By Previnex®
Detoxification is trending both on and offline. While it was once seen as extreme dieting used only by “health nuts,” it has evolved into a part of many wellness programs. Detoxing, as it is commonly called, has become a mainstream health trend with some significant payoffs. While many health gurus point to detoxification as a necessary part of health and wellness, it can be dangerous when not done properly. This list highlights some of the most important hacks to a safe and effective detox program.
What Exactly is a Detox?
A detox is the process of making several lifestyle changes with the goal of clearing the body of toxins. These typically involve removing harmful things consumed or ingested into the body while also optimizing body function. Toxins inside the body are substances that are deemed poisonous or cause negative health effect, including metals, chemicals, pollutants, artificial food ingredients, pesticides, and other poisons.
How Does Detoxification Effect Your Body?
The most basic definition of detoxification is cleansing the blood of impurities. To do this you must remove impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are eliminated from the body. Other organs, like the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and even skin also aid in this process. The problem arises when these systems are compromised, leading to impurities not being filtered from the bloodstream and ultimately leading to negative effects on the body. This is where detoxification comes in. A good detox program helps the body’s natural cleansing process by:
- Resting the organs through fasting
- Activating the liver to remove toxins from the body
- Aiding in elimination through the intestines, kidneys, and skin
- Improving circulation of the blood
- Refueling the body with healthy nutrients
When multiple parts of the body work together to remove toxins, all systems within the body function better.
How Do I Know If I Need to Detox?
Some research shows that all people should detox on some scale at least once a year, with a few notable exceptions, including women who are nursing, children and people with other health complications. Anyone considering a detox process should talk with their physician to make sure it is right for you. Some signs that your body may be begging for a detox include:
- Constant fatigue
- Irritated skin
- Allergies
- Puffy eyes
- Bloating
- Mental confusion
- Headaches
- Sinus Congestion
- Joint Pain
6 Ways to Safely Detoxify Your Body
1) Tweak What You Eat
One of the most important ways to support the detoxification process is to choose foods that decrease the level of toxins in your body. Simple things like choosing organic produce and eliminating processed foods can go a long way. Consuming GMO products and foods that are not labeled pesticide free add potentially harmful toxins to your body. There are a number of foods that help during the detoxification process, such as garlic, lemon, broccoli sprouts, mung beans, and raw vegetables.
There are many diet programs that you can use to help cleanse and detoxify your body. A strict raw, organic, vegan diet is one way to maintain a detoxified state, however it might not be realistic for all of us. There are many options available to help cleanse your body in a way that suits your needs.
2) Make Sure to Give Your Body What it Needs
When you start your detox it is important to support your body with the right vitamins and supplements to make sure you have the fuel you need to safely cleanse. As you employ your body on this mission of cleanliness, taking the right supplements will fill in nutrient gaps, speed up the process, and minimize negative effects.
Herbs like dandelion root, burdock, milk thistle and green tea can help cleanse and protect the liver. Vitamin C helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that eliminates toxins. It is also a strong antioxidant. Probiotics can be used to support the bowel as it flushes toxins from the body. Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus are the best bacterial strains to use during a detox program. Magnesium and zinc are among the best minerals for flushing toxins from the cells of your body.
3) Get Moving
Also important in the detoxification process is to get up and moving. Not only does exercise help maintain a healthy body overall, it also helps to speed up and support the process. When you exercise, you sweat, and sweating is an integral part of releasing toxins through the skin. Researchers on skin science have shown that low levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can be found in sweat. So the more you sweat the more you push out toxins.
4) Water!
When it comes to a detox, water is your new best friend. H2O is probably the most valuable tool for detoxifying your body. Your body is made of 50-65 percent water and the body's most basic functions require water. While actively detoxing you should aim to drink at least two quarts of filtered, purified water per day. And remember, water is water, not juice, coffee or soft drinks.
5) Manage Your Stress
Another part of the detox process is to try to minimize stress, or at least find ways to mitigate its effect. When you experience stress your body releases stress hormones. The same hormone that gives you an adrenaline rush, also creates toxins and slows down detoxification enzymes in the liver. Most of us can’t escape our stress just because we are detoxing, so instead we have to find ways to manage it.
6) Follow a Detox Program
A complete body detox is a step-by-step process that focuses on the organs involved in clearing-out the toxins. The program should focus on removing detrimental organisms, chemicals, and toxic metals while cleansing the colon, liver, and kidneys.
There are many detoxification programs and detox recipes, depending on your individual health goals and needs. Many programs follow a seven-day schedule, while others may require a smaller or greater time commitment. What is most important is to choose a plan that you can complete and that meets your specific needs.
Detoxifying your body can be a great way to increase your health and get you closer to your personal health goals. By starting a detox program with this information in hand can help ensure that your choice is safe and effective.
