Detox has been a buzz word for quite some time now and is a multi billion pound industry with health spas, diets, books written on the subject and all kinds of supplements available to relieve you of your hard earned money. We all overindulge from time to time and could use some extra help, but if you follow a basically healthy lifestyle your natural detoxifiers will keep you in great condition. So what makes up our detox system and how can we boost it?
Digestive System
Food is broken down by digestive enzymes and freindly bacteria in the gut. Poor diet, stress, over-use of antibiotics, food intolerances and toxic overload can adversely affect the digestive system, leaving food semi-digested. This can cause constipation, leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, bloating and food intolerances.
How to boost the digestive system:-
- Only eat when you are hungry, don’t over-eat and take your time
- Cut down on sugar and saturated fats
- Don’t drink too much with your meal as this will dilute the digestive juices
- Eat low fat probiotic yoghurt regularly to improve the condition of your gut
- Herbs and spices can aid digestion such as ginger, mint, parsley, bay, caraway, cinnamon, cumin, dill, cardamom, fennel, tarragon.
Liver
Good health depends on the efficient functioning of the liver, the body’s main detoxifying organ. It’s many functions include the removal of toxins from the bloodstream, eg, drugs, alcohol and nocotine, which, once made safe, can be eliminated from the body by the kidneys, lungs and bowels. The liver also converts the energy from food into the metabolic nutrients that are required for cells to function. Signs of poor liver function are headaches, IBS, poor digestion, bloating, depression, mood changes, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
How to boost the liver:-
- Drink at least 2 litres of water a day
- Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially organic
- Exercise regularly
- Cut down on alcohol and caffeine and avoid processed, salty, sugary, high fat and overly spicy foods.
Kidneys
The kidneys act as filters to clean the bood. They remove harmful waste products which are then eliminated from the body in your urine. During the filtration process, useful nutrients are then reabsorbed and recycled.
How to boost the kidneys:-
- Drink plenty of water, dandelion tea which is a useful diuretic and cranberry juice
- Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy as these can put a strain on the kidneys
- Cut down on alcohol
Lymphatic System
Unwanted waste, dead cells, toxins and excess fluid are carried to the lymph nodes where they are filtered before entering the blood stream. If your lymphatic system isn’t functioning well, poor circulation and a weak immune system could ensue.
How to boost the lymphatic system:-
- Exercise regularly
- Massage, skin brushing and exfoliation will stimulate the efficiency.
Lungs
Efficient breathing is essential in order to inhale plenty of oxygen into the bloodstream and exhale all the toxins and unwanted waste gases. Catarrh, blocked sinuses and a constant runny nose can be a sign of a poorly functioning respiratory system.
How to boost the lungs:-
- Don’t smoke and avoid pollution
- Cardiovascular exercise will boost the funtioning of the lungs enormously
- Learn to breathe efficiently. Try yoga
Skin
The body’s largest organ, toxins are removed from every pore. Dull, dry/greasy, lifeless skin, rashes and blemishes are often the result of a poor lifestyle or stress.
How to boost the skin:-
- All of the above are very important for glowing skin that works efficiently
- Get plenty of sleep
- Fresh air is very beneficial but take care in extreme weather conditions (sun, wind, snow, etc)