Detoxing has become incredibly popular in recent years. Nowadays it’s not uncommon to see different juices, cleanses, diets, and tablets claiming to clean out your system and help you lose weight.
The concept of detoxifying your body is intended to remove toxins from your system, particularly from the liver, which neutralizes harmful substances. Toxins accumulate on a daily basis from foods, beverages, chemicals, pollutants, skin products, negative energy or even traumatic experiences, creating inflammation in the body, weighing us down and stressing us out.
The purpose of detoxing is to bring your body back to a healthy state and reset itself, which takes time.
Though the concept of a quick detox is enticing to those of us with busy schedules, there are several ways you can detox on a daily basis to keep your liver, body, and mind in top condition at all times.
Drink Hot Water with Lemon
Before you drink your coffee in the morning, start off with a cup of warm or hot, filtered water mixed with the juice of ½ to 1 lemon. Lemon juice is alkalizing to the body, helping to reduce acidity that comes from a lot of the toxins we consume. It cleans out the digestive tract and supports proper liver function and immunity (diseases and ailments only grows in acidic environments). And keep sipping hot water throughout the day; hydration is essential to a healthy, toxin-free body.
Dry Skin Brushing in the A.M.
Just as it’s important to brush your hair, your skin needs brushing too. Dry skin brushing in a circular motion before showering in the morning supports and stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation, and pushes out waste. (Ladies, it’s also great for reducing cellulite). You can purchase a skin brush or, if you have sensitive skin, look for dry skin gloves online or at your local supermarket.
Eat Your Greens
Green foods are wonderful detoxifiers! Kale, chard, arugula, spinach, and any other dark greens are a perfect way to detox any day of the year. They are full of chlorophyll which supports proper liver functioning and removes environmental toxins.
Drink Dandelion Tea
Despite being a pesky weed in gardens, dandelion is an excellent detoxifying herb you can drink in the form of tea throughout the day. Loaded with minerals and vitamins, dandelion is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidant properties, and supports healthy blood circulation, digestion, and liver function. It is bitter, so be prepared when you take your first sip, but it works wonders and is worth trying.
Sweat It Out
Not only is it wonderful for managing stress, but sweating rids the body of toxins and increases circulation. So before hitting the sack after a long day at the office, find your favorite way to exercise! Go for a run, take a dance class, do Yoga, or visit the sauna. Whichever you choose to do, your body will thank you.
Photograph by Noun
