With the current health craze in full swing, it would be easy to think that “doing a detox” is the latest and greatest fix for whatever ails you. In truth, detoxifying the body has been practiced for centuries by cultures around the world including Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practices. Detoxification is about resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins, and supplying your body with nutrient dense foods, detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health.
How does detoxification work?
In short, detoxification means cleaning the blood. This is done by removing impurities from the blood through the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through our kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and our skin. However, when this system is compromised and impurities aren’t properly filtered, it can adversely affect every cell in our body. Consider your car, you change the oil filter so it will run at its optimal best. Since we cannot change our liver, the best we can do is keep it highly functional through a thorough occasional cleansing.
A detox program can help the body’s natural cleansing process by:
- Allowing our organs to rest through a fasting period.
- Stimulating our liver and aid it to remove toxins from the body.
- Improving the circulation of our blood; and
- Refueling our bodies with healthy nutrients.
How do you know if you need to detoxify?
The best way is to listen to and observe. Your body is very wise and will tell you everything you need to know if we are willing to pay attention and connect the dots. We are all bio-individually unique and not all detoxing programs are tolerated well by everyone. It is important that you consider your own lifestyle and limitations before you jump to the first detox that comes your way. If you would like to discuss what detox options might work best for you, please contact me for a free consultation. Today, there are more toxins than ever – they are in our food, the air we breathe, water we drink, our household cleaners and personal health care products. It is almost impossible for our systems to not be overloaded to some degree.
Health and Detox experts recommend detoxing for symptoms:
- Decreased energy
- Inability to lose weight
- Pain or stiffness in joints or muscles
- Allergies or Sinus issues
- Puffy, baggy or dark circles under the eyes
- Frequent Illness
- Menstrual problems
- Mental confusion, memory loss, brain fog or poor concentration
So, how do you start a detox?
First, lighten up your toxin load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, and refined sugars all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing process. Also, minimize use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal health care products and substitute natural alternatives. Another deterrent to good health is stress. High or consistent levels of stress trigger your body to release hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine into your system. While these hormones can provide what you might need to win a race or meet a deadline, in large amounts they create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. Begin to add in nutrient dense foods on a more regular basis or try this amazing juice recipe to kick start your journey. Yoga and meditation are simple and effective ways to relieve stress by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the stress that life unavoidably brings.
Everyday Detox Tips:
Even before you begin a detox program, you can help prepare both your mind and your body with a these diet and lifestyle practices. Most of these are fairly easy to incorporate and can get you well on your way to a healthier, “cleaner” you!
- Start each day with fresh squeezed lemon in a glass of warm filtered water.
- Add some of these top detoxifying foods, herbs and drinks to your diet each day: avocado, asparagus, dandelion greens, cilantro, garlic, citrus peels, pomegranate, cruciferous vegetables(broccoli, kale, collards, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage) Or try making this detoxifying juice or incorporating green smoothies.
- Avoid processed foods as they are laden with chemicals, pesticides, unhealthy fats and sugars.
- Eat organic whenever possible and avoid mercury containing fish such as tuna, mahi and swordfish.
- Cleanse and protect your liver by using herbs and teas such as dandelion root, burdock, milk thistle and green tea.
- Taking vitamin C, selenium and cysteine all which boost detoxification and aid the body to produce glutathione (our body’s master antioxidant) which helps to chase down free radicals.
- Drink plenty of water. It helps to flush toxins out of the body.
- Transform stress by doing yoga, taking nature walks, getting plenty of sleep. Breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.
- Take a good probiotic. This will feed the good flora in your gut, strengthen your immune system, aid in digestion and help you to assimilate the nutrients from your food.
- Use an infrared sauna to sweat the toxins from your system.
