Detoxification – The in’s and out’s

This is a process that the body naturally goes through on a daily basis. When we think of the word detoxification, often spring and summer come to mind, along with a quick way to shed those extra winter pounds and add a sparkle to your skin. However, this is not what detoxing is really all about.

The body has a number of natural detoxification pathways, include the liver, kidneys, bladder, bowel and skin. Therefore the best way to help your body function optimally is to look after these pathways of elimination via healthy lifestyle practices. Eating fresh whole foods, keeping hydrated, getting regular exercise and having healthy sleep patterns are all important in maintaining health and vitality. Outlined below are a list of guidelines to help you improve and maintain the functioning of your body’s elimination channels.

To improve your body’s natural detoxification:

• Practice a daily ritual of dry skin brushing before you shower in the morning. This brings circulation to your skin, is energizing, removes dead skin cells, and allows lymphatic flow to function optimally.
• Drinking plenty of filtered water helps to keep your skin hydrated and functioning properly. It also helps keep your bowel, kidneys, and liver functioning optimally.
• Fibre is vitally important in allowing your body to remove any substances that it does not require. The toxins will stick to the fibre and be excreted from your body via faeces. 2 tablespoons of psyllium husk in a glass of juice each morning is a good place to start. Fruit and vegetables with the skins left on are also high in fibre.
• Herbal teas can be powerful allies on the road to health. Nettle and dandelion are particularly useful for blood cleansing and cleaning through the liver. Replacing caffeinated beverages with herbal teas will help cut down your chemical load and impart health benefits to your body.
• Regular exercise is vital for health, and improves detoxification via the movement of blood and lymph around the body. It also increases sweating and improves oxygen flow around the body.
• Eat plenty of fresh whole fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, as these introduce unnecessary chemicals, fats and sugars into your body.
• Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, including blueberries, strawberries, capsicum, tomatoes and leafy greens. The wider the range of fruits and vegetables that you eat, the more vitamins and minerals you will obtain. This will increase your energy and the functioning of all your bodies’ processes.

As a Naturopath, I offer you targeted detoxification plans and programs, and if you would like to discuss this further please contact me here