What is the Deal with a Detox?
Detoxification is the process of eliminating wastes and toxins from the body that have accumulated in the cells, tissues and organs. Our everyday lives expose us to unwanted toxins just from the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat. However, the body does a pretty tremendous job of getting rid of these wastes as long as we are supporting the detoxification pathways.
Some patients choose to do a detox program that starts with a diet that is free from toxins and allergens to jump start support of the organs responsible with detoxification. These diets are generally combined with supplements and herbs that are targeting the elimination organs to get rid of stored toxins while supporting the digestive system. The kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, digestion and lymphatic systems are all involved in eliminating contaminants from the body and will benefit from reducing these molecules.
There are really simple daily activities that you can use to help support your detox on the regular. Scroll down to see some tips on how to incorporate detox EVERYDAY!
Skin
Dry brush the entire body (except the face) with a loofah or natural sponge before bathing, gently but thoroughly, three times a week.
Take warm to hot epsom salt baths, using two to four cups of epsom salts plus one cup sea salt, once to twice weekly. Drink plenty of water during and after the baths.
Use vegetable oil soaps and moisturizers rather than animal fat products, which tend to clog skin pores.
Choose herbal deodorants, if needed, instead of antiperspirants, which inhibit sweating, a very natural and important avenue of body detoxification.
Lungs
Practice deep relaxed breathing twice daily (before rising in the morning and falling asleep in the evening are often convenient times). Technique: while lying on the back, place one hand over the chest and the other on the lower abdomen: inhale deeply; first feel the lower lungs fill with air as the lower hand rises, then the upper lungs fill as the upper hand rises; exhale deeply; feel the upper then lower lungs empty of air.
Do aerobic exercise (according to your own fitness level.) This may be walking, running, biking, swimming, or aerobic dance, for example. Sessions should last 30 to 60 minutes and be done three to five times weekly.
Liver
Limit substances that especially burden the liver such as: alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, preservatives, and dyes. Also take into account environmental toxins such as care exhaust, chemical fumes, and work-related toxic substances.
Eat raw beets and artichokes weekly, to nourish the liver.
Bowel
Eat raw vegetables, salads, and fruit daily to decrease the transit time of food wastes through the gut.
Include high fiber natural grains, in the daily diet, such as rice, oats, barley, millet, and quinoa, which help soften stool and increases absorption of toxins into stool.
Note that aerobic exercise also helps to positively regulate bowel function.
Limit dietary intake of highly processed foods, which tend to constipate and increase the body’s toxic load.
Kidneys
Drink at least six to eight glasses of filtered or bottled water daily
Drink 1-2 cups of Dr. Harter’s Botanicals Detox tea daily
Lymphatics
Perform a regular stretching program to release muscle imbalances and constrictions, which, in turn, increases the blood and lymphatic circulation. See Strengthening by Bob Anderson, “Basic Body Stretch” by Michelle J. Pouliot, or Yoga and Tai Chi for stretching program ideas.
Receive regular massage therapy, once weekly is ideal, to increase blood and lymphatic circulation. Even a 20-30 massage from your spouse or partner makes a big difference…relaxing, lymphatic stimulating AND fun!
Finish a hot shower with a one-minute cool or cold-water rinse, which causes a superficial circulatory flush and stimulates the central nervous system.
Stress Reduction
Throughout the day if experiencing stress, stop and sit quietly, take three deep breaths as described earlier, allow the shoulders to drop, and imagine tension flowing down and out of the body through the soles of the feet.
Take 15 minutes to one hour daily, to be quiet and allow the mind to be still. Different mediation methods provide ideas about how to do this. For ideas, see: Creative Visualization by Shakti Gwain, Guilt is the Teacher, Love is the Lesson, by Joan Borezsenko, and What We May Be by Pierro Ferruci.