Optimize Your Detox Potential
Day in and day out we are assaulted by toxic substances that can interfere with our body’s biochemical processes that allow us to function optimally, preventing disease. An array of conditions including genetics, stress, inadequate sleep, poor diet, a compromised immune system, dysfunctional digestion and total toxin exposure all determine how much toxic load our bodies can handle, before damage and dysfunction begins to occur.
Unfortunately, even with our best efforts of avoidance, we are constantly bombarded with toxic chemicals in foods, in the air that we breath, water that we drink, swim and bathe in, toothpaste, cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, soap, deodorant and other personal hygiene products, just to name a few sources.
Due to the overwhelming burden to our systems, it is important to optimize detoxification on a daily basis. Getting adequate sleep, relaxation, exercise and eating a diet packed with detoxifying foods are all imperative to help support your body’s detox pathways. Below, you will find simple lifestyle strategies to support detoxification on a daily basis:
Get adequate sleep:
Falling asleep and staying asleep is imperative for the rejuvenation and repair of the immune system and the organs involved with detoxification.
Getting a good night’s sleep:
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid food 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Keep a regular sleep schedule
- Control light exposure: Avoid keeping cell phone, computers and other electronic devices in the bedroom
- Exercise regularly
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress
Eat a diet rich in colorful foods that support phase I and Phase II detoxification:
- Broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, artichoke, asparagus, beets, cabbage, onions, seaweed
- Watercress, basil, cilantro, cinnamon, dandelions, fennel, garlic, ginger, hemp, lemon grass, parsley, turmeric
- Green tea
- Pomegranate, apples, blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, lemons, pineapple
- Almonds, brazil nuts, flaxseed
- Avocados, olive oil, sesame seeds
Stress reduction and relaxation:
Incorporate deep breathing, mediation, and yoga into your daily routine to help lessen the impact of situational stressors.
Reduce exposure to chemicals:
- Drink filtered water and avoid plastic water bottles
- Use toothpaste without fluoride
- Use cosmetics, lotions, soaps, deodorants, shaving products, shampoo and other hair care products that are free of chemicals and are organic when possible.
- Eat organic foods, locally grown and seasonal
- Use chemical free cleaning products
- Avoid processed foods. Avoid things in bags and boxes and eat real food you can recognize in its original form: responsibly raised animal proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, healthy oils and gluten free grains.
Stay hydrated:
Drink half of your body weight in ounces of filtered water, every day.
Exercise:
Don’t be afraid to sweat! One of my favorite saying is “sweat is fat crying” Burn that fat, release water soluble toxins and increase those feel good endorphins.
Invest in a 23andMe genetic test:
To look for any gene variants that interfere with proper detoxification. Once identified, specific nutrients can be added to support proper function.
Following the tips listed above will help add years of vitality to your life. You have one life, don’t accept that you are supposed to feel tired and develop chronic diseases as you age. Your health is in your control. Use food, exercise and stress management as your medicine.
Check back each week on expanded blogs on each of the above topics. Next weeks topics will include foods and recipes to support detoxification.
