In truth, our bodies are amazing machines that have the ability to detoxify themselves.
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I discuss this subject often with colleagues and other industry professionals, and we always come to the same conclusion. We’re kinda over detoxification regimens and cleanses. I receive inquiries regarding programs from people with little to no formal education in biology, nutrition, counseling, anatomy & physiology, etc. from members of the NS community both here and on social media. One such program may be an online course.
I understand that when you’re desperate for change, it can be alluring to see someone advertising a 5-day detox to “feel better quick.” However, in actuality, we should move much more slowly, concentrate on eating nourishing whole foods, and adopt new habits and lifestyle choices that are beneficial to YOUR body. Maybe not as sultry as the previous one? However, it’s quite easy, so please bookmark this page so you may remind yourself of it the next time you read about detox programs online. Your body is already purging. As you read this, it already is! An overview of how your body detoxifies is provided here.
To reiterate, our bodies undergo detoxification already and aren’t mysteriously “cleaned out” in a week. We are only able to assist our bodies in doing the amazing job that they already do on a daily basis through the use of their liver, kidneys, digestive tract, lungs, blood, and pretty much every single cell in our body.
Eating whole foods, controlling stress, getting enough sleep, moving around and exercising, taking regular bowel movements and urinations, deep breathing, dry brushing your skin, applying natural products to your skin, sweating, drinking enough filtered water, and so on are all ways to support your body’s natural detoxification channels. In the grand scheme of things, your daily routine is more important than a seven-day juice fast.
Table of Contents
THIS IS HOW YOUR BODY DETOXES
METHOD 1: Your System of Digestion
Our amazing digestive systems are vital to not just the process of food digestion but also the functioning of our immune system and the transportation of nutrients into our bloodstream. More recent studies have demonstrated the influence of our gut microbiome, or internal ecosystem of bacteria, on our immune system, moods and behaviors (ranging from depression to ADHD), dietary intolerances, and general inflammation in our bodies, all of which may contribute to the development of certain chronic illnesses.
A healthy internal ecosystem that keeps us regular and lowers bad bacteria and yeast (which are naturally present) is maintained by the body when we consume enough fiber from whole foods. This helps our body eliminate substances (such as heavy metals, chemicals, excess hormones, etc.) and metabolites from metabolic processes. Just to make sure, you’re not getting enough fiber if you’re on a seven-day sugar-filled juice cleanse!
METHOD 2: Your Skin
Our skin acts as a barrier to keep harmful chemicals, bacteria, and viruses out of our bodies. For this reason, cutting back on harmful chemicals can be facilitated by following a decent natural skincare regimen. Even while your liver, digestive tract, and kidneys remove toxins like alcohol, narcotics, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and your skin doesn’t, it’s still crucial to use as many natural products as possible.
METHOD 3: Your Immune System
Our immune system is a very intricate system consisting of cells, organs, and skin that work together to eradicate any foreign material from our body. Our immune system involves our blood, lymphatic system, and every cell in our body, thus it is essential that we include nutrients in our diet that strengthen our immune system, such as antioxidants, zinc, and vitamins C and A.
METHOD 4: Your Kidneys
The function of our kidneys in eliminating waste and poisons from our bodies is vital and effective. They are also in charge of maintaining the equilibrium of our bodies, which includes eliminating excess electrolytes and holding onto them when necessary. A quick tip: your body loves water, so drink plenty! This is a major reason why we need to be properly hydrated.
METHOD 5: Your Liver
Consider the liver as a filter: it aids in the body’s nutrition metabolism and helps get rid of drugs, alcohol, heavy metals, and hazardous compounds. It also aids in blood filtering and fat breakdown. The metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins—including the conversion of metabolites into “safe” by-products that can be eliminated by the kidneys—all depend on the liver. Whole meals rich in nutrients and antioxidants will assist our liver. Beets, for instance, are a vegetable that loves the liver and can be added to almost everything, including smoothies, juices, and spaghetti sauce!
METHOD 6: Your Lungs and Respiratory System
Do you know where your nose hair is? This is a prime illustration of why we have em: when we breathe in dust or other microscopic particles, those hairs filter them out, preventing the particles from entering our lungs. Our respiratory system’s mucus traps such particles and keeps them from entering our lungs, protecting our lungs from further harm. Since our body requires enough oxygen to function at its peak, deep breathing is also immensely relaxing and can help us “reset” emotionally and intellectually. For a quick fix, consider deep breathing meditation techniques and inhaling aromatherapy essential oils, such as eucalyptus and lavender.
METHOD 7: Your Lymphatic System
The fluid called lymph, which comes from the Latin word lympha, which means “connected to water,” flows through our entire body, literally from head to toe. Included in this system are the tonsils, adenoids, thymus, and spleen. Since the lymphatic system’s primary function is to move the fluid that surrounds white blood cells, it plays a significant role in immunological response, defense, and detoxification. Consider the lymphatic system as a dense network of capillaries, arteries, and hundreds of lymph nodes that generate white blood cells known as lymphocytes to aid in the defense against infections. A quick tip: lymph can be moved effectively by dry brushing, massage, rebounding (i.e., leaping up and down), yoga, and general activity.
METHOD 8: Your Heart and Mind
We are all aware of the positive effects that optimism, awareness, love, laughing, joy, and good vibes have on our well-being. This is equally significant to the physical. How can you use this knowledge in your daily life right now? Share in the space below! I hope this explanation of how your body is a remarkable machine that is always trying to keep you healthy was interesting. Always keep in mind that the greatest approach to take care of your body is to support it on all fronts, including dietary and mental and emotional health.