The holidays are a time when many of us over-consume the wrong foods and drinks. If you’re not one who does, congratulations! If you’re a typical American, though, you’re probably trying to clean up your act about now.
Detoxification is growing more popular, as people are becoming increasingly aware of the toxic buildup that occurs in our bodies when we eat and drink unhealthy things, don’t exercise, are stressed out and are exposed to toxins in our environment.
The way to detoxify the body is to minimize incoming toxins and enhance your body’s natural detoxing abilities. There are numerous ways to do this. Special diets, fasts, saunas, special herbs, exercise that makes you sweat, and yoga are all valid methods. You just need to make sure you’re smart about how you do it.
If you decide to take on some form of detox, make sure you research the method prior to starting.
If you decide to begin an exercise program, start slowly, working your way up as you feel stronger. If you overdo at the beginning, you may wind up hurting yourself or getting burned out, and quickly lose your momentum.
If you choose a special diet or fast, make sure your body can handle it. If your system is already weak, and then you deprive it of the nutrients it needs to function properly, you may be in for trouble. When you complete your diet or fast, make certain you come back to healthful eating. It’s tempting, after depriving yourself of foods, to splurge on things that will put you right back to square one.
The diet I recommend for detoxification is not far from what I recommend as a lifelong diet. This includes organic fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, lentils and nuts — unless you’re allergic, of course. Eliminate processed foods and common food allergens, including gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, sugar and salt.
Another option for detoxifying the body is working the lymphatic system, a fluid system that works right alongside the blood circulatory system. It is responsible for transporting toxins and waste products to the organs that eliminate them from the body. It also is the transport system for hormones and is part of the immune system, so increasing its efficiency can have positive effects on those as well.
The procedure of boosting the lymphatic system is a very gentle and calming hands-on modality called lymphatic drainage therapy. This therapy helps in two ways. It increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, helping to eliminate excess fluid, waste products, dead blood cells, germs and toxins from the body. It also induces deep states of relaxation, calming the flight or fight system. This is important because stress also causes toxins to accumulate in the body.
Possible side effects of any detoxing can be headache, dizziness, fatigue, more urine, darker urine, an unusual taste in your mouth, nausea, and similar types of things. You may not want to start a detox if you need to be 100 percent productive at home or work. Instead, choose a time that you can rest if you need to.
I highly recommend doing some form of detoxing once a year, but choose your method wisely. If you’re not sure what to do, research the subject and ask your health care provider. It’s a great way to start the year.
Detoxification is growing more popular, as people are becoming increasingly aware of the toxic buildup that occurs in our bodies when we eat and drink unhealthy things, don’t exercise, are stressed out and are exposed to toxins in our environment.
The way to detoxify the body is to minimize incoming toxins and enhance your body’s natural detoxing abilities. There are numerous ways to do this. Special diets, fasts, saunas, special herbs, exercise that makes you sweat, and yoga are all valid methods. You just need to make sure you’re smart about how you do it.
If you decide to take on some form of detox, make sure you research the method prior to starting.
If you decide to begin an exercise program, start slowly, working your way up as you feel stronger. If you overdo at the beginning, you may wind up hurting yourself or getting burned out, and quickly lose your momentum.
If you choose a special diet or fast, make sure your body can handle it. If your system is already weak, and then you deprive it of the nutrients it needs to function properly, you may be in for trouble. When you complete your diet or fast, make certain you come back to healthful eating. It’s tempting, after depriving yourself of foods, to splurge on things that will put you right back to square one.
The diet I recommend for detoxification is not far from what I recommend as a lifelong diet. This includes organic fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, lentils and nuts — unless you’re allergic, of course. Eliminate processed foods and common food allergens, including gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, sugar and salt.
Another option for detoxifying the body is working the lymphatic system, a fluid system that works right alongside the blood circulatory system. It is responsible for transporting toxins and waste products to the organs that eliminate them from the body. It also is the transport system for hormones and is part of the immune system, so increasing its efficiency can have positive effects on those as well.
The procedure of boosting the lymphatic system is a very gentle and calming hands-on modality called lymphatic drainage therapy. This therapy helps in two ways. It increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, helping to eliminate excess fluid, waste products, dead blood cells, germs and toxins from the body. It also induces deep states of relaxation, calming the flight or fight system. This is important because stress also causes toxins to accumulate in the body.
Possible side effects of any detoxing can be headache, dizziness, fatigue, more urine, darker urine, an unusual taste in your mouth, nausea, and similar types of things. You may not want to start a detox if you need to be 100 percent productive at home or work. Instead, choose a time that you can rest if you need to.
I highly recommend doing some form of detoxing once a year, but choose your method wisely. If you’re not sure what to do, research the subject and ask your health care provider. It’s a great way to start the year.
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