Spring and the rebirth of nature is the ideal season to detox the body according ancient healing of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda from India. It is a time of renewal, to recover from the hibernation of winter cold, sedentary lifestyle and comfort food.
Why should we detox?
We have talked about it before but we are exposed to toxins in the environment daily from air, water, food, and chemicals. Over time these toxins can build up and manifest in digestive issues, weight gain, sleep disturbances, achy joints and muscles, and fatigue. Cleansing or detoxifying the chemical buildup promotes homeostasis and well being. Many people choose programs with supplements to promote detox while others like fasting as a means to detox.
Fasting gives the organs and cells a rest from digestion, removing toxins and gives the body the opportunity to re-nourish itself. Fasting causes the body to use up stored glucose for energy and revert to using fat for fuel. As fat is utilized as energy and dissolves, stored toxins in the fat tissue are released by the body through sweat, urine, and feces.
There are daily habits that promote natural, gentle detoxification that do not involve fasting. They are easy.
Detox Naturally
Eat Wholesome Organic Foods
Adopt a diet of fresh, unprocessed foods free of preservatives, additives, colors and flavors. Adding more raw foods to your daily intake will noticeably boost energy, elimination, mood, and protect against chronic disease.
Choose foods that are free of pesticides when possible. Clean your produce well. Choose organic eggs, milk, and animal proteins since animals store toxins more easily.
Buy these foods organically since they are the most heavily sprayed with pesticides
- Apples
- Bell Peppers (sweet)
- Beets
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cherries
- Collard Greens
- Corn
- Grapes
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Nectarine
- Peaches
- Pears
- Potato
- Spinach
- Soy
- Strawberries
Exercise
It relieves stress and improves circulation and overall health. Do daily exercise such as yoga, walking, stretching, cycling, swimming, dancing, jumping rope, and sports. Staying active will make life more enjoyable and keep the body fit for participation in daily chores and challenges.
Sweat
The skins way of detoxification…Intense exercise or interval training that causes the body to sweat helps as well as taking a sauna occasionally. Infrared saunas are a great way to release toxins in the body. If you have access to one, use it regularly.
Drink Pure Filtered Water
Flush out the organs and hydrate the cells so they can work more efficiently. Drink from a purified water source that is not from plastic. We discussed BPA’s in an earlier blog.
Take a Warm Shower
Hot showers can increase absorption of chlorine from the public water supply up to 600 percent more than if drinking the chemicals from drinking the same unfiltered water.
Use Natural Cleaning Supplies in the Home
A great natural cleaner is baking soda or cornstarch for scouring, grain alcohol mixed with Apple cider vinegar and filtered water as a solution for floors, and counter tops. Antimicrobial cleaning rags and sponges are ideal for minimizes bacteria in the kitchen and bathroom. Avoid products with hazardous materials, petrochemicals, perfumes, fragrances and animal byproducts.
Be Aware of Medications
Practically all medications have some affect such as constipation, dehydration, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, etc. Overuse of certain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can have damaging affects to the kidneys and liver. There are often natural remedies for treating pain, allergies, and digestive problems.
Limit Alcohol
The recommendation is 1-2 drinks a day. One drink is 1.5 ounces of alcohol, a 12 ounce beer or 5 ounces of wine.
Use Natural Personal Care Products
We already are aware of the amounts of personal care products Americans use on their skin, hair, body, nails, mouth, ears, and other areas of the body. Most of the over 10,000 ingredients in these products have never been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Good alternatives for skin would be coconut or olive oil, vinegar for hair rinse, baking soda for shampoo.
Take an Electronic Day Off
This practice can do wonders for the body and soul. We are so connected to our electronics that we do not realize the electromagnetic burden on our systems. Try NOT taking the phone everywhere you go. A weekend away from the computer, phone and television is like a vacation for the mind, body, and spirit. Just consider it. Can you?
Read Wireless Radiation Rescue by Kerry Krofton
Earth
Walking barefoot in the grass or on the beach is a wonderful way to connect with the earth and release the toxic positive ions from the body. Have you ever experience the relaxation of spending a day on the beach?
Read Earthing http://earthinginstitute.net/
Be Positive
Grace, thankfulness and humility are not emphasized enough in our society. Be positive no matter what! Sometimes we just take ourselves too seriously so laugh a little. Silence is the elixir of life. Lie down on the floor and let the body relax breath deeply and think positive thoughts. Just 5-10 minutes a day is more refreshing than a nap.