Regina KambaHow to detox: 9 Simple Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body Naturally
Does Detox work as they claim?
Most people look forward to their detox around the beginning of a new year or periodically; probably because they are aware of their unhealthy eating habits. Others would detox in order to lose weight and others perhaps because it is a good way to introduce clean eating.
It’s a common misconception that detoxing aids in the removal of toxins that have built up in the organs; however, the body organs naturally accomplish this on their own.
Most detox plans are grounded in the idea that flushing toxins out of your system, often through a liquid-only diet with plenty of water, and giving your digestive system a break from its regular role can bring about miraculous results, from weight loss to more energy to glowing skin.
However, popular detox diets rarely identify the specific toxins they aim to remove or the mechanism by which they supposedly eliminate them. Further, no scientific research has confirmed that giving your gastrointestinal system a break from digesting food is beneficial in any way.
But detox makes you feel better initially, probably because you have been eating diet rich in processed or packaged foods and a lot of sugar. Cutting those during the detox period makes you feel less lethargic.
How does the body remove toxins?
Your body has a sophisticated way of eliminating toxins that involves the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs.
A healthy diet is the most important way to detoxify.
So while detox diets don’t do anything that your body can’t naturally do on its own, you can optimize your body’s natural detoxification system by changing your lifestyle.
How to detoxify
- Eliminate sugary foods
Consumption of sugary foods like table sugar, sodas, fruit juices, ice cream, biscuits on a regular basis can hinder your body’s way of detoxification by harming your liver and kidneys.
Research links high consumption of sugary and highly processed foods to obesity and other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These diseases hinder your body’s ability to naturally detoxify by harming organs that play an important role, such as your liver and kidneys.
- Avoid processed and packaged foods
Packaged foods are high in preservatives, which can disrupt the natural processing of your body. They are also high in added sugar, sodium and artificial flavorings that are not so good for your body if you want to eliminate the toxins. Most of these foods also contain trans fats that raises your bad (LDL) cholesterol and lowers your good (HDL)cholesterol.
You can keep your body’s detoxification system healthy by consuming less junk food; Potato crisps, cookies, chips, mandazi, white bread, sausages, deep fried chicken.
- Limit alcohol
Your liver metabolizes more than 90% of the alcohol you consume. Excessive drinking can severely damage your liver function by causing fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring. When this happens, your liver cannot function adequately and perform its necessary tasks; including filtering waste and other toxins from your body. Limiting or abstaining entirely from alcohol is one of the best ways to keep your body’s detoxification system running strong.
- Eat food rich in fiber
Fiber is beneficial in digestion and nutrients absorption in the body. It regulates the movement of food in the gut hence prevents constipation and aid in excretion. Eat plenty of fiber, including whole grains, legumes and organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, nuts, beans, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, kales, seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
- Drink more water
Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates joints, aids digestion and nutrient absorption, and detoxifies your body by removing waste products. Water transports these waste products, efficiently removing them through urination, breathing, or sweating. So staying properly hydrated is important for detoxification
- Get adequate sleep
Sleeping allows your brain to reorganize and recharge itself, as well as remove toxic waste byproducts that accumulate throughout the day. With sleep deprivation, your body does not have time to perform those functions, so toxins can build up and affect several aspects of health. Ensuring adequate quality sleep each night is a must to support your body’s health and natural detoxification system. Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods
Antioxidants protect your cells against damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help your body counter oxidative stress caused by excess free radicals and other toxins that increase your disease risk. Berries, fruits, nuts, cocoa, vegetables, spices, and beverages like green tea have some of the highest amounts of antioxidants.
- Eat foods high in prebiotics
Your intestinal cells have a detoxification and excretion system that protects your gut and body from harmful toxins, such as chemicals. Eating foods rich in prebiotics can improve your gut health and keep your immune and detoxification systems healthy. Good food sources of prebiotics include tomatoes, bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic, oats, fermented foods like yoghurt.
- Stay active
Among its benefits, exercise can help your body better excrete toxins and burn fat more effectively. Increasing your heart rate will mean an increase in blood flow. This, in turn, will help your body to flush out toxins all on its own. Exercise also make you sweat effectively removing the toxins through the skin. You don’t even need to hit a gym to break a sweat; skip rope, take a walk, use the stairs at work, some jumping jacks.
How to look after the organs involved in the process;
Liver
In addition to detoxification, the liver is involved in nutrient and medication metabolism, the destruction of outdated or damaged blood cells, and blood sugar regulation. Some veggies and drinks have potent antioxidant capabilities that support the liver’s health and function. These include green tea, red cabbage, beetroots, coriander, grapefruit, cauliflower, kales, nuts, olive oil.
Kidneys
The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste products for excretion in urine. Aside from taking sufficient water, seek immediate medical attention for any urinary tract infection (UTI) and avoid consumption of too much salt and sodium-containing foods like sausages. Eat food rich in antioxidants such a cauliflower, blueberries, red grapes, egg white, garlic, buckwheat, macadamia nuts, pineapples, cranberries.
Gastrointestinal tract
Prebiotic foods help to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut. They include; yoghurt, vinegar, tomatoes, artichokes, bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic. Add a high-fiber diet, such as legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables e.g. grapes, berries, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and broccoli
Skin
The skin aids in the body’s elimination of extra electrolytes like salt and water. Make sure you drink enough water, stay away from harsh chemicals, over-exposure to elements of weather and exercise to keep your skin healthy. Walnuts, fatty fish, avocado, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, soy are good for your skin.
Lungs
Practice taking deep breaths to allow maximum air in and out of your system. Once in a while go outdoors, to the nature where there are natural trees and fresh air. It’s good for the lungs and the mind too.
