When we think of detoxing the body, automatically it infers some sort of juicing protocol or some other wildly unhealthy and unsustainable practice. But, there are much better ways to go about detoxing your body. One of those ways are to simply give your body the things it needs to actually heal and detox itself. Yes, your body does this naturally! It’s apart of our biological make-up, and it does not require drastic measures in order for it to do what it was designed to do.
So, keep reading below to find out strategies that you can do right now to start supporting your bodies natural detoxification processes.
Digestive System
If were are going to effectively detox our digestive tract, you should do your absolute best to avoid ingesting dietary impurities, including herbicides, pesticides, GMOs, additives, and preservatives.
Instead, nourish the digestive system by eating fiber-rich foods to induce proper elimination, as well as organic produce. Eat raw vegetables, salads, and fruit daily to slow the transit time of food wastes through the gut. If tolerated, include high fiber natural grains such as rice, oats, barley, millet, and quinoa, which help soften stool and increases absorption of toxins into stool.
Limit dietary intake of highly processed foods, which tend to constipate and increase the body’s toxic load. Aerobic exercise also helps your body regulate bowel movement and function.
Liver
Limit/avoid substances that especially burden the liver such as: alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, preservatives and food dyes. Also, consider your environment and the many toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. These toxins range from car exhaust, chemical fumes, perfume, body soaps, your deodorant and even your toothpaste!
Eating raw beets and artichokes weekly have been shown to nourish and help your liver detox.
Urinary System
First and foremost, you need to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water (1/2 bodyweight in ounces per day), will help your body flush away toxins. Unsweetened cranberry juice and black tea also aids with detoxing your urinary system. Eating blueberries and dark chocolate (70% cocoa minimum) have also been link to urinary health and detoxification.
Respiratory System
The best way to ensure detoxification of the respiratory system is to breathe in high quality air. Since we live in an industrial world that is virtually impossible. The air quality is much better when you live in a rural area versus a big city, but we still want to take measure to ease any burdens that our bodies bare. Installing a home air filter can help you avoid constant inhalation of air toxins.
Another hugely beneficial strategy to help your respiratory system function optimally is to practice deep relaxed breathing twice daily (convenient times would be first thing in the morning as you wake up and before you go to bed).
Technique: while lying on your back, place one hand over the chest and the other on your lower abdomen. Inhale deeply, first feeling the lower lungs fill with air as the lower hand rises, then the upper lungs fill as the upper hand rises. Exhale deeply, feeling the upper then lower lungs empty of air.
Aerobic exercise is also a great way to detoxify the respiratory system. Walking, running, biking or swimming for example are all great options (according to your fitness level). These activities help to enhance circulation, open the airways and induce sweating. Session should last between 25-40 minutes, 3x-5x a week.
Lymphatic System
Unlike your cardiovascular system, your lymphatic system does not have a pump to move around lymphatic fluid. So often time it becomes stagnant, especially in sedentary individuals. You lymphatic system is responsible for housing lymph fluid, removing toxins from your as it is a part of your immune system. The number one way of getting your lymph fluid moving is to exercise: light jogging, HIIT, strength training, etc.
Other ways to help detox your lymph system are lymph massages, and rebounding on a trampoline. Stretching regular will help to release muscle imbalances and constrictions, which will also help increase blood flow and lymph circulation. Finish a hot bath with a 1-minute cool or cold shower, which will cause a superficial circulatory flush and stimulate your nervous system.
Skin
Adequate hydration, healthy dietary fats and dandelion root tea all support the detox, nourish and revitalize your skin. Dry skin brushing your entire body (except face) before bathing, gently but thorough enough, 3x per week opens up your pores for detoxification and stimulates your lymphatic system.
Warm to hot Epsom Salt baths, using 1-2 cups of Epsom salts plus 1 cup of sea salt, once or twice weekly will also aid in detoxification. It’s important that you stay hydrated during and before these baths. Use vegetable oil soaps and moisturizers rather than animal fat products, as they tend to clog the pores. Use herbal deodorants, instead of antiperspirants, which inhibit sweating, a very natural and important avenue of body detoxification.
Mental Health
To slow your mind, try deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness related activities.
Spiritual Health
Spiritual health is one that is often overlooked, yet extremely important in your overall health. Try starting a gratitude journal to express appreciation for what you already have. Also, building a positive support system and community is key for spiritual health. Spending time in nature (with your shoes off!) can add great benefits as well.
Try some of or all of the above practices to get a full body detox. The best thing you can do, is give you body the right tools to function properly. It does not need the newest detox cleanse or protocol for it to do what it is designed to do.
Reach out and schedule a consultation for help with getting your health back on track, or taking it to the next level.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach 