Please note: This article was originally posted on ProHealth on August 20th, 2016)

A few months ago, I wrote an article entitled 10 Supplements Every Lyme Patient Has In Their Protocol. To my surprise, I received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback regarding this article. Several Lyme patients contacted me and said they wished they had seen a similar post earlier on in their treatment journey. Unfortunately, their budgets had been stretched to the max by long-term Lyme protocols that included taking a considerable amount of supplements and medications. Similarly, I too, feel the financial burden that is required to get well from this illness.

Our doctors often tell us that we need to detox while undergoing our challenging medical regimens. By stepping up our body’s detoxification processes, we help our bodies handle different combinations of medications and supplements, eliminate toxic waste, and most importantly, heal. Fueled by my desire to provide patients with more affordable resources, this article covers seven budget-friendly detox ideas that won’t break the bank.

1) Dry Skin Brushing- For the cost of about $10-$15, a dry skin brush is an economical tool to incorporate into your detox routine. Available online and at most health food stores, you’ll want to purchase a long-handled brush made with natural bristles as opposed to synthetic ones. Dry skin brushing helps to unclog pores and allows your skin–the body’s largest organ–to expel toxins that have accumulated in it. This method of detoxification is also known to increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, improve skin tone, and have an energizing effect upon the body.

Dry skin brushing takes roughly five minutes to complete and is very easy to do; it’s excellent for those of us with very limited energy. After you remove your clothing, begin brushing at your feet, moving the brush in smooth strokes toward your heart. From your feet, progress up your legs, to the palms of your hands, and then your arms. Again, always brush toward the direction of your heart.

After you brush your extremities, brush your abdomen, chest, and back–still in the direction of the heart. Keep in mind these areas tend to be more sensitive, so use a lighter hand when brushing them.

Whenever possible, take a shower after your dry skin brushing session and follow up with a natural moisturizer. Coconut oil is a preferred moisturizer among many Lyme patients. For best results, you can use this technique one to two times a day.

2) Hot/Cold Showers- Although the idea of alternating a comfortable, warm shower with a burst of cold water might not sound too appealing to you, this type of shower costs nothing and has many therapeutic benefits. Right before you finish your shower, adjust the temperature to the coldest setting you can withstand and allow the water to run over you for 30 seconds (if possible). Rotating between hot and cold water increases lymph flow, stimulates circulation, and optimizes blood flow to your organs.

As you adapt to the temperature buy soma 500mg online changes, you can begin to incorporate brief repetitions of hot and cold showering. I can personally attest to feeling more invigorated after cycling through this technique 4 or 5 times.

3) Activated Charcoal- Many of us experience Herxheimer reactions (“Herx” for short) periodically during our Lyme treatment. These reactions are the result of the body’s inflammatory responses to the toxins that are generated when a large bacterial load gets killed off. The duration of a Herx varies from person to person and can last from a few hours to a few weeks. Thankfully, activated charcoal tablets are a low-cost option to help you when you’re feeling cruddy.

Activated charcoal is a binding agent that absorbs these toxins and helps your body to properly get rid of them. You need to take activated charcoal two hours before or after your other medications and supplements.

4) Lemon Water- Lemon water is a favorite detox method among the Lyme community. Not only is it incredibly cheap, but the lemon adds a splash of flavor to an otherwise bland glass of water. Among its benefits, lemon neutralizes your body’s pH and improves its acid-alkaline balance. This refreshing drink also helps to cleanse the liver. You can drink your lemon water either hot or cold, but many holistic health practitioners recommend rinsing your mouth afterward to protect the enamel on your teeth from the acidity in the lemon juice.

5) Liver Support Formula- Medications occasionally place an extra burden on the liver. Investing in a liver support supplement will help your body to process these medications more efficiently. Several herbs and supplements help your liver remove harmful substances, keep your liver function within a normal range, balance your hormones, and help you to better tolerate the vast array of chemicals that you ingest.

6) Epsom Salt Baths- An Epsom salt bath is an excellent way to draw out toxins through the skin and minimize stress on your body. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a dry skin brushing session. Magnesium sulphate–the mineral in Epsom salts–has a calming effect on muscles and the nervous system, so you feel more relaxed.

Because Epsom salts can lower blood pressure, it’s best to start with just ½ cup in your bath and work up to two or three cups, for a maximum of 20-30 minutes.

7) Herbal Teas- Another economical option that can address specific areas of discomfort is herbal teas. Chock-full of beneficial nutrients, teas like chamomile relieve insomnia, while peppermint and ginger help to soothe the stomach, and milk thistle assists the liver with detox. With such a large selection to choose from, you will likely find at least one tea to aid in detoxification.

As you can see, this article serves as a starting point for reasonably-priced detox practices. Feel free to leave me a comment, so I can hear about the cost-effective things that you use to detox. Please remember to consult with your doctor for more individualized recommendations.