Ultimate Body Cleanse: 12 Body Detox Methods
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Removing harmful toxins and clearing the body of waste that builds up naturally over time is an essential process humans require for a multitude of important reasons. Toxins such as synthetic food ingredients, dangerous chemicals, and other pollutants are known to have negative effects on the body when not regularly purged, including lowering the body’s natural abilities to fight infections, decreasing energy, and causing blemished skin. Unfortunately, most humans are in constant contact with such toxins, seeing as they exist in many of the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink on a daily basis. Therefore, it is imperative that we perform regular body cleanse routines to keep ourselves both healthy and happy.
Common Toxins in Our Environment
Many of us are unable to regulate our intake of naturally-occurring toxins due to the fact that they are so inherent in some of the foods we eat. For example, long-term exposure to mycotoxins, a common component in corn cereals and some coffee, can lower the body’s natural immunity against external threats, and in some cases can cause cancer. Persistent Organic Pollutants is another class of common toxins that have adverse effects on human health, and are often found in low-grade seafood and fatty meats.
While entirely discontinuing our intake or exposure of pollutants and toxins inherent in our environment is near impossible, there are certain steps we can take to rid ourselves of harmful bodily waste products
The Body’s Natural Methods of Detoxification
In order to learn the ways in which we can help aid our body through the detoxification process, it helps to first understand the natural defenses our bodies have against these toxins. Perhaps the most powerful natural defense our body provides is the liver, which (among other functions) filters the blood and produces natural enzymes to eradicate harmful substances that exist in our air, water, and food. Although this organ can be extremely effective in protecting the body against toxins, an overloaded liver can slow down and reduce its functioning, causing it to perform at substandard (and possibly dangerous) levels. Therefore, many of the body detox methods that will be covered in this article are aimed at helping to cleanse the liver in order to help it perform the best it can.
Another set of organs that help remove harmful waste from the bloodstream is the kidneys. On a daily basis, these organs filter out roughly 2 quarts of extra water/waste from about 200 quarts of blood that pass through the kidneys. Similar to the liver, these organs can become overloaded as well, causing them to perform at ineffective levels.
Other essential organs that help filter out dangerous contaminants include the intestinal tract, the lungs, the skin, and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is arguably one of the most complex and extraordinary detoxification pathways, encompassing components such as the spleen, an organ that detects and eradicates dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful invaders.
It is ultimately our responsibility to support the functioning of these vital organs by keeping them running at full capacity. Via bodily cleansing methods that target these specific organs, we are able to help reduce toxin overload.
The Effects of Toxins on the Body
Did you know that toxins can cause humans to be chronically fatigued, produce unusual or foul body odor, and sometimes result in migraines? According to Livestrong.com, toxins can have these effects and beyond, going as far as provoking inflammatory responses linked to the development of heart disease and arthritis.
One effect, in particular, that is especially discerning is the implications bodily toxins have on cognitive functioning. A toxic overload can cause symptoms reflective of dementia even in young adults, while mood changes, memory loss, and impaired thought are other related results.
The effects of toxins on the body range from mild, such as causing moderate acne and other skin blemishes, to severe, in some cases being linked to cancer and heart disease. No matter the severity of the outcome, one fact remains clear: bodily toxins are a real threat to our normal functions, and must be regularly cleaned from our organs. In no particular order, here are 20 Ultimate Body Cleanse Methods for a healthier lifestyle.
12. Eat Dark Leafy Greens
Many dark green veggies contain Vitamin E, an essential antioxidant that helps the body protect itself against inflammatory molecules. For example, swiss chard, kale, and broccoli not only contain Vitamin E, but disease-fighting nutrients like calcium and iron that support the body’s immune system. You can introduce plants like swiss chard into salads or sandwiches by mixing them together with other baby greens like spinach.
11. Consume Probiotics
As mentioned above, the intestinal tract is one of the body’s natural methods of detoxifying the body. This is partially due to the “good” bacteria that live in this part of the body, helping optimize digestion, support the immune system, and boost metabolism. However, the intake of refined sugar, antibiotics, and the natural aging process can decrease the amount of healthy flora that live in the intestines, causing unfavorable shifts in wellness. By introducing probiotics into your system, can aid the intestines in clearing the body of heavy metals, contaminants like pesticides found in the food we eat, and other harmful chemicals.
10. Remember: The Adult Body is Over 60% Water
Perhaps the most obvious but often forgotten way to keep the bodily functions running at their most optimal capacities is to hydrate. Water is essential for flushing waste and toxins out of our systems, while the liver and kidneys rely on it for the intake of oxygen and effective circulation of blood.
9. Intake Amino Acids
Amino Acids such as glutamine aid the liver by producing glutathione, a helpful detoxifying substance that rids this organ of toxic chemicals and drugs. Taurine, another common amino acid, is required by the liver for the removal of metabolites. The benefits of using amino acid supplements range from improved sleep and mood to strengthened immunity against viruses.
8. Garlic for Increased Immune Support
Garlic helps support the body’s immune system by providing high amounts of Vitamin C, while it is also in a high supply of antioxidants which help fight free radicals in the bloodstream. Approximately two-four fresh garlic cloves per day provide enough support to help the body detox itself. Try tossing into a pasta dish or sprinkling over salads.
7. Ginger & Lemon to Improve Digestion
Ginger has been utilized by humans for thousands of years for its natural inflammatory-reducing properties, as well as its ability to help regulate blood sugar. Lemon also contains antioxidants known as bioflavonoids, known to help blood circulation, protect the body against viruses, and reduce inflammatory responses. These helpful substances can be used to flush the body of toxins and aid digestion, and are especially effective when combined to create a tea. Here is a helpful guide to creating a ginger/lemon flush that is safe for daily use.
6. Lower or Discontinue the Intake of Refined Sugar
Although halting the intake of sugar can seem near impossible, the benefits are overwhelming. According to WebMD, sugar is known to lower good cholesterol, increase dangerous triglycerides, and increase the risk for heart disease. A 2015 article in Times Magazine reviews a scientific study clearly indicating that sugar is toxic for the human body, and should be treated as a dangerous substance. Going on a sugar cleanse can be one of the most beneficial adjustments you can make for yourself and is known to increase energy levels, improve skin, and lower body fat content.
5. Get Good Sleep
Just as foods containing antioxidants can help clear the vital organs of toxic contaminants, sleep helps the brain flush out toxins that can cause neurodegeneration. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep encourages the lymphatic system to function normally, a process that acts as a plumbing method for the brain’s waste. These processes are reduced when both humans and animals experience a lack of adequate sleep. 4. Replace Morning Coffee with Green Tea
As previously mentioned, coffee sometimes contains mycotoxins that are harmful to vital organs and the body’s natural immunity. By replacing coffee with green tea, you are not only reducing your potential intake of harmful mycotoxins but introducing polyphenols known for improving liver functioning and removing free radicals from the bloodstream.
4. Replace Morning Coffee with Green Tea
As previously mentioned, coffee sometimes contains mycotoxins that are harmful to vital organs and the body’s natural immunity. By replacing coffee with green tea, you are not only reducing your potential intake of harmful mycotoxins but introducing polyphenols known for improving liver functioning and removing free radicals from the bloodstream.
3. Beets for Improved Liver Function
Beets are another helpful resource when it comes to detoxifying the liver. This vegetable contains a high level of antioxidants and nutrients, including betaine and pectin, both of which help the liver cells remove toxins. Also, similar to dark leafy greens, beets have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Toss these into a salad or blend them into a smoothie for easy consumption.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Yields Favorable Benefits
Apple Cider Vinegar has been studied to improve the blood glucose levels of pre-diabetic individuals, in some cases cutting their blood glucose levels nearly in half. It is also known to lower triglycerides often implicated with high blood pressure and heart disease. Finally, it has enormous benefits on digestive health, increasing levels of healthy gut flora and the gut microbiome. Introducing Apple Cider Vinegar into your detox routine is a heavily effective way of tackling these several issues all at once.
Exercise
To some, exercise is an obvious and regular habit for health. However, many people don’t realize that exercise also aids in cleansing the lymphatic system by circulating more blood around the body. While you exercise, you are also breathing in more oxygen and (hopefully) intaking water, introducing these essential elements into your bloodstream. Finally, regular exercise helps reduce the body’s storage of fatty tissue which is known to store a diversity of toxins. Gentle, low-aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching are all beneficial in helping to eliminate toxins.