How Do I Detox Slowly From Alcohol?

If you have decided to begin living a healthier lifestyle, the most important thing you can do is to clean your body of any toxins which may be preventing that. One of the most important toxins to clear out is alcohol. If you are not an alcoholic and don't want to experience the withdrawal symptoms which accompany a removal, doing a slow detox is the way to go.

Reduce

The first thing you should do is to cut down on the number of drinks you have each day. By doing this, you will slowly lower the amount of alcohol entering your blood stream while getting rid of any alcohol which may be built up. Make a plan about how many drinks you will allow yourself per day and how long until that number reaches zero. Once the plan is set, stick to it and slowly lower then number of drinks you imbibe until you have completely cut alcohol out of your diet. If you are an alcoholic, do not attempt to quit drinking this way. Each drink will make you want more and you may not be able to cut back.

Diet and Exercise

There are other steps you can take to help with this process. While you are cutting back on your alcohol consumption, start increasing your overall fluid consumption. You should make sure you get at least eight to ten full glasses of water or clear liquid every day. This will help to rehydrate the body and flush out any remaining alcohol. Also try drinking cranberry or blueberry juice to for their anti-oxidants, which help repair cells and eliminate free radicals. Your diet should include melons, bananas, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes, as these foods are high in potassium, which can be lost as your body is expelling the alcohol.

Withdrawal

You may experience some withdrawal symptoms from the lack of alcohol, but if you didn't drink a lot to begin with, these should be mild. Some of these symptoms can include insomnia, headaches, gastro-intestinal problems and mild anxiety. These symptoms will abate as the alcohol leaves your system. If you are feeling anxious or not sleeping, try having a hot bath right before you go to bed. This will better relax you and prepare you for sleep (which is extremely necessary as your body goes through this process). Also cut out your caffeine intake to regulate your body's natural rhythms. If you are having digestive trouble, try cutting out fat from your diet. This will calm your stomach and make it easier to digest food. Finally, begin an exercise routine to help strengthen your body, tire you out, and reduce mental stress.