To help decrease the toxins you take in, eat organic whenever possible.
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Our bodies naturally detoxify everyday as part of a normal body process. Detoxification is one of the body’s most basic automatic functions of eliminating and neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. Unfortunately in this day and age, with the pollution found in the air, water and food we eat, our bodies have a hard time keeping up. Our western diet with too much animal protein, too much saturated and trans fats, too much caffeine and alcohol radically alters our internal ecosystem.
Body systems and organs that were once capable of naturally cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely over-loaded to the point where toxic material remains inside our tissues. Our bodies try to protect us from dangerous substances by isolating and surrounding them with mucous and fat so that they will not cause an imbalance or trigger an immune response (some people carry up to 15 extra pounds of mucous that harbors this waste).
Detoxification through special cleansing diets is the best way to assist your body’s natural self-cleaning system. It is especially important for immune-compromised diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes and chronic fatigue. However, even if your diet is good, a spring cleanse can revitalize your system and rid your body of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.
So are you thinking about trying to detox, but are unsure what the benefits are? When done correctly — that is to say, in a healthy, safe and controlled environment —getting your body clean and healthy can result in a wide range of positive effects.
Still not convinced? Under the right circumstances, detoxing can help you…
1. Remove toxins from the body.
Long-term exposure to toxins (environmental pollutants, cancer-causing chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial waste) affects our metabolism, behaviour, immune system, and may lead to disease. They are stored in tissues and cells throughout the body, including the brain, often for years – yikes!
2. Prevent chronic disease.
Environmental toxins are responsible for many cancers, neurological diseases, heart disease, strokes… you name it. Our bodies do have a built-in detox function to deal with these dangers, but those systems are constantly overloaded! Detoxing assists and improves what our bodies are trying to do naturally.
3. Enhance immune system function.
A compromised immune system makes us vulnerable to colds and flus, affecting our quality of life and productivity. Regular detoxing helps strengthen immune system functioning and fights off infection.
4. Lose weight.
Toxins affect the body’s natural ability to burn fat, leading to weight gain. Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are directly linked to weight issues. Detoxing rids the body of toxins stored in fat cells and increases metabolism.
5. Slow premature aging.
Detoxing rids the body of free radicals and heavy metals partially responsible for aging. Detoxing helps to increase nutrient absorption, including antioxidants and vitamins that help fight oxidative stress.
6. Improve quality of life.
Simply put, our bodies don’t function very well when they’re loaded with toxins. We may have joint pain, headaches, digestive disorders, sleep problems, and lack of energy. Depression may be eased and memory may be improved as a result of detoxification!
7. Increase energy.
You will have more mental, physical, and emotional energy after detoxing. People tend to sleep better and need less of it.
8. Improve skin quality.
Diet and environmental toxins undeniably affect skin. Detoxing improves acne, and strengthens hair and nails, and gives us a natural, healthy glow.
9. Mental and emotional clarity.
When the body’s systems are aligned, a shift also occurs with our mental and emotional states. We can deal with more when we’re clear and grounded. We can make better decisions, analyse accurately, and see things differently.
10. Restore balance to our body’s systems.
Our digestive, nervous, and hormonal systems were designed to work together to achieve optimum health. This is what our bodies want to do! When we overload them with toxins and unhealthy foods, these systems don’t work as well as they should and we get sick.
Detoxing brings balance back and helps our systems function properly again. So if you need some help to work out what detox is best for you, make sure to make an appointment with our naturopath, Emma Tippett, to help you live a healthier, more vital and wonderful life.
