No BS Guide To Detox

Herbal Medicine-1

 

Understanding various detoxification pathways in the human body is crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing the accumulation of harmful substances. These pathways play a vital role in the elimination of toxins and metabolic byproducts from our systems. The two primary detoxification pathways are the liver and the kidneys, which work in tandem to filter and excrete waste materials. In addition to these primary pathways, secondary detoxification routes include the skin, lungs, and the gastrointestinal tract, which also contribute to the overall cleansing process.

Detox misconceptions

Everything you truly need for detoxification is already within you. Yes, detox teas and diets may sound appealing and may even provide temporary relief from symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, they do nothing to actually remove toxins from your body. Detoxification can be improved just by optimising your body’s natural processes and supporting the already existing pathways. The only way to truly detoxify is through healthy lifestyle habits such as drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and smoking are essential for optimal detoxification. 

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Alcohol and smoking are two of the most common toxins that can cause serious damage to your body. Alcohol is a depressant and can slow down the natural detoxification process, while smoking introduces thousands of harmful chemicals into your bloodstream. Both alcohol and smoking can interfere with your body’s ability to rid itself of toxins, making it difficult for you to achieve optimal detoxification. If you want to maximise the benefits of detoxifying your body, it’s best to avoid alcohol and smoking altogether.

Eat the rainbow

Eat the rainbow for antioxidants, reducing inflammation, getting vitamins and minerals (bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, squash, sweet potato, red cabbage, aubergine, courgette). Antioxidants reduce inflammation via modulation of various mechanisms, deactivating free radicals, and thus inhibiting the progression of various inflammation-driven diseases such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, eye disorders, insulin resistance and diabetes, arthritis, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Eat a rainbow of vegetables to provide fiber and antioxidants that reduce inflammation, provide vital nutrients needed for a healthy diet such as vitamin C, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins.

Drink more water

Drinking water is essential for optimal detoxification because it helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Water is a natural cleanser that aids in removing harmful substances from our organs, tissues, and cells. When we don’t drink enough water, toxins can build up in our bodies, leading to various health problems such as headaches, fatigue, constipation, and skin issues. By staying hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day, we can support our body’s natural detoxification processes and help maintain overall health and wellness. Aim for 8+ glasses of filtered water per day.

Take care of your gut

Fibre is an important component of optimal detoxification because it helps to bind toxins and waste products in the digestive tract. Fibre binds with water to form a gel-like substance, which helps to slow down digestion and allows more time for toxins and waste products to be eliminated from the body. Additionally, fibre helps move food through the digestive system more efficiently and can help reduce constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues. Focus on eating 5+ servings of fruit and vegetables per day and incorporate psyllium husk (1 tablespoon on an empty stomach with 1 glass of water) to get even better results.

Focus on sleep

When we are asleep, our bodies have time to repair and regenerate cells, which helps the body eliminate toxins more efficiently. Additionally, when we are sleeping our body temperatures drop slightly and this helps the body to cool down and reduce inflammation. This cooling effect can help support the liver in its detoxification process. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1am to 3am is the liver time to detoxify the blood, therefore it is essential to be in deep sleep during this time so the body can focus on its processes. If you find yourself waking during this time, you could have problems with your liver or detoxification pathways. 

Meditate

Detoxification only occurs in the parasympathetic (relaxed) state. The vagus nerve, which triggers the parasympathetic response, connects to all the organs of detoxification including the lungs, spleen, kidney, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, stomach and colon. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can interfere with the body’s natural processes for eliminating toxins and waste products. Mindfulness practices help your body to shift into a rejuvenation state, supporting the vagus nerve and facilitating the detoxification processes. Finally, mindfulness practices help to promote healthy eating habits, which are essential for optimal detoxification. 

Disconnect

Mental detox is also essential part of any ‘detox’ protocol. Disconnect from technology and social media, and take some time for yourself. It’s extremely important to allow yourself to unplug and unwind. Take some time to do things that make you happy and make you feel good. Spend time outdoors or with your loved ones, read your favourite book. Whatever you do, make sure it is something that will help you relax and de-stress. It can be as short or as long as you need: a one-day, a weekend detox or even a week-long detox. The important thing is to listen to your body and mind and give yourself the break that you need. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, take some time for yourself and clear your head. 

Exercise

Exercise helps to improve circulation, transport oxygen and nutrients more efficiently while also eliminating waste products more quickly. Plus, it can be a great stress reliever. Regular exercise can also improve overall mental health by releasing endorphins that can boost mood and energy levels.There are many different ways to exercise, so you can find an activity that fits your lifestyle and interests. And there’s no need to go overboard – even moderate amounts of exercise can be beneficial. So get moving and start feeling better today!

Do yoga

Consider incorporating yoga twists into your practice as they help to stimulate the digestive system, aiding in detoxification and elimination of waste from the body. Twisting and compressing temporarily limits blood flow from entering the digestive system so that once you release the energy circulation is greatly improved. Twists also help to release tension in the spine and can improve flexibility in the hips and shoulders. Some popular twisting poses include seated spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), revolved triangle pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana), and twisted chair pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana). 

Sweat

Saunas have long been regarded as a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, their benefits extend beyond mere relaxation as they can play a pivotal role in the detoxification process. As the body sweats in a sauna environment, toxins are effectively expelled through the pores, providing a natural cleansing effect. Regular sauna sessions can prove to be an essential addition to a holistic wellness routine, improving your mood, stress management, and the enhancing the body’s hormetic (mild stress) response pathways.

Choose natural household & self-care products

Choose natural household and self-care products that do not contain harmful chemicals. Many household and self-care products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health and disrupt your body’s natural detoxification processes. Choose natural alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils for cleaning, and look for personal care products that are free from parabens, phthalates, and other toxic ingredients. By reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals, you can support your body’s natural detoxification processes and maintain optimal health.

Summary

Healthy lifestyle habits are the best way to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. We cover topics such as avoiding alcohol and smoking, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, taking care of the gut, getting enough sleep, meditating, disconnecting from technology, exercising, doing yoga, sweating, and choosing natural household and self-care products. Nevertheless, mental detox is just as important as physical detox, as is listening to your body and mind and giving yourself the break that you need. Remember, you can eat all the broccoli in the world, but if you are constantly stressed and bombarded with negativity — you will never get truly healthy.


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