Detox Done Right: How to Open Your Detox Pathways
Feeling sluggish, bloated and always tired? It could be time for a detox. Right away you’re thinking about doing a fast or drinking juices for a day, perhaps even a week… well, think again. While detoxing may seem like just another wellness trend, it's actually a crucial way to help your body rid itself of toxins, balance hormones, and boost energy levels. However, it needs to be done the right way and in the right sequence. So how do you do detox the right way? In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about detoxing safely and effectively, including how to open up your body's natural detox pathways through proper nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle habits.
Note: It is very important to make sure your body is able to detoxify properly before entering any “Remove” or “Killing phase” of a health protocol. Trust me, I have done the mistake of REMOVING (attacking the bacteria overgrowth, for example) before preparing the terrain and it was no fun. The body just recirculates toxins and it actually makes you feel worse and more “toxic”. It can take longer for your body to recalibrate and heal afterwards. If you’re about to enter a proper detox (by getting rid of heavy metals, for example), you need to look into the drainage pathways first. Also, do not shy of using binders during a detox protocol, they are your best friends to escort these toxins out of your body safely. For the regular folks simply looking to reduce toxins, keep on reading! :)
Tips to help your body detoxify
1. Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important things you can do to support your detox pathways. Water helps flush toxins out of your liver and kidneys, which are two of your body's most important detox organs. But don't just gulp down any old water- make sure you're drinking filtered water that's free of contaminants. Also make sure you replenish on minerals (electrolytes) because too much water and not enough minerals can deplete your body’s storages. It is a fine balance, I know. You can simply squeeze a bit of lemon juice and add a pinch of Celtic sea salt to your water once a day. Herbal teas are also a great way to hydrate whilst aiding your organs to do their job. I particularly like dandelion tea to support gallbladder health and bile flow.
2. Support your liver: Your liver is your body's powerhouse of detox. It filters toxins out of your blood and breaks them down so your body can eliminate them. To support your liver, give it a break from processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and obviously, alcohol. Instead, opt for foods that are rich in antioxidants, like leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables.
3. Get your sweat on: Sweating is another natural way to help your body eliminate toxins. When you sweat, your body excretes a variety of toxins- from heavy metals to persistent organic pollutants. Try to get your sweat on daily, whether that means hitting the sauna, taking a hot yoga class or just going for a run. I particularly enjoy infrared saunas because they help me to relax, reduce mental stress and thus support my nervous system.
4. Get enough fibre: Fibre is crucial for digestive health, but it's also important for detox pathways. When you eat fibre, it helps move toxins out of your body along with waste. Try adding more fibre-rich foods into your diet, like flaxseed, chia seeds or psyllium husk.
5. Try dry brushing to move your lymph: One important and often overlooked factor in detoxification is lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is like the body's drainage system, responsible for removing waste and excess fluids. Lymphatic congestion can lead to bloating, fluid retention, and even cellulite. One easy way to get things moving is through dry brushing. Simply use a natural bristle brush to stimulate the skin in circular motions towards the heart. It is free (once you’ve purchased a brush) and there are plenty of videos to show you the proper technique. Here’s my favourite video on this topic. This not only exfoliates dead skin cells but also helps unclog lymphatic vessels. Bonus tip: get moving! Exercise, particularly cardio and rebounding, can also help stimulate lymphatic drainage.
6. Use natural detox supplements: There are also supplements that can support your body's natural detox pathways. Milk thistle, for example, has long been used to support liver health. Glutathione, a natural antioxidant, can also help protect your liver from damage. Just be sure to speak to your healthcare practitioner before adding any new supplements to your routine.
Detoxification is not just physical
Lastly, let's talk about mindset. Detoxification is not just physical, but also mental and emotional. Practice positive self-talk, gratitude, and visualisation to shift your mindset and let go of negative thoughts and emotions that can weigh you down. This can help reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Also, don't forget to celebrate small wins and practice self-care, whether it's a warm bath, a (lymphatic wink wink) massage, or spending time in nature.
Detoxing isn't just about drinking green juice and hitting the gym. It also doesn't have to be a daunting or restrictive process. Instead, it can be a holistic and empowering journey to better health and wellbeing. By supporting your body's natural detox pathways through nutrition, hydration, movement, relaxation, and mindset, you can boost your physical and mental resilience and unlock your full potential. So drink up, sweat it out, and give your liver some love - your body will thank you for it.