Detoxification Made Simple

Spring is here.

As I walk around my neighborhood, I see signs of spring. Flowers are popping up and shades of green are returning to the landscape. At this time of year, many of us think about cleaning the house, getting the weeds out of our gardens, and spending more time outside in the fresh air. Could our bodies also use a spring cleaning after the long winter months? Do we need to clear the “weeds” out of our system?

Toxins are part of life.

It is no secret that we live in a toxic world. The air we breathe, the chemicals in our food, diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, prescription medications, and the release of chemicals in our homes and workplaces all add to our toxic load. On a daily basis, our bodies break down these toxins and clear them out. This ongoing detoxification process keeps our kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and colon busy every day.

Good nutritional status helps our bodies detoxify.

This detoxification process requires a variety of nutrients, or the process slows down and toxins are not eliminated.

Some of the nutrients needed for detoxification include sulfur (onions, garlic, eggs), vitamin B6 (avocado), zinc (shellfish), protein (fish, poultry) and vitamin C.

Toxins that do not leave the body are retained in our tissues and organs and can eventually impair cellular function. When our health is impaired at the cellular level our mitochondria, or “energy factories,” become impaired. At this point, people experience uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of toxicity.

A high toxic load or impaired daily detoxification will produce symptoms over time.

Here are a few of the most common symptoms of toxicity:

• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Inflammation
• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Digestive symptoms (e.g., gas or bloating)
• Weight gain
• Poor concentration or memory

Purification or cleansing processes have been around for thousands of years to reduce the symptoms of toxicity and allow the body to function better. Physically, cleansing can increase energy, decrease weight, balance hormones, reduce fatigue, reduce pain, and prevent illness. Our ancestors knew how to support these processes, but as a society we have forgotten.

Where to start.

All good detoxification programs provide the right nutrients to “fuel our engines,” adequate hydration, clean (preferably organic) eating, a form of exercise/sweating, adequate sleep (between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.), and a plan for reducing stress.

Everyday detox tips:

The following are simple things you can do every day to reduce your toxic load and help your body’s detoxification processes function optimally.

• I do NOT recommend “fasting.” Fasting and detoxification are NOT the same thing.
  • To support detoxification in the body you need adequate protein, amino acids, as well as specific vitamins and minerals, none of which are provided by a fast.
  • A fast can be okay for an extremely healthy person for a short 1–2-day period to give the organs of digestion and elimination a rest, but it will not help you detoxify your system.
• Eating a whole foods diet that is as organic as possible is a wonderful way to reduce your toxic load and get the nutrients your body needs to detoxify daily. Adequate protein, healthy fats, and increasing dietary vegetables is crucial.
• Saunas and exercise both promote “sweating” which allows toxins to leave our bodies via our skin.
• Adequate hydration helps flush toxins from our system.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products or make your own. Dr. Bonner’s soaps, Bon Ami scouring powder, and good old-fashioned vinegar diluted in water are great cleaning agents.
• Use natural hygiene products. Some of my favorite brands are Jane Iredale and Fierra.
• Switch from plastic to glass or steel water bottles.
• Beware of non-stick pans. In our house, we ditched the aluminum and non-stick pans for cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic coating.
• Work on digestion! If a person is not digesting, even the most perfect diet can clog the body’s detoxification pathways.
• Practice self-care. We need to take care of our emotional, mental, and spiritual health as our mind and body are intricately related.
• Do not heat food in plastic containers and even better—ditch your microwave. Microwaving significantly depletes the nutrient content of food.
• Consider water and shower filters.
• Epsom salt baths and teas specifically for detoxification are effortless ways to get started.

Even doing one or two of these suggestions can improve your health and well-being. Just take it slow and make changes as it feels comfortable. Soon every day detox will become part of your self care regime!