Detox for Martial Arts – Toxins from food, heavy metals, and other unfavorable substances often accumulate in the body, hindering the full performance development of an athlete. However, everyday complaints can also be the result. These manifest primarily through fatigue, lack of motivation, or even chronic inflammation.
Detoxifying the body doesn’t always require a full fasting regimen. Detox with food intake and training is also possible and a meaningful addition to a martial artist’s routine. Even though there may be a slight initial decline in performance as the body adjusts and fights against toxins, significant improvements and an enhanced sense of well-being are possible in a short time. Learn how to detoxify your body specifically for martial arts and maintain strength for training in the guide “Tips for Detoxifying the Body for Martial Artists.”
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Detox Tips – Do NOT!
During the detoxification of your body, it is crucial to refrain from the following things and foods.
Nicotine cessation
Cigarette smoke has been proven to not only damage our lungs but also have adverse effects on the skin, heart, and immune system. Nicotine is pure poison and absolutely counterproductive during a detox regimen. Martial artists should, in any case, abstain from cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Alcohol cessation
Alcohol is the worst legal poison and a drug. Alcohol damages our organs and impairs performance. Additionally, the body’s water balance is significantly disrupted. About 90 percent of the ingested alcohol must be broken down in the liver, damaging its cell structure and potentially affecting fatty acid breakdown. Serious athletes and athletes should always abstain from alcohol!
Avoid sugar and white flour
Simple carbohydrates burden metabolism during a detox regimen and should be avoided at least during this time. In general, sugar and white flour are not good energy sources, and many foods contain excessive amounts of them. Try to generally avoid sugar, and you will notice that you neither crave it nor find it particularly appetizing in a short amount of time.
Body Detox Tips
To promote detoxification, it is essential not only to abstain but also to introduce good foods and substances. It is equally important to consider the psychological component and avoid stress. Cleansing the colon is also a good way to rid the body of toxins and should definitely be considered.
Consume Fiber-Rich Foods
Flaxseeds, fresh berries, and whole grain products help in detoxifying the body. Fiber can bind various intestinal toxins and assist in their elimination. These foods are considered to cleanse our bodies and promote detoxification. Additionally, colon cleansing should be considered, more on that below!
Eat Lemons and Citrus Fruits
These acidic fruits are rich in antioxidants and help the body combat free radicals that attack our body cells. Water enriched with lemon juice (freshly squeezed) is an excellent way to make a healthy and flavorful thirst quencher at home. Citrus fruits before or after training (e.g., oranges, mandarins, etc.) are ideal for providing energy to the body and simultaneously detoxifying. Citrus fruits are also believed to promote fat burning, addressing multiple benefits at once!
Consume Garlic
Garlic possesses antibacterial and antibiotic properties. As a result, it protects the body from inflammation and bacteria while simultaneously strengthening the immune system. Even though garlic may cause unpleasant breath, it is advisable not to do without it.
Perform Colon Cleansing
The colon often accumulates old toxins over an extended period, which can affect the entire body. For those who genuinely want to detox intensively and properly, consider colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is neither painful nor very unpleasant and can be easily done at home*.
Avoid Stress
Stress and mental pressure negatively impact our soul, body, and organs. Stress can influence heart rate or digestion, for example. Those who want to cleanse their bodies should also mentally take a step back, dispel worries and fears, and bring their bodies into harmony with their minds. Relaxed athletes and sportspeople without mental pressure can significantly improve their performance!
Remember: Stress is pure poison for the body as well. It often leads to lack of drive and distress and weakens our immune system. For this reason, not only stressful everyday situations and negative thoughts should be avoided. For recovery and regeneration, it is also advisable to spend a few good hours and let go of stress.
Sweat it Out
Sauna visits not only help overcome everyday stress and increase well-being but are also an effective method to support the body in detoxification. Not only does the pleasant heat stimulate metabolism and strengthen the immune system, but it also helps regulate weight and water balance. However, as a martial artist in training, always ensure that you do not lose too much water and provide hydration during intense training. The addition of electrolytes is also highly recommended for Muay Thai athletes!
Support with Tea
The liver and kidneys are the main detoxification organs of the body, and to support detoxification, it makes sense to stimulate these organs. Herbal tea is beneficial in this regard. This helps flush out the bladder and urinary tract and activate metabolism.
Teas that are ideal for detoxification include:
Dandelion Tea: Supports liver function, helps flush out toxins, and stimulates gallbladder and kidneys.
Green Tea: Stimulates metabolism and acts as an appetite regulator.
Nettle Tea: Contains many minerals, acts as a blood-forming and blood-purifying agent, and promotes metabolism.
Linden Flower Tea: Acts as a blood-purifying, relaxing, and diuretic agent, has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects.
Ginger Tea: Stimulates metabolism, has anti-inflammatory effects, and also regulates appetite.
There is a wide selection of detox tea varieties available here…*
With the tips listed here, it should be easy for every fighter to gently detoxify the body and have enough energy for training. Detoxification should definitely be extended over several weeks or ideally even influence the entire lifestyle. Discipline is crucial because only through the radical avoidance of toxins can you completely rid the body of them!
What detox tips do you have for martial artists? Leave a comment below!