Our bodies are constantly detoxifying through excretion in urine, stool, breathing and sweating. Unfortunately toxins have accumulated in our organs over the years and we do have continued exposure. The good news is we can support the detoxification process in a number of ways. It is important to not be overly aggressive with detoxification as our body needs to do this process slow and steady. If we are overly aggressive toxins can spill into the blood stream at a rate faster than can be removed which can make us ill. Below are some basic steps to begin to keep healthy levels of detoxification on going.
- Drink filtered water daily. The goal is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily
- Eat Fiber and this includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. The goal is to exceed 30 grams of fiber a day which helps with regular bowel movements. Including foods such as Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, artichokes, avocado,raspberries and legumes. If it is difficult to get in fiber with foods consider a supplement with psyllium husk or konjac root.
- Sweat daily. Our skin is our largest organ so sweating is one of the most effective ways to reduce toxins. Sweating with movement or use of Infrared Sauna if exercise does not lead to sweating. Always follow an activity that produces sweating with an exfoliating shower. Using a Loofah and a non-emollient soap such as castile.
- Spend time outside. During warmer months to open windows to allow air flow for off gassing of furniture. This is particularly true if you have new furniture, they do contain volatile compounds.
- Optimize your gut by enhancing your microbiome. Eating foods that have both probiotic and prebiotic qualities including Kefir, coconut yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and jachima. Ayurvedic herbs are healing to the gut including amalaki, bibhitaki and haritki.
- Consider support of your liver detoxification through use of N-acetylcysteine or Liposomal glutathione. Please note that adding a supplement should always be checked with your health care practitioner first. Include foods that support liver detoxification such as curcumin, dandelion, basil, parsley black pepper, Wasabi and cabbage.
- Besides drinking filtered water, support your kidneys by consuming blueberries (not to exceed 1/2 cup a day) also cranberries, strawberries,raspberries, apples cabbage onions and garlic. Avoid highly salted foods
- Get a massage and practice dry brushing prior to a shower. Both stimulate the lymphatic system allowing toxins to easily sweat out.
- Minimize your stress levels. Participate in regular meditation and or prayer. Get adequate sleep. Participate in an activity daily that puts you into flow where you loose track of time. It is also good to laugh daily. Children are very spontaneous stay in the moment and laugh more than adults. Enjoy a little humor below with “I Love Lucy”. I want to Thank Di Philippi MA, LPC my colleague from Wellness Counseling Milwaukee for sending me the link to this video below.; enjoy! www.wellnesscounselingmilwaukee.com
