Detox- Why Do It?

Detox & Cleanse

We've all heard that a detox can be helpful for our health, but why do it? What are some of the benefits? Our body is uniquely designed to remove toxins and cleanse itself through the lymphatic system, which includes the kidneys, liver, lungs, colon, and skin. These vital organs work constantly to expel toxins and can become fatigued. 

Signs your body needs to detox

 1) You are tired and fatigued all the time.

2) Experiencing skin problems, rashes, and blemishes.

3) Getting sick often with colds and flu, taking a lot of medication.

4) Problems with digestion, irregularities.

5) Feeling emotionally unstable, depressed, moody, and stressed.

 In today’s society, we see an increase in many diseases and ailments. Many of these problems can be attributed to the way we eat. The “Western Diet,” as discussed by author Michael Pollan and others, leaves Americans “overfed and undernourished.” With the rise of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, many are looking for alternative ways to become healthier. Many want to know the best way to do this and where to start. A good way to start is by removing the burden of toxins. Our system is overloaded from eating refined, processed foods and from environmental exposures to harsh chemicals. The body has mechanisms that naturally remove toxins, starting at the cellular level. However, with the overload of toxins and chemicals, the body needs a little help. The best way to remove toxins is to first stop unhealthy behaviors by reducing intake of processed foods, alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine. The next step is to develop a simple detox plan. Making changes in one’s diet is essential, including eating more raw foods, fruits, and vegetables.

Detoxifying Fruits and Veggies

Here are some benefits of detoxification

1) Clean out waste buildup from environmental pollutants. Long-term exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and other pollutants can affect your immune system, mood, and metabolism.

2) Improve your immune system. By removing toxins at a cellular level, you can support vital organs and improve function by relieving the pressure of overwork. This allows your liver and kidneys to function optimally.

3) Boost energy and get rid of brain fog. By removing buildup, yo

ur body functions better and you feel more energetic and lighter.

4) Reset your system. Get rid of cravings and get more nutrients from eating whole foods.

5) Improve skin and hair health. Skin problems are often caused by toxin buildup, which can lead to acne, wrinkles, and dryness. Detox diets often include many fruits and vegetables, which are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Detox will help open pores and stimulate hair follicles.

6) Lose weight. By switching to a whole-food diet, your body will get more of the micronutrients it needs and shed excess water weight and pounds.

Skin Detox

Another easy way to detox is through the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body. Many don’t realize that our skin plays an important role in elimination. Some refer to it as the “third kidney” (Goldenberg 2011). The skin gives us clues as to whether we are imbalance. As the skin tries to eliminate toxins, we see rashes, blemishes, discoloration, or odors. A simple way to help our bodies detox is through dry skin brushing. This technique only requires a natural, non- synthetic bristle brush. The steps are simple: right before showering, get naked and stand in an open area in the bathroom or in the tub, which is ideal. Start brushing in long sweeping motions, moving towards the heart. After brushing, take a shower, then moisturize with a natural oil, such as coconut oil. This process has many benefits, such as exfoliating the skin, stimulating the lymphatic system, unclogging pores, reducing congestion, and helping reduce cellulite. This method is easy to do and very cost-effective.

Detox Bath

 References:

Haas, E (2012). The Detox Diet. 3rd edition, New York: Ten Speed Press

Jenkins, O. (2014, Feb 19) A Step-By-Step Guide To Dry Skin Brushing. Retrieved from http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12675/a-step-by-step-guide-to-dry-skin-brushing.html

Goldberg, J. (2011, Aug 11). The cheapest, fastest, easiest way to detoxify the whole body, looks younger, and is healthier. Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/033194_skin_brushing_detoxification.html

Pollan, M. (2008). In Defense of Food: An eater's manifesto. New York: Penguin Press.

Hyman, M. (2012). The Blood Sugar Solution. New York, NY: Hachette.