Over the years I’ve done many different detoxes, including the ‘Master Cleanse’ (I lasted 3 days on essentially lemon juice and maple syrup), a 5-day juice and nut milk only detox (I lasted 3 days before I couldn’t face another liquid meal), colon cleanse powders, and various detox supplements. Nothing had any profound results other than making me utterly unbearable to be around.

Now that I’m in my thirties I approach these fads with much more caution. I have been having regular colonics with naturopath, nutritionist, and colonic hydrotherapist Raaul Cohen of Dynamic Detox in Portals Nous, and I’m somewhat of a convert to the procedure. It’s hard to describe the satisfying feeling of a good ‘flush out’ but if you’ve ever considered it I highly recommend booking one in. Anyway, during these sessions Raaul has been slowly introducing me to the merits of his 4-day and 7-day detox programmes, and gently nudging me towards giving one a go. The purported health benefits combined with the testimonials of many a happy client finally saw me agreeing to a 4-day cleanse.

Prep Week

The week prior to the cleanse I was to go entirely vegetarian, dairy-free and alcohol free. I was also strongly urged to ditch the coffee too, but the pressure of still being at work whilst giving up three of my favourite things already (meat, cheese, and wine – I mean come ON!) had me disregarding this suggestion as quickly as it was mentioned.

Along with the diet change up, I was given the protocol for the liver flush that I was to complete upon waking every morning. This involved drinking the juice of two lemons, with ginger, raw garlic, and a tablespoon of cold pressed organic olive oil.

The preparation week passed by without incident, apart from a few comments from my workmates who were less than impressed with my new garlicky fragrance. It was actually easier than I anticipated and apart from one barbeque that I endured sober and meat-free I didn’t feel particularly tempted to go off-track.

Two days before the cleanse was due to commence I went to my preparatory appointment with Raaul to collect my bag of detox goodies. I felt like I was armed with a small chemistry lab. Large containers of distilled water, countless bottles of supplements, organic vinegars and honeys, colourful powders galore, measuring beakers, and even a blender accompanied me home. I was fully equipped and ready to begin.

I was personally completing the detox from my home in Palma but there is also the option to carry out the detox onsite at the Iberostar Grand Hotel in Portals Nous for the days required. The hotel will prepare everything necessary for you, and provide all the juices you need. You will also be given an upgraded room as a Dynamic Detox client. A real health retreat experience!

Detox: Day 1

Off goes the alarm and I’m straight into the kitchen to knock back a shot of pure aloe vera juice. Then it’s time for my morning dry body brushing to get the lymph flowing and blood circulating followed by a shower to wash off my freshly sloughed skin. The shower is finished off with alternate hot and cold bursts to alkalise the blood and stimulate the glandular system.

I’m not a breakfast eater so I haven’t had any hunger pangs yet, and I down my first load of supplements for the day, which comprises of approximately 20 odd pills. Next it’s juice time and I’ve decided to be hard-core and opt for 100% veggie juice as Raaul suggested, opposed to a more palatable fruit option. Apparently, this will garner me maximum results from the cleanse. I’ve never been a fan of beetroot or celery but in the name of health I drink it down then pack my next juice in a flask for later that afternoon.

I head to my colonic (a daily occurance during the cleanse) which today features organic coffee, and immediately afterwards it’s time for my first ‘drawing and cleansing’ drink. A blend of psyllium husks, ‘black powder’ and bentonite clay mixed with pineapple juice and distilled water, this formula is a strong purifier and intestinal vacuum, acting like a sponge removing toxins from your entire digestive tract.   An apple cider vinegar and organic honey drink is the second step of the cleansing drink process, relieving mucous conditions and providing nutrients.

As advised by Raaul, this was to be a time where the entire focus was on me. Today that means an afternoon on the beach. The Iberostar Grand Hotel is conveniently located right on Cala Portals Nous so I wander down with my beach bag, my next haul of supplements and juice, and a good book in tow, then spend the afternoon swimming and soaking up some vitamin D.

By 9.30pm I’ve had the rest of the days supplements, juices, and cleansing drinks so it’s time for a dinner of vegetable broth then straight to bed.

Detox: Day 2

I’m down 1.3 kilograms already! I slurp down my juice and make my way to today’s colonic appointment – this time I’m signed up for a clay infusion. Afterwards day two continues on in much the same way as day one. I’m still not particularly hungry, yet the urge to chew and crunch on something is definitely there. I head home in time to get ready for the lymphatic drainage massage I have booked in. Raaul strongly advises getting a massage or two during the course of the program – specifically lymphatic drainage to help move toxins through the body to be released. This is one part of detoxing I could definitely get used to!

Detox: Day 3

Today I’ve only lost 300g. Never fear. Raaul tells me that the amount of liquid ingested, and the swelling of the clays can stop the scale from budging at this point, and that more weight loss usually occurs post cleanse as long as you don’t revert back to your old bad habits.

Today follows the same pattern as day one and two, but todays colonic involves ‘Slippery Elm’, which is great for bowel inflammation. It seems it’s working a treat as I’ve hit the jackpot in terms of desirable ‘evacuation’. Black tar like stuff that has been supposedly lurking in the deeper recesses of my intestinal pockets is coming through the tube. Apparently I’m now shedding toxic catarrh, mucus and phlegm that have been residing in my colon for years.

Detox: Day 4

Hooray! This is officially the longest I’ve lasted on any detox program. Once today is over I will have successfully completed the detox and I’m quietly chuffed with myself.

Today’s colonic is not until the evening to round off the program and this time it’s eucalyptus on the menu. Raaul raves about the medicinal healing benefits of the eucalyptus plant. With the last colonic complete the programme is over, and Raaul says I’m even allowed to eat some of the veggies that were cooked in the broth for dinner. I’ve never been more excited about boiled unseasoned food let me tell you.

The next morning, I weigh myself and I’ve dropped another 700 grams. The loss gives me fresh resolve to keep up good habits as I sit down to a breakfast of figs which have been soaked overnight.

3-Weeks Post Detox

Raaul was right. Most of my weight loss has occurred after the completion of the detox. I have remained predominantly vegetarian and I’m eating a lot less dairy. I haven’t been so strict on the wines however, but you still need to live a little right? I have also been maintaining my daily dry body brushing and hot/cold showers. Today I sit here exactly 4kg lighter than day one of the detox and I feel like a million bucks. To my delight I have even had random and unsolicited comments from friends remarking how great my skin looks, and that I’m glowing. A girl at work who knew nothing of my detox came up to me yesterday to exclaim that I have lost a lot of weight and ask what have I been doing. I declare the detox a success!

CleanBreaks Dynamic Detox

Iberostar Grand Hotel Portals Nous
CalleFalconer, 19
07181 Portals Nous, Mallorca
www.cleanbreaks.net
Dynamic Detox Office: +34-971701708

 For reservations email nou.rec@iberostar.com or phone +34-971100215

 Quote ‘Nourish’ to receive 10% discount on your detox program

Written by Ché Miller

About the author Ché has always had a passion for hospitality having completed a conjoint Bachelors Degree in International Business and Hospitality Management. She has spent the last 15 years working in the hospitality industry. This passion led her to working in a premier health retreat in Australia in her twenties. There she found the knowledge she gained there inspired her to start living a healthier life. Now Ché loves to combine her two favourite things, hospitality and wellbeing. She scours the island for the best nourishing restaurants, products and services. Ché has been living in Mallorca since early 2017, having moved from her home in New Zealand. She absolutely loves the energy of the island and everything it has to offer. Ché’s other interests include ashtanga yoga, boxing, reading, writing, and really good coffee.