Have you ever stopped to think about the countless chemicals entering your body daily, whether through the air you breathe or the items you consume? Gone are the days of inhaling fresh, uncontaminated air, and introducing our bodies to chemicals they can’t handle could be behind many health issues, such as allergies, digestive and immune problems, poor sleep, headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. By cleansing our bodies, we can increase energy, enhance digestion, and improve immunity.
Deleting Toxins
The first step to detoxing is cutting out processed and pre-packaged foods. Alcohol, caffeine, trans-fats, charred meats, and sugar are also inflammatory. Instead, opt for high-quality plant proteins, raw nuts, and seeds. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins.
Detox Days
Incorporate brightly colored fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain phytonutrients that reduce inflammation, promote detoxification, and support various functions. Buy organic when possible to avoid pesticides and chemicals. Green vegetables like spinach, arugula, and collard greens are excellent for cleansing the liver and GI tract. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage support detox with sulfur compounds and can help eliminate excess xenoestrogens.
Certain vegetables offer specific benefits:
- Onions and garlic help cleanse lungs and intestines
- Artichokes are good for the liver
- Beets enhance blood flow and support liver function
- Lemons promote digestive, lymph, liver, and gallbladder health
- Mushrooms help remove toxins from stagnant areas of the body and contain valuable nutrients to aid immunity
Herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, thyme, fennel, oregano, mint, cinnamon, and rosemary can also boost immunity, aid digestion, and support detoxification. Supporting digestive flora with yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, and kimchee will help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system.
Modified citrus pectin and alginates are excellent at removing metals and chemicals from the body. To support liver function, try gingko, milk thistle, dandelion, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), and alpha-lipoic acid.
Movement
Exercise is key to healthy detox as it boosts metabolism and immunity, while assisting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Exertion releases fat-soluble toxins, boosts circulation, and lowers stress hormones.
Saunas, dry brushing, massage therapy, acupuncture, mediation, and Qigong are other ways to support the detox process.
Take it Slow
Detoxification is an individualized process, and first-timers should go easy on themselves. Go slow and allow your body time to gently remove toxins at a natural pace. Once you learn what works best for you, detoxing can be a life-affirming process.
