We hear a lot about detox these days, and a number of products claim to help you do this. But what does it mean to detox exactly and how can you do it safely?
Detox is short for detoxification, which, scientifically speaking, is defined as the metabolic process by which toxins in the body are changed into less toxic or more readily excretable substances. It’s important to know that the body has its own natural detoxification mechanisms, mainly carried out by the liver and kidneys. However, the lungs, digestive system, lymphatic system, and even the skin all help to rid the body of toxins.
These detox pathways are always at work, helping to eliminate toxins. However, in some instances, the body can become overburdened by too many toxins and make a person ill.
Examples of toxins we’re around on a regular basis include:
- Outdoor air pollutants such as vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and industrial emissions;
- Indoor air pollutants such as mold, chemicals in carpet or household cleaning products;
- Drinking water which may contain pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and chemicals from agricultural runoff;
- Foods which can also contain pesticides and heavy metals;
- Household products such as food containers, cleaning products, or air fresheners;
- Beauty products such as lotions, makeup, deodorant, etc.
As you likely have gathered, some of these toxins are impossible to avoid. However, you can reduce the amount of toxins you’re exposed to by using water filters, buying organic food, and using natural, chemical-free cleaning and household products. There are many low-toxin skincare and makeup products available as well these days.
How to Help your Body Detox Safely
When our bodies become “toxic”, it means that our natural mechanisms for ridding ourselves of metabolic waste (which is normal), environmental pollutants,and toxins ingested from a poor diet become greater than what our body can naturally deal with on its own and people become chronically ill.
One of the best ways to support the body’s natural detoxification processes is by eating a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables. Again, buy organic whenever you can. Also, limit sugar as much as possible and focus on eating fresh foods as opposed to processed foods which are often full of preservatives. It’s also important to stay hydrated, preferably with filtered water.
Exercise is also an important part of maintaining those detox pathways, and sweating is actually good for you as it helps to release some of those toxins through the skin.
In addition to eating healthy, hydrating, and exercising, adding a natural detox supplement such as Pure Bentonite Clay can help to safely remove toxins from the body. Bentonite Clay contains more than 70 essential trace minerals and is known for its drawing abilities, which can help to remove heavy metals and chemicals from the body.
Detox is more about a change in lifestyle than it is a “quick fix”, but if you follow the above tips, you should be able to gently bring your body back into balance so that your detox pathways can once again function correctly.
Sources
https://nourishedbynutrition.com/how-your-body-detoxes-naturally/