How To Detox Without Losing Your Mind
Hello dear friends!
I’m sure you’ve heard all the hype surrounding detox over the past few years. Pictures of green juice and cleansing kits are probably clogging up your Instagram feed, or perhaps your inbox is crammed full of invitations to join this cleanse and that detox and on and on. If you have any kind of chronic illness, the pressure to detoxify your body is more pronounced than it is for others, and you may be crumbling under the weight of the detox regime by now. The truth is, it’s important to support your body’s natural detoxification processes, but for most people, there’s no need to go overboard and make life miserable.
I’ve tried more than my fair share of detox and cleanse protocols, and yes, most of them have made me feel much better. At least temporarily. But again, they’re not sustainable, and they really are only supposed to be a “reset button” for your body, to boost your healing and reboot your motivation to take care of yourself. Sadly, many people become awfully draconian with their detoxing, and end up feeling weak, deprived, and ready to go on a weeklong donut bender. Sound familiar? (shoutout to all those donuts I ate!)
If you are looking for a way to gently release the toxins in your body, whether those are from viral or bacterial infections, environmental exposures, or metabolic diseases, don’t lose hope! You don’t actually have to suffer for weeks on end to “properly detox”, you can simply follow these easy guidelines to nourish your body, and flush out the bad stuff at a pace you can handle!
1. Drink more filtered water
You may be thinking, this is a big ol’ DUH. But most people don’t realize just how important fresh, clean water is to our detoxification efforts. Many of us are chronically dehydrated, so you should be sipping H2O all throughout the day. And if you didn’t remember, no- caffeine and alcohol do not count- they actually work against you if you’re trying to detox, by furthering your dehydration. Do your body a big favor and invest in a good water filter like this one or this one here. Buy yourself a fancy water bottle or special glass if that helps you drink more water too!
2. Go to town with the chlorella/spirulina
These popular green superfoods are the darlings of the detox world, and for good reason. Both chlorella and spirulina are naturally occurring algae (or cyanobacteria) that contain loads of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Their fatty acid, B12, and iron content rival even the richest animal products, and the high amounts of chlorophyll help to pull out toxins and metabolites from your cells. Just a teaspoon of powder or a small handful of tablets a day can do wonders for your body’s detox pathways, plus these both act as natural deodorizers, which is especially handy if your diet hasn’t been super clean lately. I’ve used this brand and this one, and recommend them both!
3. Give dry brushing a try
If you want to feel like you’re in a spa, without the expensive bills or excessive nudity, you should pick up a dry brush! These natural bristles feel divine on the skin, and leave you feeling tingly and awake, which is why I do this first thing in the morning, or before I jump in the shower. Dry brushing your skin helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage, boost circulation, and rid your skin of its dry, dead outer layer. And when you do this on a regular basis, it can assist your immune system, give you clearer, more radiant skin, and “train” your lymph nodes to be more flexible and efficient. I currently use this one here, but this one is also nice.
4. Move that body
Sitting all day on the couch or in an office chair ain’t doing your detox any favors. Our bodies are not meant to be stagnant, so do the best you can to move around for at least a few minutes every hour or two. This gets the heart pumping, the blood flowing, and increases your body temperature slightly, which fosters a faster metabolism and faster release of toxins from your system. You can do anything from running to rebounding to take advantage of this natural detoxifying method, but if you’re like me and can’t handle intense exercise, yoga, tai chi, or even just shaking your booty to your favorite song can do the trick.
5. Bust out the Epsom salts
One of the easiest and most relaxing ways to passively detox is to take an Epsom salt bath, and when it’s combined with a few essential oils, it’s even more amazing. Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate, which is easily absorbed through the skin, and is very nourishing to the nervous system. It acts as a gentle muscle relaxer, and the warm water acts to dilate the blood vessels, encouraging a slow release of toxic buildup. You can also add a small amount of iodized salt or baking soda to your bath for a more powerful effect, and you can even do this as a foot bath when you don’t feel like totally submerging. Look for Epsom salts that don’t have any weird additives, like this brand here, or this one.
6. Reduce your toxic load
Why do we need to consistently detox these days? Because we are surrounded by so many icky things all the time! But if you can reduce the burden of toxic chemicals, hormones, additives, and other detrimental things you are exposed to in the first place, you won’t have to detox as much or as often. Start meticulously reading labels on everything- your cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and food packages- and start replacing the toxic conventional products with natural ones. Do a little research online for the cleanest brands and products, starting with the EWG!
7. Increase your raw intake
Just as nature intended, raw foods are powerful for supporting your body’s balance, and these days, we don’t seem to get enough of them. Try to add in an extra serving or two of raw fruits and veggies- it’s as easy as that! Foods that have not been processed, cooked, or otherwise adulterated, still have all of their natural enzymes and vitamins intact. Plus, they are filled with natural fiber and water, two things that are crucial for detoxification, especially in the gut. Raw and living foods can help gently flush toxins from your body, can help you feel fuller, and give you an extra nutritional boost.
If you have been feeling sluggish lately, are recovering from cold/flu season, or are concerned about your body burden of chemical or biological toxins, these 7 things can get you on the detox path without making you want to pull your hair out. The best part is, all of these recommendations are perfectly safe and healthy, meaning you can make them part of your daily routine for years without dangerous side effects. When you focus on these easy tips, you will support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, and enjoy a faster state of healing!
What are some of your favorite detox methods? Some of your least favorite? Dish the dirt here!
Need some guidance on finding the best detox strategy for you? Reach out for your free coaching consultation today!
And of course…
~ Hoping you feel as well as possible ~
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