major* kitchen time saver i.e. cooking and freezing

Problem #5: Your sleep routine needs an upgrade not only to be active all the day but also to get a peaceful sleep
Minor Recommendation: Try chamomile tea and lavender essential oil at night
Major Recommendation: Set a cut off time for electronics, turn off Wifi, turn down lights

Problem #6: Your vegetable game needs an upgrade
Minor Recommendation: Scan your grocery cart for a *variety* greens before check out. If it’s not there, get some before heading to check out!
Major recommendation: Make greens a non-negotiable part of each meal (breakfast included)

Problem #7: You are highly sensitive and get stressed easily
Minor Recommendation: For every stressful/high stimulus thing, do something you enjoy
Major Recommendation: Make a list of stresses and cut something stressful out of your life

Problem #8: You have a lot of different roles and could use some relaxation from the overwhelm
Minor Recommendation: Pull away as needed for a breather, stretching, etc
Major Recommendation Schedule time for yourself. If you’re spontaneous, prioritize it

Problem #9: You need help staying consistent or starting a fitness routine
Minor Recommendation: Commit certain days/times when you’ll workout
Major Recommendation: Get the accountability of a workout buddy, coach, trainer, etc

5. Seek the light of Allah 

There is perhaps nothing we need more than the light of Allah as it detoxes us in more ways than one. If you look for it, you will find it, in sha’ Allah. Spiritually, we should always be seeking the light of Allah . In the Qur’an, Allah tells us:

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things. [Qur’an: Chapter 24, Verse 35]

You can get a free access to the first day of Yasmin’s 7 Day Mind Body Soul Spring Detox! Click here to enroll.

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