Detoxing the Body

Experts have strong opinions about detoxing the body. When asking, "Should I detox my body?" or "How to detox the body?" expect to find a wide range of opinions and options.

Some experts say that natural body detoxification channels do their job and need no extra help.

Others advocate doing a healthy body cleanse every few months.

In light of the "chemical soup" we live in, intentionally limiting toxins and nurturing natural body detoxification processes is an important part of experiencing good health.

How to Detox the Body

Here are some practical ways of detoxing the body on a daily basis.

Limit your toxic exposure.

Limiting your exposure to toxins is the best way to support natural body detoxification channels. Limiting toxins takes a huge burden off your body. It protects your health and limits the amounts of toxins your body has to store and eliminate.

Limiting toxins takes some "detective work" and a commitment to certain practices. Even small steps can be a big help.

• Eat clean, healthy foods. Wash fruits and vegetables in water and a splash of vinegar to remove surface pesticides, dirt and bacteria.

  Limit processed foods to reduce your exposure to herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals found in the food and packaging. Choose organic, anti-biotic free and nitrate-free foods when possible. Never microwave foods in styrofoam.

• Limit sodas, energy drinks and powdered drinks. They are loaded with too much caffeine, chemicals, artificial sweeteners and a variety of other unhealthy substances that have to be detoxified. Too much sugar promotes yeast overgrowth and is a favorite of parasites.

  Avoid plastic water bottles. Besides being an environmental nightmare, they leach hormone-disrupting chemicals into the water you drink. If possible, choose a filter that takes out disinfection by-products (DBP) which are harmful to your health.

• Make eco-friendly choices to help reduce environmental and indoor pollution. Use non-toxic cleaning products to avoid picking up chemicals through your skin and the air.

  Use non-toxic products on your body. Your skin absorbs toxins from whatever touches it. Lotions, clothing, detergent residues, make-up, and hair dyes can all add to your toxic burden.

  Wear clothes made primarily of natural fabrics. If you wear synthetics, wash them a few times before wearing to remove most of the chemicals. Ditto for non-organic cotton.

• Reduce mental, physical and emotional stress. Dis-stress causes the body to produce chemicals that have to be detoxified in the liver. It slows natural healthy body cleansing because detox isn't a priority under stress.

Support and promote natural body detoxification

• Follow the Healthy Living Diet.

  Choose healthy foods that provide your body with many of the nutrients it needs to support natural body detoxification.

  Eat plenty of glutathione promoting foods to help the liver detoxify. Eat garlic, onions and sulfur-rich cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

  The supplement MSM is also a sulfur-rich detoxifier known to improve cell permeability and reduce pain.

  Include detoxifying green foods rich in chlorophyll such as dark leafy greens. Chlorella and spirulina are available as powders and tablets.

  

  Exercise also promotes glutathione production and detoxification.

  Fiber is very important for colon cleansing and detoxing the body. Soluble fiber absorbs toxins and holds it until it passes out of the body. Insoluble fiber bulks the stools and keep them moving so toxins aren't reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

• Drink plenty of water and healthy beverages including herbal teas, green tea, and green drinks. Water dilutes toxins in the bloodstream and helps carry them out of the body. Be sure to drink a lot water when losing weight. Lots of toxins are released when you lose fat.

• Consult your health care provider as soon as you suspect you've been exposed to excessive or dangerous chemicals, heavy metals or radiation. Detoxing the body in these cases may require medical supervision and specific methods.

• Give your body a short rest. Some experts advocate regular raw food days, water fasts, and juice fasts for one to several days. The idea is to give the body a break from the demands of processing lots of food so it can spend more energy detoxing the body.

  Always check with your physician before fasting if you have a health condition. Do not fast if you are pregnant or nursing.

• Do regular dry skin brushing. Enjoy hot baths with sea salts and baking soda. Schedule a few infra-red saunas.

• Use short-term healthy cleanse products if you feel they will benefit you. Colon cleanses, specific organ cleanses, and whole body cleanses are available. These products usually include herbs and fiber that move the bowels and herbs and supplements that support specific organ detoxification.

  Colon health is vital to overall good health. It's best to have a bowel movement at least once a day. If your bowels are sluggish, get them back on track with a healthy colon cleanse. Make sure your bowels are moving daily before doing other cleanses.

  Avoid aggressive cleansing. Releasing too many toxins at once overloads the body, causes unpleasant symptoms, and may cause the body to store them in different areas instead of releasing them.

Don't obsess over how to "detox my body". Reduce your contact with toxins and support natural body detoxification as part of your holistic health routine. This will go a long way in promoting regular healthy cleansing.

From a mind body perspective, detoxing your body is just part of a holistic healthy cleanse. Detoxing your life encompasses a healthy body cleanse. It reduces physical, mental and spiritual toxins and improves the overall quality of your life.