The word detox has been a buzz word for years and for a good reason. When we rid our bodies of junk, our bodies work more efficiently.
The world we live in includes toxins like pollutants, synthetic chemicals (compounds formed through a chemical process by humans, to include pharmaceuticals), heavy metals, and processed foods.
Our bodies have systems in place to help us naturally detox.
Detoxification means cleansing the blood. This is done by removing contaminants and pollutants from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin.
That said, sometimes we need help to optimize our body’s natural detoxification system.
How do we know if we need to help our bodies detox further? The symptoms below are signs that we might need a little extra help:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sluggish elimination
- Irritated skin
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Puffy eyes or darkness under the eyes
- Bloating
- Brain fog
- Inflammatory conditions
Not only do we need sleep, but quality sleep is important. During sleep, our brain reorganizes and recharges itself, as well as signals to removes toxic waste byproducts that have accumulated. Supplements like melatonin, magnesium, valerian root, and magnolia root are natural ways to help our bodies settle down and sleep well.
Drink plenty of water. The human body is made up of about 60% water. All of our organs, including the brain, require water to function properly. Water helps the kidneys get rid of excess waste. When we are dehydrated our systems can’t function properly, which means we aren’t detoxing well, if at all. (If we are thirsty, it’s our body telling us we are dehydrated.) If our poop is sluggish, we are not drinking enough water and/or not getting enough natural fiber.
The Western diet is one of the most significant factors in our needing to detox (check out my post on this.) If you are eating fast food or foods that have a long list of ingredients, you are consuming toxic food for your brain and body.
Include the following in every day:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, arugula and radishes)
- Sulfur-containing foods (onions and garlic). MSM helps with so many other things too
- High fiber foods (fruits, veggies and legumes)
- Antioxidant-rich foods (such as colorful fruits and veggies)
- Herbal supplements or tea (Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Burdock Root, and Yellow Dock)
Avoid toxins in our environment. This includes toxic personal care products and chemicals in our homes. If you are in need of truly clean cleaning products or personal care products, check these out. Always look at ingredients before buying and using chemicals. If you are unsure of what the chemical is and how it affects our bodies, please research it.
Exercise and sweat also helps our bodies detox.
Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars, and saturated fats. If you don’t eliminate fully, at least minimize these and detox.
There are many detox diets out there. Do your research and find the best one for you!
Wellness Workability 