The term “toxins” is everywhere in the realm of health and wellness. We are told that eliminating these toxins from our bodies is essential to obtain optimum health. Social media platforms have jumped on this profitable trend through influencer pushed cleanses and detoxes. But we have now learned many of them are just laxative teas – which can be harmful when consumed in large quantities. Resetting our elimination can help reset our normal functioning baseline. Not to mention allow for the rest of our organs to also perform at full capacity.
Elimination: The Body Already Detoxifies
Though social media would have us thinking otherwise, our bodies actually do a pretty great job detoxifying themselves all on their own. When our systems work in harmony, our normal elimination pathways alone would be enough. We could find this harmony through organic eating, enough sleep, less stress, enough exercise, and more positivity. But we know the world isn’t perfect and finding “perfect health” is hard. Which is why there are a few things you can do to help your body reset.
The Negative Side Effects of Too Many Toxins
- Sluggish systems
- Damage and inflammation
- Overstimulation of the immune system
- Organ dysfunction
- Emotional distress
- Poor assimilation
- Cellular mutation
- Weight gain
Signs Your Elimination Pathways Need to be Reset
- Allergies
- Bowel movement irregularity
- Fatigue/low energy
- Feeling bloated and sluggish
- Food intolerances
- Headaches
- High cholesterol
- Irritable moods
- Nausea
- PMS, menopausal, or hormonal issues
- Weight gain/loss
- Irregular sleep
- Sinus issues
- Breathing congestion
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Recurrent bladder or kidney issues
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Joint issues
Bowel
The bowel consists of the colon, liver, and gallbladder. This system of elimination does a lot for our bodies including:
- Fat and carbohydrate metabolism
- Vitamin and mineral storage
- Immune function
- Detoxification
The liver especially does a lot of work. Mainly, it converts fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble ones, allowing us to excrete the toxins vis the urinary elimination pathway.
Urinary
The urinary elimination pathway consists of the bladder and kidneys. This super filter is vital for our quality of life, as it keeps our toxin loads in check. As we mentioned before, the urinary tract excretes water-soluble toxins created by the liver. This is why it is crucial to stay hydrated. When a person drinks minimal water, they are already inhibiting an elimination pathway.
For optimal kidney function, eat a colorful diet, drink plenty of clean water, and consume healthy fats each day.
Lungs
The lungs provide a pathway of elimination in the form of carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin is a protein molecule that is found in red blood cells and aids in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to body tissue. As an added benefit, hemoglobin stimulates the internal process that returns carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be expelled from the body. When breathing is compromised, and CO2 can’t be eliminated, we are essentially suffocating our own tissue and organs.
Do your best to take big, deep, conscious breaths throughout your day to make sure you are allowing your lungs to function to their best ability. Deep breathing will enhance cellular metabolism and the elimination of waste products from the body.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is three times the size of the bloodstream. It is a complicated system of fluid-filled nodes, vessels, glands, and organs. Think of it as a cellular cleanser. The main function of the lymphatic system is to cleanse the body of toxins and protect against harmful invaders. It works by carrying waste away from the tissues and into the bloodstream where they will be purified.
Exercise is one of the best ways to move the lymphatic system – the lymphatic system does not have a pump. You can also try:
- Dry skin brushing
- Lymphatic massage
- Xtract Process
- Rebounding
- Enzymes
- Inversion table
- Lymphatic herbs
- Yoga
Skin
The skin is a nifty organ because it both absorbs and eliminates. Everything we put on or expose our skin to either enhances or hinders its function. And anything you put on your skin has the potential to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. To keep your pathways optimized, do your best to:
- Use fewer chemicals topically
- Choose organic skin, makeup, cleansers, and other beauty products
- Eat good fats
- Get daily antioxidants
- Supplement as needed
Signs Your Body is Detoxifying Optimally
- You feel energized
- You sleep through the night
- Your mood improves/you generally feel better
- Menstrual cycles are “easier” to deal with/fewer symptoms
- Weight management
- Clearer skin
- Improved digestion and absorption
- Healthy immune system
- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Body more easily repairs and restores
Resetting Your Health with Zock Chiropractic
Resetting our elimination pathways is a great way to begin regaining your health. Just making small changes – like eliminating negativity, increasing our water consumption, and breathing deeply – could be what the doctor ordered.
Part of achieving our best physical and emotional health is through chiropractic care and massage therapy. 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 resetting your health. Her vast knowledge of natural supplementation and body processes make her a great guide in helping you make the best choices for your body. Make an appointment in Cranberry today to schedule an introductory chiropractic treatment 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.