Detoxification
Understanding How To Safely Detox Your Body
Our bodies are detoxifying everyday and all day. There is a misconception that we must embark on a detox program in order to cleanse ourselves of toxins when in actuality our bodies are designed to do this naturally. The reason we feel we need to detox or cleanse comes from the choices we make through lifestyle, food and the environment. Behaviours such as smoking, drinking alcohol, eating too many processed foods and not exercising overload and add stress to our seven channels of elimination. This is what makes us feel toxic or sick.
Natural Detox Channels
There are seven channels of elimination, the colon, the lungs, the liver, the kidneys, our blood, the lymphatic system and our skin. Each one is designed to eliminate waste and toxins from our body.
The blood, for example carries nutrients in from the foods we consume and carries waste products out from the processes of our body to the liver. The liver is the super hero of detox organs as it has over 400 functions and filters over one liter of blood every minute.
All seven detox channels are important and essential. The best way to support them is through a diet full of fresh, whole foods, a lifestyle that includes proper sleep and regular exercise and a reduced amount of stress. If this sounds familiar its because these are the common elements of a North American lifestyle that are lacking or even missing.
The Standard American Diet (SAD)
The Standard American Diet with its appropriate acronym SAD does not support proper elimination or health in general. The SAD is high in fat, sugar, refined grains, fast food and it is low in water, fiber and fresh, whole, nutritious foods. This diet is low in the vitamins and minerals necessary for all the functions of the body yet it is a burden on all the functions of the body. The pathways of elimination get overloaded and this can eventually lead to health conditions and disease.
Safely Detoxing
The concept of detoxing is greatly misunderstood. Our bodies are constantly detoxing, we do not need to embark on a detox program to start the process. We do have to be careful though that we do not excelerate the process and burden systems that are already in overload. Some detox products contain herbs and ingredients that move toxins too quickly and can make us feel very sick, very quickly.
An intense detox program should only be attempted after ensuring the body is healthy and ready to eliminate. Intense detox programs should also only be attempted under the guidance of a health care professional.
A Simple Detox Program
Whether you just want to feel better and a little lighter or you want to prepare your system for a more intense detox program, these tips are a gentle way to get started.
Diet
- Eliminate all processed and refined foods
- Eliminate dairy, sugar, soy, wheat, alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Incorporate whole, fresh, organic foods
- Consume 7 servings of vegetables every day
- Incorporate dark, leafy greens into your diet
- Consume small amounts of whole grains
- Consume small amounts of legumes and beans
- Drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of filtered water everyday
- Start your day with a glass of water with the juice of half a lemon
- Eat plenty of garlic and ginger
Lifestyle
- Get a good night's sleep - 6-8 hours
- Meditate and breathe consciously
- Exercise and sweat, move your body
- Reduce stress
Here are simple steps to aid detoxification of each of the seven channels of elimination:
Colon - Eat more fiber
Lungs - Deep breathing and meditation
Liver - Eat bitter foods
Kidneys - Drink filtered water
Blood - Exercise
Lymphatic - Massage
Skin - Dry brushing
Detoxing does not have to be complicated and following the suggestions above could be enough to make you feel healthier and lighter.
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