Easy Ways to Detoxify Daily

Detox programs are everywhere!  If you google the words “detox program”, you’ll get an overwhelming 28.3 million results.  Just so we are on the same page… I’m not talking about a drug and alcohol detox here.  I am specifically referring to the ways in which our bodies get rid of waste (toxins and otherwise). And more importantly, how we are supporting our bodies in detoxifying on a regular basis.  If waste builds up, without an effective way to remove it, we get sick and fat!

This is an important conversation and if you only read a couple of paragraphs here, this is what I REALLY want you to know: First, prioritize supporting your body’s natural detoxification system and get rid of waste. Second, and just as important, you must then learn ways to minimize your exposure to “Retoxing” (or putting toxins back in).

So, let’s get back to those detox programs.  Some of these require you to only drink green juice every day for several days.  Some require you to drink only spicy water for a few weeks.

What???

Detoxing doesn’t have to be extreme or complicated. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try a program that is focused on helping you detox and cleanse your body.  In fact, I offer a wonderful program that my clients happen to love doing a few times per year.

But, did you know that you can help your body detoxify, on a daily basis, with some super simple strategies?

When we make it a habit to use daily detoxing strategies, our bodies are less likely to become overwhelmed with toxins…. Which will reduce many of the health struggles we have!

How Do I Know If I’m Toxic?

Many of you probably have symptoms that you don’t realize are toxicity symptoms. If any of these sound familiar, please consider that doing some detoxifying strategies may be critical for you to get healthy and feel good again:

• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Sinus congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Excessive sinus problems
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Foul-smelling stools
• Heartburn
• Sleep problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Food cravings
• Water retention
• Weight Loss Resistance
• Rashes & Skin Issues
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Canker sores
• Acne
• Puffy, dark circles under your eyes
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Other menstrual disorders
• Bad breath

Almost every disease on the planet has links to toxicity, including dementia, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, food allergies, and digestive issues.

What Can I Do?

Proper detoxification is essential for health! Start enhancing your body’s ability to detoxify today. Here are my favorite detoxification strategies that will guide you in becoming a healthier version of you:

WARNING: While each strategy on its own is simple, trying to incorporate too many new things into your daily routine all at once is a recipe for disaster.

Check out these suggestions below and see which of them you’re already doing on a regular basis. Then pick only one or two new things to start. Try the new one or two things for 7 days (you can do anything for 7 days, right?) Then, when you’ve successfully done them for 7 days, do them for another 7 days and another 7 days.  It takes 21 days to create a new habit. Once you’ve implemented a new sustainable habit, then pick a couple more to try.

When you do this consistently each month, by the end of the year you’ll have a bunch of new natural body detox habits that support your physical (and mental) health!

Daily Detox Strategies

1. Drink filtered water with lemon. Drink half of your body weight in ounces every day.  Add fresh lemon juice to it for added liver detox support.
2. Eat organic green leafy veggies. Kale, celery, spinach, parsley, cilantro, and celery contain vital nutrients, lots of fiber, and chlorophyll, which helps to cleanse the blood. Try them in a smoothie or very lightly sautéed in olive oil.
3. Add a probiotic. The gut is the first line when it comes to nutrient absorption, and probiotics are the “food” of healthy gut bacteria.
4. Eat organic animal protein. 80% of all antibiotics sold in the United States are used for livestock and other farm animals. If you are serious about your detoxing goals, you don’t want that in your body!
5. Try some chlorophyll. Chlorophyll (in tablet or liquid form) is the green pigment found in plants and algae. Chlorophyll can increase red blood cells and bind with toxins and heavy metals, sending them out of your body.
6. Consider gentle detoxifying teas. Add some dandelion, turmeric, or Holy Basil tea to your evening routine or try lemon tea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Chia, milk thistle, garlic, and spirulina are all great natural detoxifiers and heavy metal chelators as well.
7. “Unplug” during a meal. Take a media break for proper digestion while you eat. While you eat your lunch or as you sit down with your family for dinner, instead of focusing on who is texting you or what is on YouTube, why not focus on what is going on around you or with each other? Chew your food sl0wly as well − chewing is the first stage of digestion.
8. Use essential oils. Essential oils can be a great adjunct to your detoxing goals. Experiment with peppermint to refresh the mind, oregano to help with viruses, and bacteria and frankincense to ground and center.
9. Try Bentonite clay. A powerful anti-bacterial, clay is great for heavy metal detox as well. Try mixing a tiny amount of pesticide-free bentonite clay powder in an 8-oz. glass of water. If you decide to continue using bentonite clay more often, start slowly and work your way up to a teaspoon or more.
10. Meditate. Meditation not only calms the mind, it also helps relax the stress response that can cause too much cortisol in your body, creating inflammation and toxic build-up. Start with 5 minutes and simply focus on your breath as you close your eyes. It’s that simple.
11. Detox your kitchen and bathroom. From skin problems and brain fog, to autoimmune conditions and infertility – environmental toxins are linked to every chronic health issue. Addressing them is vital to your wellness journey. Switch out one commercial product at a time for an all-organic “clean or green” one and consider switching out at least one product a week until your home is truly toxin-free.
12. Take a hot bath. Using heat is a great detoxing strategy. Take a hot bath and release tension with some added Epson or mineral salts and calming essential oils, like lavender.
13. Body brushing. Brush your skin for detoxing.  The best time to do it is right before a bath or shower. Using a soft-bristle brush, gently start at your feet and arms and work your way towards your heart. Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic detoxification protocol because it stimulates the lymphatic system.
14. Hot Towel Scrub. Turn on the hot water and completely soak the towel. Then wring it out. While the towel is still hot and steamy, begin to gently scrub the skin. Do one section of the body at a time: for example, begin with the hands and fingers and work your way up the arms to the shoulders, neck and face, then down to the chest, upper back, abdomen, lower back, buttocks, legs, feet and toes. Scrub until the skin becomes slightly pink or until each body part becomes warm. Reheat the towel often after scrubbing each section, or as soon as the towel starts to cool.
15. Get a massage. The rhythmic strokes and pressure applied to muscles, tissues and organs during massage therapy help stimulate the circulatory system. It works like a sponge: When pressure is applied to the tissue and fat, toxins are literally “squeezed” out from in between the muscle fibers and cells. They’re released into the circulatory system for easier elimination.
16. Take time for gratitude and appreciation. Last, but certainly not least, take the time to simply let go. Detox from negative thinking by tuning in to the things, people, and situations in your life that you are most appreciative of. It can be something as simple as a day with beautiful weather or as detailed as something very specific that someone did for you. Try writing down 5 things you are grateful/thankful for each day (before you go to sleep is a great time to do this!).