With the ushering in of a new year, there is no time like the present to cleanse your body and start fresh. Have you been feeling sluggish or a little off? Maybe you’re experiencing skin issues, digestive problems, or general aches and pains?
The problem might be that pollution has accumulated in your body. In other words, toxins from your diet and environment may have built up in your systems to the point that they are starting to cause issues. If this is the case, it’s time for a detox.
Here are 5 things you can do right now to get started.
Eat clean
The first step is to eliminate the pre-packaged and processed foods, such as cookies, candy, chips, crackers and so forth. Make sure that you are eating real food – not something from a package.
Start simple by adding something raw and fresh to each meal, like a smoothie during breakfast or a fresh salad with dinner. Choose the whole food option to replace the processed version you have been consuming, such as choosing fresh oranges instead of orange juice. Make a point to eat three servings a day of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
You can incorporate healthy homemade juice recipes to speed along your cleansing process. Using a juicer or blender, you can combine many fruits and vegetables for delicious and healthy juices.
Also, be sure to incorporate the following foods into your diet, as they are known to enhance your liver and gut detoxification pathways: dandelion greens, beets, flaxseed, cranberries, broccoli, sea vegetables, garlic, lemons, apples, turmeric and artichoke.
Reduce your toxic load
Take a look at your lifestyle, and begin to eliminate toxins like alcohol, cigarettes, refined grains and refined sugars. Also, swap out commercial health care products and harsh chemical-based cleansers with natural healthy alternatives. Modify your routine to include stress management, as stress releases hormones in the body that create toxins and hamper the liver’s ability to detoxify enzymes.
Boost your antioxidant intake
Antioxidants are vitally important to your long-term health. During the detoxification process, every molecule of toxin that is metabolized generates one free radical molecule that can damage DNA and increase wear and tear to the body. It is the role of antioxidants to neutralize these free radicals.
Among the most important antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids. You can find sources of flavonoids in many foods, including parsley, onions, berries, citrus and dark chocolate, as well as green and black tea. Good sources of carotenoids include squash, pumpkin, spinach, carrots, plantains and sweet potatoes.
Take everyday steps to avoid polluting your body
According to Nutrition Diva, Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS, there are some common sense ways to reduce the burden on our bodies and detoxifying systems:
- Avoid inhaling smoke from wood or tobacco, as well as engine exhaust, which all contain cancer causing compounds. Similarly, avoid breathing in gasoline fumes or the chemical fumes of other volatile liquids like paint and varnish.
- Only take over-the-counter and prescription medication when necessary and as directed.
- Buy organic produce whenever possible to limit exposure to pesticides, and remember to peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.
Consult the professionals
If you are feeling seriously toxic, it may be time to consult a natural health professional you trust for advice on putting together the perfect detox plan for you. The can help you make a meal plan, and may recommend additional detox-boosters such as activated charcoal, bone broth or chlorella.
Everyone’s body is different, so getting a professional opinion can do a world of good.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/how-to-detox-for-active-people
http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/12-signs-you-need-to-detox
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/trends-fads/how-to-detoxify-your-body?page=all
http://life.gaiam.com/article/1-2-3-detox-radiance