Toxic is a word that continues to pop up in our culture. Toxic chemicals, toxic waste. Even toxic relationships. We are becoming exposed to more and more toxins in our everyday life. Once meant to be helpful and not intentionally dangerous, we are now learning of the alarming effects these chemicals cause. We are continually exposed to chemicals in our food, the air we breathe, and a plethora of common items we all use every single day. To combat these toxins, another word has become popular as of late – detoxification. Ranging from detox teas to charcoal towels, companies rely on this trigger word as a means of advertising to a scared consumer market. But did you know that our bodies naturally detoxify our bodies? Today, we’re going to jump into the science and begin destigmatizing detox.
Destigmatizing Detox
Our detoxification story beings in the liver. An organ we don’t give much credit to or think about, our livers detoxify our bodies in two phases. First, it converts toxic substances into highly reactive metabolites. Metabolites are substances formed to aid the body’s metabolism process. Our livers then excrete these toxins.
But the liver isn’t the only player in the detoxification game. Your kidneys, lungs, and even gut also play a role in detoxification. Toxins can impact these organs both acutely and cumulatively. The most dangerous ones are persistent, low-grade toxins. These are exemplified as such in the residue you consume regularly in conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. While the body’s reactions to such toxins aren’t immediate, there is still a correlation between chronic low-grade toxicity and health issues.
Why We Feel the Need to Detoxify
In today’s world, we are faced with a number of health-related choices each day. Taking the elevator vs. the stairs. Eating out or consuming processed foods vs. raw fruits and vegetables and plant-based consumption. The choices we make each day impact our body’s abilities to naturally detoxify the body. The more “unhealthy” choices we partake in, the more of a challenge it becomes. This is why those detoxifying products sound so alluring. In an age where we expect instant gratification, a 3-day detox “cleanse” sounds better than making those consistent healthier choices.
But choosing to prioritize daily natural detoxing isn’t as difficult or overwhelming as it may seem! Let’s dive into 5 ways we can help our bodies detoxify and reduce our risk of disease!
Minimize Your Toxin Exposure
The best way to detoxify is by doing your best to prevent the presence of toxins in the body. And while it may seem like there is no escape, there are a number of ways to reduce the number of toxins you interact with on a daily basis. Avoid the products in which toxins linger such as harsh chemical cleaners and plastics. Trade your perfumes and air fresheners for essential oil blends. Look for products free from BPAs. A good resource to help identify toxic products is the Environmental Working Group (EWG). They provide a wealth of information including identifying toxins in your life.
Nourish Your Body with Real Food and Drink Your Water
Processed and canned foods are full of chemical preservatives. Our meats are injected with hormones and antibiotics. And even most produce has been touched by some kind of pesticide by the time it gets to your favorite grocery store. And while this makes it seem like there are no good food options, have no fear. There are a number of studies that show a diet of organic whole foods including garlic, turmeric, berries, and vegetables can help the body detoxify.
We acknowledge buying organic produce can get expensive, but we want to share a good rule of thumb. If it’s a food that you don’t eat the skin of, you are generally safe to purchase normally. Think of avocados, cantaloupe, bananas, and spaghetti squashes. And we aren’t forgetting about the liquids we drink. Hydration via water keeps our cells running efficiently. If you can, do your best to drink as much filtered water as possible. This helps to avoid other added toxins.
Sweat Them Out
Exercise and physical activity have a number of benefits. But did you know that getting your sweat on is a way to help the body better excrete toxins? Whether you’re into hot yoga classes or HIIT classes, consistent sweat sessions help aid in the detoxifying process. Explore exercise as it fits into your life. Release those extra toxins from the skin and enjoy the added benefits of consistent exercise practices.
Get that Good Sleep
We’ve been preaching the importance of sleep recently. And while proper sleep is important for all body functions, it plays a role in our detoxification process as well! Several years ago, scientists discovered a brain detoxification process called the glymphatic system that occurs when you sleep. According to Andy R. Eugene and Jolanta Masiak, insufficient sleep impairs your glymphatic system, causing toxins to build up. Without quality sleep in the right amounts on a consistent basis, your body cannot effectively detoxify.
Visit a Trusted Chiropractor
As we’ve said before, chiropractic adjustments impact the body’s nervous system. Our nervous system controls all our metabolic pathways, including those in the detoxification process. Consistent adjustments help free the body of inflammation and tension. This allows it to perform optimally and detoxify efficiently as needed!
Let Zock Family Chiropractic Help You Destigmatize Detox!
Chiropractic care is focused on allowing our spine and nerves to work to their potential. This results in not only allowing our organs to function but for them to function to their best ability. Dr. Zock would love to discuss your concerns in regard to detoxifying the body. Her vast knowledge of natural supplementation and body processes make her a great guide in helping you find the best solution for your body. Make an appointment today to schedule an introductory chiropractic session. We can discuss your pains and needs as part of my initial chiropractic workup for you as a new patient to our practice!
* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.