Regular body cleanses and detoxes are key in health and healing.
Detoxification is what our body is naturally designed to do to eliminate, neutralize and get rid of unwanted materials or toxins. It is a primary function of the body. The term Detox refers to assisting, promoting, improving and optimizing the function of the body’s own detoxification systems. This is done by decreasing the amount of toxins we put into our bodies while at the same providing the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Detox is a process in which we make lifestyle changes to clear the body of toxins. These lifestyle changes typically involve abstaining from certain harmful foods or substances and optimizing body processes.
Toxins are any substance that can be poisonous or cause negative health effects.
“Toxins” refer to all the metals, chemicals, pollutants, artificial food ingredients, pesticides, and poisons that cause the body harm. The source of many health issues build up of toxins in our bodies over the years, due to poor diet, stress and overall inactive lifestyle.
There is no specific way to protect ourselves from all the toxins in the environment. Our body’s natural detoxification processes, however, exist to deal with the ones we can’t avoid. It is important to understand that the human body has a natural ability to detoxify itself.
Detoxification is internal cleansing, just like washing the body is external cleansing. It is often difficult to detect when our internal cleansing mechanisms are not adequately functioning. Unlike other parts of the body it is very hard to know how well our liver is working, the liver is the main detoxification organ. The liver acts as a filter for toxins and bacteria in the blood and chemically neutralizes toxins, converting them into substances that can be eliminated by the kidneys.
The detoxification system is a key component of our body’s functioning. The system needs a multitude of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and other substances to help rid the body of unwanted waste products and chemicals. Although most of the work is done by the liver and the intestinal tract; the kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin are all involved in this complex detoxification system. The purpose of a detox is primarily to support these organs of elimination so that toxins present in the body can be metabolized and excreted.
A detox program can help the body's natural cleansing process by:
Resting the organs through fasting
Stimulating the liver to drive toxins out of the body
Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys, and skin
Refuelling the body with healthy nutrients.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE NEED TO DETOXIFY?
Unexplained fatigue
Sluggish bowl movements
Irritated skin
Puffy eyes or bags under the eyes
Bloating
Menstrual problems
Mental fog and fatigue
Detoxification however beneficial, should be cautioned against for nursing mothers and children, as well as those suffering from curtain medical conditions. Consult your Health Coach or health care practitioner if you have questions about whether detoxing is right for you.
HOW DO YOU START A DETOX?
Lighten your daily toxin load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars, and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing and regenerative processes.
Minimize the use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal health care products (cleansers, shampoos, deodorants, and toothpastes), and substitute natural alternatives.
Watch your stress levels. Stress hormones create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. Practices such as yoga, tai chi, qigong and meditation are simple and effective ways to relieve stress by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable stress life will bring.
10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR BODY
You can cleanse your body daily with these dietary adjustments and lifestyle practices:
A diet abundant in of fibre from fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
Cleanse and protect the liver by taking herbs such as dandelion root, burdock, and milk thistle, and drinking green tea.
Consume foods rich in vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.
Drink at least two litres of water a day!
Practice mindful deep breathing allow oxygen to flood the system.
Transform stress by cultivating and emphasizing positive emotions.
Practice contrast hydrotherapy by ending your shower with a sequence of hot and cold water allowing each for about a half a minute with a few repetitions.
Sweat in a sauna or steam bath to promote toxin elimination through perspiration.
Dry-brush the skin with a natural bristle body brush before you shower or bath.
Keep active!!!
Results may individually vary. Information and statements made in articles of The Health Coach academy Blog are for education purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The Health Coach academy does not provide medical advice, prescribe medication and treatment plans, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by The Health Coach academy are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. Should you have a medical condition or health concern, consult your physician.
