Detoxing has gained plenty of attention in recent years. Based on the principle of reducing your exposure to toxins, this practice aims to promote general wellness, help optimize the immune system, and increase energy levels. There are many ways to detox, some of which include long stints of restrictive eating. Fortunately, the body detoxes itself quite effectively, to begin with. Organs such as the liver, digestive tract, kidneys, and skin eliminate toxins through waste such as sweat, stool, and urine.
With that being said, there are a few things you can do each day to help the body perform detoxification more efficiently. Here are a few options to try.
Minimize Use of Plastic
Plastic is notorious for chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and bisphenol-s (BPS). Thus, when you place drinks or food in plastic containers, it’s possible these chemicals can leach into them. Whenever possible, choose glass or stainless steel instead, and never heat food in plastic containers.
Wash Your Produce
While organic produce has lower concentrations of dangerous chemicals, any fruits and vegetables can contain trace amounts of pesticides. Over time, these harmful contaminants can build up in the body, potentially leading to health issues like nervous system damage. Reduce your exposure to these chemicals by washing all of your produce thoroughly. As an added bonus, it can help decrease your risk of exposure to foodborne illnesses.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol stresses the liver, one of the body’s main organs responsible for detoxification. Abstaining altogether is one way to prevent the issue, but if you do choose to have a drink, limit it to one if you’re a woman or two if you’re a man. According to the CDC, this can help reduce the risk of long-term health issues, such as high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.
Up Your Fiber Intake
Fiber helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly by absorbing moisture and making waste easier to pass. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, control cholesterol, and promote healthy blood sugar levels. Get plenty of fiber in your diet by incorporating foods such as beans, carrots, peas, oats, apples, cauliflower, and whole-wheat pasta or bread.
Hydrate Consistently
Like fiber, water aids in flushing the body of waste. It can help pass both urine and stool, promoting the body’s ability to flush toxins and any other unneeded substances. Be sure to drink when you’re thirsty and aim for eight cups of water each day.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep promotes optimal health and can reduce stress on the immune system. Aim to get enough high-quality sleep by establishing a healthy bedtime routine. Stay away from electronics at least an hour before bed, maintain a cool and comfortable sleep environment, and limit caffeine consumption throughout the day.
Eat Detoxifying Foods
Several foods are known for their detoxifying properties. For instance, cruciferous vegetables contain glucoraphanin, which produces an agent that helps the body detoxify. Green tea is also loaded with agents that help the body detoxify, including natural polyphenols. Include these items in your diet regularly to boost your body’s natural detoxification abilities.
By incorporating small changes each day, you can reap the benefits of natural detoxification without the need for long fasts or extreme diets. Over time, these habits can help to power up your body’s detoxifying processes and promote long-term health.
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