To Detox or Not to Detox That is the Question…

As a food enthusiast I strongly believe there is a recipe for everything; including leading a happy, healthy life.  Personally dealing with a compromised immune & digestive system, I have thoroughly traveled the road back to health; both through research and application.  This is why I have aligned my health coaching practice with restoring digestive function, proper detoxification and elimination for clients; which are essential to living a healthy life.  Some may disagree that it is not necessary to participate in regular detoxification but I would beg to differ.  According to a study by the Environmental Working Group, blood samples from newborns contained an average of 287 toxins, including mercury, fire retardants and pesticides.  It is my logic that if unborn life form is already subjected to this astronomical number of toxins, what would the toxin load of the average adult look like?  Here are a list of unexplained symptoms that may benefit from detoxifying treatments:

-        Fatigue                                                                                      -  sluggish elimination

-        Irritated skin                                                                              -  allergies

-        Low-grade infections                                                                  -  mental confusion

-        Menstrual difficulties                                                                  -  bags under the eyes

-        Distended stomach                                                                     -  constipation/diarrhea

Personally, I like to participate in seasonal cleanses for my body, which equates to four cleanses a year.  Every body is different but cleansing at least once a year is highly recommended.  This can be accomplished in a variety of ways and mild detoxification can be done year round!  Here are my top 10 ways to boost your detoxification system naturally.

1.  Practice Dry-brushing:  This helps your skin remove toxins through your pores and stimulates the lymphatic system.  Also helps stimulate circulation and tones your muscles.
2. 2.      Reduce toxin load:  Living a conscious life includes being responsible for what enters your body.  Foods laden with dyes, chemicals, GMO’s, high fructose corn syrup and trans fat have all been proven to have adverse effects on our health.  Reducing these culprits allows your body’s immune & detoxification system to function at a more optimal level, as it is not having to spend overtime removing the junk.
3.  Infrared sauna therapy:  20-30 minutes of this sauna produces the  same amount of  perspiration as a 6mile run.  Additionally cardiovascular & immune function are strengthened.  Sweating rids your body or toxins; such as, chemicals, heavy metals, cholesterol and alcohol.
4. 4.      Breathing exercises:  Can be calming or energizing.  Helps boost blood oxygen levels and offers relief from digestive and stress related disorders.
5. 5.      Whole Body Exercise:  Our bodies are made to move.  I highly recommend a healthy balance of cardiovascular, stretching, and weight or resistance training.  My personal favorites are cycling, yoga and Barre which incorporates isometric training. 
6. 6.      Water:  The quality and quantity of water that you drink will directly affect your body’s detoxification ability.  I recommend high quality alkaline water preferably not out of a plastic bottle.  Additionally, it is important to drink ATLEAST half your body weight (in ounces) daily.  Any dehydrating activity (smoking, drinking, etc) add an additional 8 ounces. 
7. Eat plenty of fiber, both soluble and insoluble:  Soluble fiber attracts water and slows down digestion and has a beneficial effect on blood sugar regulation.  Great sources of soluble fiber are oats, lentils, pears, chia seeds and flaxseeds.  Insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation and can have a more laxative effect because they speed up the passage of food and waste through your gut.  The best sources of insoluble fiber are found in vegetables and whole grains. Having a good combination of both helps with proper absorption and elimination. 
8. 8.      Practice gratitude: What we think becomes our actions.  Practicing gratitude opens up more space to receive more good in your life and detox from that which is no longer serving you.
9. 9.      Treat your gut with Probiotics:  Probiotics increase the integrity of the gut lining and the function of your immune system.  They also actively fight foreign invaders and help with the relief of allergies.  I recommend finding a probiotic with at least 10 billion active cells.
10. 10.   Juicing:  Juicing is packed full of nutrients and life enzymes which increases energy, cognition and helps reduce food cravings. 

As you can see the ways in which we can improve our detoxification naturally are abundant.  The level of commitment depends on a personal level and toxin load.  Regular detoxification is a preventative measure to chronic situations.  Check out our website for more information about detoxifying treatments to supplement your program. 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/31/232-Toxic-Chemicals-found-in-10-Babies.aspx

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/VDR00112/The-4-7-8-Breath-Benefits-and-Demonstration.html

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html