Home Detox Made Simple: 8 Tips for a Healthier You

From sweet treats and festive cocktails, to late nights at social gatherings and a hiatus from exercise, the holidays are a time of guilt-free indulgence for most of us. We may be left starting the year feeling mentally and physically sluggish. However, the start of the new year is an excellent time to commit to your health and reflect on your health goals for 2020. One way to kick-start your health is through healthy detoxification. Detoxification is the body’s natural way of removing waste products within the body from both external and internal sources.

These toxins include hormones, antibiotics, metabolic waste, and environmental insults, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics. The primary organs responsible for toxin elimination include the liver, kidneys, colon, skin, and lymphatics. Due to the sheer volume of our toxin exposure in today’s modern world, it is not uncommon for the body to become overburdened and our detox pathways to slow down. While the term “detox” may have us thinking of strict cleanses and protocols, below are simple tips to provide extra detox support to gently mobilize and eliminate toxins from the body.

1. Fiber

Encouraging daily bowel movements is key. This allows for waste removal via the colon. Aim for a minimum of 25g of fibre per day.

2. Water

Increasing your water intake to 2-3L per day helps to flush water soluble toxins through the kidneys. Filtered water is always best to minimize our intake of contaminants.

3. Liver Supporting Foods

Include plenty of cruciferous and allium vegetables to your diet to support phase I & II detox live pathways. Such foods include broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy, garlic, leeks, and onions. Beets are another of your liver’s favourites.

4. Sweat

Get moving daily to support your lymphatic system, which collects and transports waste throughout the body. Toxins are also excreted through the skin. 30-60 minutes of moderate daily exercise or regular sauna sessions help with this process. Make sure to shower soon after a good sweat to remove expelled toxins from the surface of the skin.

5. Minimize Inflammatory Foods

Sugar, processed foods, and alcohol burden our liver and immune system. They also disrupt our blood sugar and energy levels. Eating a plant-based diet, rich in phytonutrients that provide detoxification co-factors is encouraged. Addressing individual food sensitivities and elimination of common offenders such as dairy, gluten, corn, and soy is beneficial as well.

6. Dry Brush

Lymphatic vessels run just below the skin and drains into the heart. Dry brushing opens pores, allowing for waste elimination through our largest organ – our skin! Before showering, start by brushing at the feet and hands, working towards the chest.

7. Ditch the plastic

Avoid storing food or drinks in plastic containers as these leach harmful chemicals.

8. Castor Oil Packs

Applied topically to the skin, castor oil has been shown to increase circulation and improve elimination, detoxification and healing of tissues and organs. Applying castor oil over the liver with a hot pack helps reduce liver congestion. Try applying it over the liver while in the sauna for added benefit.

***Always consult with your ND before making any drastic diet and exercise changes. For more information on treatment options and for an individual detox protocol customized to you, call 604-738-1012 or email [email protected]