What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the removal of toxic substances from the body, mainly carried out by the liver and kidneys.
Liver detoxification
Detoxification in the liver occurs in two phases. During phase 1, a group of enzymes convert harmful substances into less toxic compounds. These byproducts are not allowed to build up and stay in the liver, as they can damage our cells. The role of phase 2 is to make sure they are neutralized and removed from the body, mostly with urine and faeces. It’s usually done by making these byproducts water soluble.
Kidney toxin elimination
Drinking more water will increase your kidneys ability to remove neutralized toxins, while eating more fruit and vegetables will increase your fiber intake, which in turn increases stool bulk and regularity, helping your body to remove waste products.
But detoxification is not just about what you eat and drink. To maximize your chances of staying free from toxins, you may need to change your lifestyle: give up smoking and, if possible, reduce your exposure to environmental pollution; choose cosmetics and skin products made out of natural ingredients; and engage in regular physical activity.
Lastly, focus on maintaining good sleep hygiene. According to a review published in Brain Sciences, sleeping allows your brain to reorganize and recharge itself, as well as remove toxic waste byproducts that accumulate throughout the day.
You should aim for seven to nine hours per night to reap the health benefits.
Some detoxification tips
- Eat plenty of fiber, including brown rice and organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods.
- Cleanse and protect the liver by taking 100% natural organic herbs and drinking green tea.
- Drink at least two to four litres of water a day, made easy by bringing our litre Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle with you everywhere you go!
- Maintain a good sleep hygiene of seven to nine hours per night to allow body detoxification to take place.
- What’s the most important way to detoxify? “Exercise,” “Yoga or walking are good. One hour every day.” Also try Qigong, a martial arts based exercise system that includes exercises specifically for detoxifying or cleansing, as well as many other exercises with specific health benefits.
