How to Support Your Bodily Detox Systems
By Amy Lupton
When we normally think of “detox” we think of eating a certain way, taking a pill or herb to clean out some sludge that might have developed.
While that is definitely beneficial and has its place and time (we love spring for this), there are things you can do day-to-day to support the key systems that are responsible for keeping your body moving toxins along in the right way.
The term intoxication and detoxification and are the ingesting of toxins and then the moving and releasing of toxins from the body. There are many ways the body takes on the task, and has multiple backup systems in case one system isn’t working correctly.
The ultimate goal is reduce toxins that are taken in, so that the body doesn’t have to work so hard to get them out.
Some simple guidelines to keeping toxins at bay:
Always choose the best quality food products possible, avoid pesticides, inorganic fertilized products, and hormonally raised animal products.
Avoid processed foods, fast foods, chemically treated foods, and industrially prepared foods.
Eat foods as close to Nature as possible.
Avoid environmental toxins. This is a big one, that can be overwhelming. There is no escaping all toxins, but there is a way they can be minimized in the home and immediate environment. Buy natural body products, cleaners, and laundry detergent. This also applies to makeup.
Address air quality of the home. Try incorporating plants into your home (they naturally filter the air), and possibly getting an air filter for your home. If you have a lot of new furniture, a new car etc, consider airing out your home or car with you in it as best as you can.
Smoking and alcohol are highly toxic, and must be addressed and used in balance.
Avoid toxic relationships or working environment. This causes stress and toxins to build up in the body more than you know. We advocate the use of therapy, talking to a professional, journaling.
Avoid a highly polluted electrical environment. This means reducing EMF overload in the home. We encourage you to check out shieldedhealing.com and Official US Site Home - Blushield Tesla EMF Protection
Detoxification Systems of the body and the top three ways to support each one:
Respiratory- Lungs, Bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses, nose.
Steam Therapy - We love herbal steams and find they can really nourish the sometimes over dry and parched passageways. Mix thyme, rose, and calendula for an all around nourishing steam.
Exercise - Strengthens the lungs and nasal passages.
Meditation and Breathing exercise - So many people live on shallow breaths. When is the last time you took a slow deep breath? What about three? There are many methods of deep breathing, find one that gets that oxygen way down into your lungs and passages.
Gastrointestinal- Liver, gallbladder, colon, the entire GI tract
Drink warm water with lemon upon rising. This is a gentle and effective liver and colon cleanse.
Castor Oil Packs and Massage - How often do you give yourself self care in your GI area? Castor Oil packs are soothing and wonderful to bring blood flow and cleansing to the area. Massaging yourself gently can help move things along, as well as bring awareness to the area.
Seasonal Box Members - check out our castor oil instructions here.
Staying hydrated - This might seem repetitive, but goes without saying that things move along best when you are drinking enough water.
Urinary - Kidneys, bladder and urethra
Go when you need to go - Try not to wait to urinate, honor the body telling you its time. :)
Pelvic floor muscle exercises - These are great for keeping things toned. Aim for every other day.
Unsweetened cranberry juice - This is great for women. It helps with bloat urinary health. Just 1 tbs in 8 oz water can help keep balance in this system.
Skin/Dermal- Sweat, Sebaceaous glands, tears
Sweat! Make sure you are working up a sweat when you can. Also, drinking water is great to keep the sweat flowing.
Exfoliate and Skin Brush - An easy thing to keep dead skin cells off and new skin cells forming.
Its ok to cry! It’s actually detoxifying and cleansing to the body. And sometimes a cry is needed.
Lymphatic - Lymph channels and nodes
Jump! One of the best ways to clear out the lymphatic system is to jump! Whether its on a trampoline, doing jumping jacks, etc.
Gua Sha - A great way to concentrate on the upper nodes of the lymph system. And bonus it helps with beauty too!
Get some citrus - Citrus is well-known for assisting in the cleansing of the lymphatic system. Drink citrus infused water, apply a citrus infused oil to the skin as a massage.
Blood/Circulation
Do stuff upside down :) This can be laying on the floor with your legs up on the wall, hanging upside down from something, or even wearing compression socks.
Make sure you are getting enough Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These help with circulation in the body.
Exercise and Hydrate…. We will keep saying it :)
Some Supplements and Herbal/Food Helpers for Detox System Support:
Asparagus
Liver Support - artichoke, dandelion root, orange peel, burdock root, turmeric or schisandra, bitters, fire cider.
Activated charcoal
Citrus (Lemon Water, Grapefruit)
Brazil nuts- selenium
Dry brushing, using clay to detox skin
Infared sauna
Move your lymph system
Mini rebounder
Zeolite (we like Touchstone Essentials)
Rhodiola rosea
Holy basil
Hawthorne and Rose