Beginner Detox 101 by Created for healing
Every day we are exposed to toxins in the air, water, food, household products and body products, cosmetics, prescription drugs, environmental sources, and more. The body works naturally to detox these harmful substances, however if the body is overloaded, toxins can accumulate. These toxins can store up in the body like fat cells and brain tissue.
When the body is toxic it can cause symptoms like, fatigue, constipation, bloating, brain fog, skin rashes, allergies, headaches, and body aches. While a detox can be beneficial, a toxic reduction lifestyle should be the goal. This is done by removing & minimize toxin exposure and enhancing the body’s own capacity to detoxify itself.
Reduce Toxic Exposure
Endocrine disruptors are a type of toxin that are found in many products we come in contact with daily. These toxins can interfere with hormone regulation, cell function, and can lead to premature cell death. Many of these are found in animal-sourced foods, drinking water, produce, personal products, cosmetics, cleaning products, furniture, carpets, paints, toys, non-stick pans, plastic containers, in many food liners such as cans, plastic wrap, fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn and more.
Some helpful tips are, be on the lookout for key phrases like flame retardant, waterproof, stain resistant, and non-stick, which literally means doused in chemicals. Work on replacing plastic food containers with glass. Replace non-stick cookware with stainless steel or cast iron. Opt out of the plastic water bottles and buy a reusable glass canister. Replace the body and household products with natural and safe alternatives.
The Environmental Working Group has a list of dirty dozen endocrine disruptors (link)
The central pathways of toxin removal from the body are through the liver, kidneys, intestines, lymph, lungs, and the skin. Some ways to encourage this natural process is to eat clean, mainly organic non-GMO food sources. Since many toxins are stored in fat cells, keeping a lean muscle to fat, cell ratio is key. If you have extra pounds to lose, it's crucial to practice these toxin removal tips, as they are released in the body as you burn up fat cells. Regular exercise is also essential to keeping all body systems working well. Regular exercise also helps the lymphatic system to circulate and remove released toxins from fat cells. To promote toxin removal after exercise, and or weight loss, drink clean water, take a detox bath, visit a sauna, and promote efficient GI elimination.
Additional Detox Tips
Adequate sleep is crucial. Your body has many important functions when you sleep, so get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a night.
with clean water, teas, and fresh juices. Water carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Water also flushes toxins out of vital organs, so it’s important to drink at least nine glasses daily. If you are juicing, try to keep veggie or greens as the bulk of the juice with a small amount of fruit. Here are some excellent detox teas to try from Bembu --Link
is important, as stress can interfere with toxin release. During times of stress, the brain sends signals to the body to store fat instead of release, and it slows certain metabolic processes. Try adding breathing and stretching exercises to your daily routine to relax. Pamper yourself with a great book, long bath, or get a soothing massage.
massage therapy is an excellent way to encourage toxin release. Massage stimulates lymphatic flow and circulation throughout the body. Massage therapists can also work on points that may have toxic build up. Always follow a massage by drinking lots of water to make sure to toxins flush out of the body and do not re-enter.
Dry brush is an easy and efficient way to help detox your body. Dry brushing improves blood and lymph circulation while working to release toxins. It also improves skin texture and tone and promotes skin cell regeneration. For step by step guide on how to dry brush, visit Mind Body Green --link
( http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12675/a-step-by-step-guide-to-dry-skin-brushing.html )
The sauna can enhance your natural metabolic processes. It also increases circulation and helps oxygenate your tissues, while releasing toxins.
are a great way to relax and promote toxin removal. There are some great additions to enhance the bath by using Epsom salts, essential oils, or bentonite clay, and more. Try to take a detox bath a few times a week. For some great detox bath recipes visit Bembu - link ( http://bembu.com/detox-bath-recipes).
Make sure you have a bowel movement daily, which prevents toxins from being reabsorbed into the body. Eating plenty of high-fiber foods, staying hydrated, and exercise all help keep things moving. During a cleanse, adding clay, activated charcoal, and other supplements to encourage toxin removal via elimination can be beneficial.
Stay clear of processed foods, white sugar, white flour, as these are chemically treated. Some great ways to remain on track, it to have a meal plan and food preparation. For some great meal, ideas visit Greatest link (http://greatist.com/health/new-year-detox-recipes)
Fresh vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, kale, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery, cilantro, artichokes, avocado.
High-quality sulfur-containing proteins or foods, including eggs, garlic (a few cloves a day), and onions.
Fresh fruits: pomegranate, papaya, berries, grapes, watermelon and cherries and more.
Whole grains (plenty of fiber in general), look for gluten-free alternatives for added benefit.
Lean meats, Fish, and eggs, some diets cut out meats during a cleanse or allow only chicken and turkey.
Nuts: walnuts, almonds, flax, chia.
Herbs and spices: dandelion, burdock, green tea, rosemary, grape seeds, turmeric, licorice root, cayenne pepper, thyme, rosemary, chili powder, cumin, sage, oregano, onion powder, cinnamon, coriander, cilantro, paprika, and parsley.
Spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
Keep Your Glutathione Levels Up
Glutathione is an antioxidant that is the considered a key detoxifier in the body. Our bodies produce glutathione, but toxins stress, aging, and a poor diet can lead to depleted levels in the body.
Ways to boost glutathione levels are:
-Sulfur-rich vegetables such as garlic, onions, parsley and cruciferous vegetables are particularly helpful in addition to avocados, squash, and tomatoes.
-Drinking 1-2 cups of green tea daily.
-Bioactive Whey Protein- Try adding it to smoothies and juices.
-Exercise helps supply the energy needed for production.
-Alpha Lipoic Acid
Motivation Along The Way
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, pick one or two key points to work on at a time. Like cutting out fatty foods, or even replacing diet sodas with natural alternatives. Remember this is a process and making each healthy food choice and healthy habit along the way can add up to some pretty great results. Detoxing can make you feel crappy, as toxins are leaving, but keep it up and the end results will be worth it.
For a expanded detox and meal plan, Dr. Oz has a great one on this free pdf
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