Change starts with choice. Choices lead to healthy habits. Healthy habits lead to total well-being.

I’m often asked in interviews what one habit anyone can start to create a daily practice to support health. I proudly share my not so secret part to my routine, it’s included on my S.O.U.P. Cleanse, and I tell everyone I know about it: my Detox Tonic.

Elissa’s Detox Tonic was created out of a desire to simplify daily cleansing. Just one 16-ounce detox tonic offers many different benefits (more on those to come!). When you start your day with my Detox Tonic as your first drink of the day, your motivation begins from the time you wake-up. Every ingredient, including the water, has an intention and a purpose. From sipping for mood enhancing and skin clearing benefit to promoting digestion, boosting immunity my detox tonic is a cleansing and alkaline beverage that is essential. If you can commit to one healthy habit, start your day with this tonic!

My detox tonic contains:

Lemon

Lemon interacts with enzymes to stimulate gastric juices and aid the liver in producing more enzymes, helping it release toxins as well as cleansing the arteries and blood. Lemon contains vitamin C which improves skin and revitalizes the body. Most notable benefits is improved digestion, increased mineral absorption, and antiinflammatory properties.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains powerful antioxidant compounds that help balance metabolism and boost immune system, can ease constipation and improve digestion, and is said to enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management. In addition, aloe vera juice contains a wealth of nutrients. vitamins A, B12, C, and E and minerals potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Ginger

A proven effective digestive aid, ginger reduces gas and intestinal discomfort, helps to prevent stomach ulcers and bad bacteria from inhabiting the gut and contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and symptoms of inflammation. Fresh ginger also has anti-viral properties and has even been found to protect you from the common cold.

Coconut Kefir

A natural supplier of probiotics to the digestive tract, it’s easily digested, cleansing to the digestive tract, provides beneficial bacteria, vitamins, and minerals, and promotes a healthy immune system

LOVE Alkaline Water

My “secret” ingredient. Alkaline water is blessed with the intention of LOVE (available at Divine Water in Los Angeles). Alkaline water can help to neutralize acid in the bloodstream, it contains antioxidant properties, cleanses the colon, and can the increased alkalinity is supportive to overall health

Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar

Provides proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria to the gut. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain an alkaline state and can give you a natural energy boost while helping the body detox. It can help detoxify the liver and stimulate circulation

Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic

This certified organic, vegan, raw probiotic is made of a proprietary blend of 3 organic grasses and is completely tasteless. I highly suggest for balanced digestion and to increase the absorbency of nutrients. In addition, probiotics are an essential part of weight loss and maintenance with research showing that optimal digestive function is crucial for energy and metabolism.

Elissa Goodman is a certified holistic nutritionist, cancer survivor and author of Cancer Hacks. Today we're sharing her Detox Tonic recipe, originally published on her blog.