05 Sep improving detoxification, naturally
Many people suffer from fatigue, cystic acne, joint pain, eczema, frequent headaches, brain fog, or develop new sensitivities to foods or beauty products and do not understand the cause. These symptoms could be due to your body needing extra support with detoxification. Our bodies are similar to an empty glass, and toxins are like a liquid pouring into that glass. We have an amazing capacity to process and remove a certain load of toxins. It is important our systems are working correctly and not overloaded, resulting in the glass overflowing. In this week’s blog I will be sharing my 3 strategies for improving your body’s detoxification process, naturally.
reduce your exposure to toxins
The first strategy is to reduce exposure to toxins. A girlfriend recently shared, after watching a documentary about the toxins in our food supply, her frustration. Although her awareness was raised, it now felt like everything was dangerous and she was lacking solutions.
Here are three solutions to help you reduce your exposure to toxins:
- Clean Eating & Organic Foods: Purchasing whole, organic food sources will go a long way in reducing your exposure. Processed and packaged foods are convenient, however they generally contain many additives that are harmful. Whenever you purchased packaged foods, always check the ingredients list. If there are more than 5 to 7 ingredients or if it contains ingredients that can’t pronounce, it’s best to put it back on the shelf.
- Choosing Green Beauty & Cleaning Products: The thought of replacing all of your cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning supplies is overwhelming, I know. However, little by little, you can evolve the products you use on your body and in your home to create a less toxic environment. Check out ewg.org to find out more about the products you currently use or to find better available options.
- Avoid Plastics in All Forms: Storage containers, roasted chickens wrapped in plastic under a heat lamp, water bottles, canned tomatoes (cans are lined with plastics,) dishes used for serving or reheating foods are a few examples of plastics to avoid. Choose glass or stainless steel instead for your food storage, cooking, and drinking containers.
nutrition for detoxification
We need to begin to think differently about detoxification and focus on nourishment. Replenishing and nourishing our body is a great way to detoxify, rather than focusing on restriction. In order for the detoxification pathways in our body to work correctly, we require colorful, plant-based foods packed with phytonutrients. A variety of herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables will provide your system with the nourishment it needs.
The body is better protected when it is nourished. As a result, your body will be better prepared to protect your cells and rid the body of toxins. To nourish your body, nothing compares to whole food sources. Taking supplements can help, but a supplement form cannot replace the mixture of phytonutrients and antioxidants available in whole foods. Therefore, try to get as much nutrition from your food directly on a daily basis and eat more plants.
In addition, protein sources are important for detoxification. Proteins contain amino acids which are crucial for detoxification pathways to function optimally. Get a two for one punch when consuming plant-based protein sources. Examples include tempeh, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, black beans, lentils, wild rice, and garbanzo beans.
improve elimination
The top two ways to improve your body’s ability to eliminate toxins and unwanted by-products is water and fiber. Dehydration and constipation contribute to our bodies holding on to unwanted toxins. Starting each day with a big glass of water immediately after waking up (before breakfast or coffee) will help to set a good foundation for the rest of the day. Be sure to continue to drink water from a glass or stainless steel water bottle throughout the day. Add fresh fruit, lemon, or mint for extra flavor.
Fiber is also incredibly important to keep your system moving. This will be easier to achieve when you focus on adding more colorful, plant-based sources to your diet. Some high-fiber foods include beans, lentils, peas, artichokes, broccoli, turnip greens, barley, raspberries, pears & apples with the peel, chia seeds, and nuts to name just a few.
Sweat is also an important way to eliminate toxins from your body. Frequent exercise and saunas are important ways to get your body sweating and to release toxins. Be sure to wash away all toxins soon after exercise or sauna to avoid reabsorption.
If you are interested in learning more, sign up to receive my Welcome Guide available on www.nutritionbliss.com.
