Feel just 'blah' and you feel that that possibly a detox may help you get back on track? Here's a few tips to consider before you start this help journey, 

Consult with your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking prescription drugs for a detox. People with conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and kidney disease should only detox under the supervision of a health care provider. A detox is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. People who are always exhausted and have low blood pressure may have low adrenal function which should be addressed before a detox. First, try a supplement which tones, supports and nourishes the adrenal glands, helps the adrenals through times of stress, and stabilises energy levels.  

Kick addictions. If you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, you should have stopped before the detox, so they are out of your system. Likewise sugar, as addictive as cocaine, is a toxin with no nutritional value, and therefore on this list under addictions, not food.

Drink plenty of water. If you do not drink eight glasses of purified water (no tap water chemicals) a day, start a few days before the detox. You need to maintain drinking this amount during the detox to keep hydrated and flush out toxins. A great habit to continue after the detox as well.

Do not binge eat. Many people do this because they are afraid of going without food, eating a lot less, or eating food they do not consider filling. Bingeing will make it harder for your body to detox.

Cut the caffeine. You do not want caffeine withdrawal (headaches, tiredness, etc) while you are detoxing. At least a week before the detox, replace coffee with decaf, fizzy/energy/fruit drinks with water, and tea with caffeine-free herbal teas. A cup of herbal tea without sugar or milk also counts as one glass of water.

Observe your body.  Keep a journal if you want to compare days and see progress. It will be a useful reference next time you detox.

Plan your detox days. Some people feel safer not venturing far from a toilet in the first few days, so plan to start during a time when you are at home, with no commitments.
Plan your detox nights. A detox is a lot of work for the body, so expect to feel the need to sleep. The ideal bedroom environment is quiet, dark, cool (rather than warm), and should only be used for sleep and sex. That means, remove the TV or computer, and cover any glow from the alarm clock. Try to go to bed early and get up at the same time every day, even weekends. If you go to bed late, avoid sleeping in – you may squeeze in a 20-minute siesta later!

Avoid undue stress. Simply being alive comes with stress, which is a non-specific response by the body to any demand made of it.  With essential stress levels and damaging stress levels, the key is in our ability to handle it.  Some people keep going amid extreme stress, while others crumble under slight pressure. Continued stress or anxiety, closes the body down, creates a negative attitude,  prevents nutrient absorption and raises blood pressure, making the heart, liver and kidneys work harder, creating physical, mental and emotional problems. Stress relief: Exercise, laughter, dancing, singing, playing music, painting, meditation, walking, gardening, playing with children and animals, a bath with calming essential oils . . .  and much more. Think about your stress and how you can diffuse damaging stress.

Exercise. Find an aerobic exercise you like, that you can do for 30-60 minutes, three to five times a week. This will keep you healthy, and it is a great body cleanser and stress-reliever. If you are very unfit or overweight, you may not be able to aerobic exercise, so try swimming or walking, and stick to that at the very least.

Plan your menu. Look for organic foods or buy a fruit and vegetable wash. While you are most likely to wash your produce under the kitchen tap before preparation, if it is not organic you will need to remove pesticide/insecticide residues, wax preservatives, oils and bacteria off the hands of other shoppers picking through produce. Some health food stores and markets sell food-safe cleaners to remove oil-based residues that are not entirely water-soluble, or you can make your own (see fresh produce wash recipe). Organise nutrient-rich drinks, fruit and soups to consume after the detox so that you don’t revert to a poor diet. This really is an excellent time to change your diet for the better.

Cut the carbs. Avoid fast food, flour (gluten), trans fats, refined carbohydrates (white rice, pasta), and processed, packaged, boxed and canned food. These can interfere with the liver's ability to detoxify your body, which may impair your detox efforts.

Expect a headache. People usually get a headache during a detox, but say the results are worth it. Very soon you will be amazed at the lifting effect on your energy, mood and emotions. Physical cleansing is often connected to a deeper, more psychological and spiritual cleansing.

Exfoliate. Briskly scrub the body’s largest organ – the skin – with a dry brush or shower brush. It may help circulation and prompt the passing of toxins from the lymph glands.
Replace toxic products. Every day millions of people unknowingly absorb toxic chemicals in body products, some of which are known to cause a range of serious medical conditions and disabilities. Our skin absorbs every toxic chemical on those labels (not just some!). Natural products are free of toxins and packed full of real ingredients that actually nourish skin and hair. Try them and see how they compare!

Replace the good bacteria. People detoxing on a liquid programme need to be aware that a complete digestive tract (includes bowel and colon) flush will flush away all the good bacteria along with the bad. To replace the good bacteria, have a probiotic supplement ready to take straight after the detox.

Stock up on toilet paper.