Detoxing – How it Works and Why it Helps.
By Aliyah N.A.
Our bodies are consistently working to filter toxins through a carefully designed natural detoxification process. This process involves several organs including the liver, kidneys, and even our skin. As we move through life, exposure to stress, environmental toxins, pesticides, and processed substances in our food begin to accumulate. Though our bodies do a great job at clearing out these harmful substances naturally, overconsumption of toxins can wreak havoc on our primary detox organs. This results in an inability of our body to filter toxins efficiently. From this, we begin to see symptoms including sluggish digestion, an increase in food sensitivities, worsening eyesight, low energy or chronic fatigue, poor mood, emotional dysregulation, diseases, acne, skin rashes, and chronic pain.
Fortunately, if you’re experiencing some of these, it doesn’t mean your natural detoxification system is broken, it just means it may need a tune-up or a little extra help. A carefully designed herbal detox combined with eating a cleansing diet and other holistic practices which encourage toxin release can do wonders for your body.
What is an herbal detox?
An herbal detox is a carefully blended mixture of herbs by an experienced health practitioner. Depending on the herbs in the blend, they can target specific organs. Usually, these organs include your liver, kidneys, colon/digestive tract, skin, and or lungs. Some herbal detoxes also help to purify your blood and cleanse your lymphatic system. Herbal detoxes can be taken in the form of teas, tinctures, or capsules.
How can an herbal detox help to rebalance my natural detoxification system?
During an herbal detox, herbs are taken in therapeutic doses for a period pre-determined by your health practitioner. The consistent intake of herbs means their healing properties are increased. Ways herbs can help balance your detoxification system include repairing damaged tissue repair, increasing bile production, improving circulation, inducing sweating, and expelling mucus. These are all important parts of an herbal detox treatment.
What result can I expect?
Of course, there are several factors that matter when it comes to the results of detoxification. This includes body composition, level of toxins, and the amount of commitment. Still, some of the benefits you may experience from detoxification are:
Improved skin (acne, rashes, eczema, etc.)
Better brain function/mental clarity
Healthier digestion
Increase in overall energy
Decrease in chronic pain and inflammation
What can I do daily to help reduce toxic buildup?
Detoxification isn’t just a one-time fix. Your body works every day to eliminate toxins that accumulate in your system from the environment. Because of this, detoxification is a lifestyle change that requires daily maintenance. Does this mean that an extensive herbal detox and diet are needed every day? No. However, simple dietary and lifestyle changes can work to keep your system balanced
5 Healthy daily detox practices to adopt in your lifestyle
CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES - cruciferous vegetables increase bile production naturally. This is great for both your liver and digestive system. Cruciferous vegetables include foods like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and cauliflower.
HERBS - ginger, turmeric, and dandelion are just some of the bitter herbs which help to regulate digestion and stimulate liver function. Try adding some to salad, soups, or enjoying it as an herbal tea.
WATER - at minimum, drinking half your body weight in water is a recommended practice to provide your body with the right amount of liquid it needs to function properly. If this sounds like a daunting task, gradually increase the amount of water you consume over time
EXERCISE - at least 45 minutes of daily exercise encourages detoxification through sweating. Exercises also encourage blood circulation and oxygen intake. Try working out in the sun for an added health boost
CUT OUT PROCESSED, FATTY AND SUGARY FOODS - These foods are associated with high levels of toxins that can raise blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol. Consuming these foods, even in moderation, can compromise your natural detoxification system.
MANAGE STRESS - elevated stress levels cause an imbalance within your central nervous system and hormones. Even chronic low-grade stress can cause your system to get out of balance. Try some healthy alternative ways for managing stress like deep breathing, journaling, stretching to release tension, or talking out problems with a loved one.
What other ways are there to detox?
Herbal detoxes and dietary cleansing aren’t the only ways of detoxification. There are raw food fasts, liquid fasts, and specific holistic practices like yin yoga to help identify and release stuck emotions. In all, detoxification isn’t limited to what you eat and drink. It also includes how you feel, what you watch, what you listen to, and the products you use for your hair, skin, and body.