Life detox tips

7. Go alternative for cleaning and gardening
Avoid using conventional household cleaners and opt for natural brands instead. When you are gardening, avoid the use of pesticides and insecticides.

8. Don't get toxic while making yourself beautiful!
Traditional beauty products, such as perfume, nail-varnish remover, make-up, skin care, hair care, hair removal creams and aftershave, all contain potential skin irritants as well as chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Instead, choose natural alternatives from companies that use non-toxic, organic ingredients.

Spray perfume on clothes rather than directly on to the skin, and use aluminium-free deodorant. If you have to have a dental filling, make sure it is porcelain (white) rather than amalgam (silver) which contains mercury, a potentially toxic heavy metal.

9. Storage solutions
Try to store food in glass or ceramic containers rather than plastic or plastic-style wrap. Food can absorb chemicals from the container or wrapping it is stored in. Cooking equipment should be stainless steel or ceramic if possible.

10. Drink more pure water
At the very least go for a jug filter, but if possible install a water purification system in your home. Bottled water is a good option, but try to buy glass bottles rather than plastic. Carbonated drinks, including water, contain carbon dioxide, which often leaches calcium from reserves in the body, so carbonated drinks should be avoided.

11. Take supplements
Boost your body's natural detox capabilities with supplements. Specialist detox supplements are the best option for short-term use. However, long-term support can be provided by a good multi-mineral and vitamin supplement. Psyllium husks help with the removal of toxins.

12. Cook foods lightly
Traditional frying creates damaging trans-fats and should be avoided. Browning food through grilling and baking creates harmful free radicals. Try to keep cooking light (as in rapid stir-frying or steaming) and keep roast dinners for special occasions only.

13. Boost your intake of detox nutrients
Include a serving of a detox 'superfood' (e.g. alfalfa or spirulina) in your diet daily. There is a wide range of foods available to suit different tastes and budgets that can be included in meals and snacks with ease.

14. Cut out caffeine, reduce your alcohol and/or nicotine intake
If going 'cold turkey' seems too much then try to reduce your intake little by little each day. Your body will adjust gradually, and, if combined with a nutritious diet, some of the cravings may subside. However, for the Life Detox 7-Day Programme, caffeine and alcohol must be cut out completely for you to enjoy the full benefits.

15. Reduce your mobile phone and television usage
Don't have your mobile phone on charge in your bedroom at night and avoid watching television in bed. Your body does its healing work at night so aim for a 10.30pm lights-out during detox.

Life Detox by Amanda Hamilton and Sandy Newbigging, published by Piatkus, is available from www.amazon.co.uk