Detoxification is a popular buzzword. Often advertisers imply that you should use special products to rid your body of toxins. In this context toxins usually include pollutants, heavy metals and processed food.
Actually your body already has a sophisticated way of eliminating toxins which involves the liver, kidneys, digestive system and lungs. This does not require a special diet or expensive products. However as you age you can make detoxification easier by helping your body’s natural cleansing system.
Organic Cleansing Solutions
Using standard soaps, shampoo and cleaning products is a great way to stay clean. Off-the-shelf products from well-known brands do a great job cleaning your body or hair. Yet many contain harmful chemicals and compounds, some of which are toxic. Parabens and propylene glycol are common examples. Yet, for improved health and a lower risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, organic cleansers are better for you. In addition, organic care hand wash, body wash and soap bars are often sustainably made with 100% natural ingredients.
The Power of Hot and Cold
Heat and cold are essential for a healthy body and mind. Each has the power to heal and restore muscles. But also to soothe the mind as much as your body. For instance, athletes often take an ice bath immediately after performing to reduce swelling, metabolic activity and blood vessel activity. And you can use cold showers to boost your immune system. Yet heat also helps by soothing the stresses placed on joints, muscles and tendons. Mentally, a hot bath helps reduce stress through relaxation, and cold exposure boosts serotonin and dopamine.
Remove Impurities with Antioxidants
Impurities build on your skin’s surface and must be removed with good personal hygiene. Yet contaminants also occur inside the body as free radicals, unstable atoms that damage your body. Fortunately, antioxidants can help reduce or remove them. Some examples are:
- Antioxidant-rich drinks such as green tea and fresh pomegranate juice.
- Foods with high polyphenols like blueberries, white and black beans and spices.
- Increased intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, C, and E.
By consuming a cup daily, you can easily incorporate antioxidants from drinks like green tea into your diet. Additionally, a handful of blueberries and certain nuts will help boost your intake. And a varied diet with multiple vitamins and minerals provides a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Juice Fasting for Weight Loss
Traditionally juice diets have been used for detoxification purposes. The principles behind this are straightforward and do make sense, but are only designed for a short period of 2-3 days maximum (often called a juice fast).
By only consuming fresh juices for a period of time you naturally abstain from fats, processed carbohydrates and refined sugars as well as substances like coffee and alcohol.
As a result, this is extremely beneficial for cleansing the liver and kidneys and their related systems, including the whole digestive tract. It is believed too that by giving the digestive system a ‘rest’ from fibre; digestion is easier, and nutrients are able to be absorbed more efficiently.
Recently many bold claims have been made about prolonged juice fasting, such as disease fighting, free radical destroying, fat burning and pain alleviating results. However, many of these claims are as yet to be supported by any reliable research.
Juice Fasting is Not a Long-term Solution to Weight Loss
Juice fasting exclusively as a weight loss measure is a short-term solution for a long term problem that can in some situations result in unwanted complications.
The term ‘juicing’ pretty much means drinking your food, primarily fruits, vegetables and herbs. Incorporated into a healthy diet juicing is a great way to boost energy levels and consume extra nutrients – a popular favorite is beetroot, celery, carrot, apple, ginger and mint; perfect for a morning ‘pick me up’.
Weight will certainly be lost when ‘juicing’ however it is not guaranteed that any actual fat will be burnt. Instead you even risk losing muscle mass due to the absence of protein in the diet. You also run the risk of slowing your metabolism, meaning when you resume a normal diet, less energy will be burnt and potentially more fat will be stored immediately following the ‘juice fasting’ period.
These problems may be combatted by consuming juice more frequently (every 2-3 hours) and balancing your juices by adding protein, either in the form of powder supplements or natural sources such as almond milk or Greek yogurt.
High-carb and High-calorie
Juices can also be surprisingly calorie dense, especially when predominantly fruit. This is due to their high carbohydrate content. The actual process of juicing fruit and vegetables can also remove some of their natural benefits; of particular concern is the absence of fibre. Once the physical bulk, largely fibre, is removed, the remaining sugars form a much larger percentage of what remains.
If viewed as a short-term revitalizing and cleansing fast, juicing can be an extremely positive part of a healthy lifestyle, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise. As a long-term weight loss solution, however, it is a fad diet that cannot and should not be sustained for long periods.
Initial dramatic weight loss may indeed occur, however little will be done for long-term weight maintenance.
If you do decide to try a juice fast you should consult your healthcare professional first and discuss any individual potential risks. Juicing is not recommended for people suffering diabetes and heart disease nor is it suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Always include a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly before use and where possible choose organic produce to eliminate concentrated consumption of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers (particularly in leafy greens).
Yoga and Other Spiritual Exercises
Physical impurities such as harmful bacteria are easily removed with cleansing. At the same time, you can eat a healthy diet to act as an internal cleanser. Yet the mind requires something more specific. Ancient practices such as yoga are physically beneficial. The focus necessary helps with mental health and keeping a calm mind. Recent studies are finding yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety that cause depression and sleep loss. Additionally, you can use yoga as a means of therapy for severe mental disorders such as PTSD in military veterans.
Easy Meditation for Better Health
Yoga is excellent for both physical and mental improvement. Yet it requires a certain fitness level and is therefore not appropriate for everyone. For example, if you are of limited mobility or experience muscle pain, yoga can be a challenge. Yet you can experience many of the same benefits from meditation and mindfulness. Meditation allows you to free your mind of mental disturbance. The benefits include better awareness, mental clarity and boosted self-esteem. It can also help with stress and anxiety, with assistance when fighting addiction or physical pain.
Summary
There are many ways you can help your body’s natural detixification system. Popular methods include organic cleansers, eating an antioxidant-rich diet and yoga and meditation techniques.
(collaborative post)