Is your energy zapped? Do you feel like everyone is getting on your very last nerve? Are you noticing unexplained bad breath and body odor?
If so, then you, my friend, may be in need of detoxification.
Yes, detoxification!
Now, before you tell me you only have an occasional glass of wine or sip on a beer during a big game, hear me out. I don’t mean THAT type of detoxing (although that can certainly contribute to the problem).
What is detoxification?
Detoxification, simply put, is just the process of removing toxins from the body, including substances that can cause inflammation, infection, and other health issues. The body has the natural ability to eliminate toxins through sweating, urinating, and eliminating waste.
The kidneys, lungs, intestines, and lymphatic system are all part of the body’s detoxification system. However, sometimes these systems become sluggish, for one reason or another, making it harder for the body to detox naturally (Gaiam.com).
The liver is one of the most important organs for detoxification. It helps filter and remove toxins from the body by breaking them down into harmless byproducts. It also helps produce bile, which breaks down fats and aids in digestion.
Nourished.com says it best – Detoxing is something like a full-body reset where you rid the body of toxic waste and start with a clean slate. It can leave you with more energy, less brain fog, and a stronger immune system.
Why should I detox?
“The average person is exposed to more than 700,000 toxic chemicals in a day” (Selah Medispa). The body can become overwhelmed by the amount of substances it is exposed to. Left inside the body, these toxins can cause inflammation and damage to cells.
As we age, our bodies are not as efficient at breaking down and eliminating these toxins. Our immune system can become weaker and more prone to illness and infection. We experience a variety of changes, some of which can be overwhelming and hard to manage.
And during the time of menopause, a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes, which can cause issues such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and mood swings. Detoxing helps reduce the stress on the body and can help lessen the severity of these symptoms.
What are the benefits of detoxing?
Ladies (and men), as we age, we need a little extra-extra to help our bodies work as good as they used to. Especially if we are experiencing hormonal changes! But there are so many other benefits for incorporating detoxing into your health and wellness routine.
Detoxing can:
- Reduce the symptoms of menopause
- Strengthen the immune system
- Aid in digestion
- Increase the absorption of nutrients
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve mental health
- Stabilize your mood
- Improve sleep
How should I detox?
It is no secret that diet and exercise are crucial for one’s health. So making dietary changes and exercising regularly are a good start. Staying hydrated is important because water helps flush toxins out of the body.
The benefits of these small changes include reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and some cancers (health.mo.gov).
And improving your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables can help flush toxins out and also helps provide vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your best health.
In addition to diet and exercise, there are other modalities you can use to help detox the body.
Infrared saunas: Sweating helps release toxins from the body. The heat opens your pores and increases circulation, which helps flush toxins from your body (awttrevor.com).
Saunas also help reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote relaxation, which can also support the body’s natural detoxification process.
Vibration platform: The lymphatic system is important in the detoxing process, and sometimes it needs help to make it flow properly. Stagnant lymph fluids build up in your body and cause puffiness and swelling.
You need to move that fluid in order to get the toxins out. “A sluggish lymphatic system can result in a lowered immune system, fluid retention, cellulite, and fatty deposits” (oliveandash.com).
A vibration board helps the lymph fluid move through the lymphatic ducts and nodes. It also helps increase dopamine, which is the happy hormone, and can improve your mood.
Dry brushing: Dry brushing is a daily body/skin massage with a dry, stiff-bristled brush, which exfoliates the skin. “Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process.
It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage” (clevelandclinic.org). When pores are unclogged, it is easier for the body to detox because it is easier for the body to sweat.
How often should I perform a detox?
Eliminating toxins from your environment is something you can do daily and on an ongoing basis. Dry brushing can be added to a daily showering routine, performing it just before you shower so you wash the dead skin away (clevelandclinic.org).
But the best way to determine if you need to detox is to listen to your body. If you feel fatigued or moody or have trouble concentrating, detoxification may be necessary.
Incorporating the above modalities into your daily routine is a good start. Shake up that lymphatic fluid and get it moving through the lymph ducts and nodes. Take in foods rich in antioxidants so that you are supporting the liver’s natural detox process.
Of course, you should talk with your healthcare provider before engaging in any rigorous detoxification program.
Conclusion
Detoxifying your body is just one small step in improving your health, but it provides big results. It can leave you feeling reenergized and ready to take on the world, no matter how old you are!
It can improve your mood, sleep, and help you feel more focused. Rid the toxins from your body and start with a fresh, clean slate.
You won’t regret it!
Written by: Emmanuel J. Osemota
