Fatigue, Bowel Irritation, Bloating, Gas, Food Sensitives, Tummy Cramps
Bad Breath, Allergies, Abdominal Pain, Excess Fluid, Eczema, Dermatitis
Do any of these sound like you?
A detox may be your key to ridding these uncomfortable bodily ailments.
First of all.. what are toxins?
Toxins are poisonous substances produced by almost everything we come into contact with…
The Importance of Detoxing
Our body has an amazing natural ability to process and eliminate toxins within itself. These toxins can come from a range of environmental sources, such as, breathing in chemicals, pollution, heavy metals, harmful cosmetic products, alcohol, parasites, food and medications. Toxins may also be the result of natural chemical reactions within our body- that is right, we produce our own toxic materials.
When we are exposed excessively to environmental toxins, our body struggles and is unable to keep up with the processing and eliminating. Much like when a machine is over worked, it either stops output altogether or slows down to become inefficient.
What do we do to encourage detoxification?
To counteract this breakdown, we need a steady balance of dietary:
- antioxidants -specifically zinc, copper, vitamin C, glutathione
- nutrients – such as amino acids, vitamins B
- minerals magnesium and iron
These dietary inclusions with help to nurture our detoxifying organs.
The main organs of detoxification being the liver, kidneys, skin and lungs.
*note- everyone’s requirements for the mentions vitamins and minerals vary as each person is unique. If the diet holds variety and nutritional substance, additional intakes of these may not be necessary.
Other non-nutritive detoxing aids may be:
- Intermittent fasting – fasting allows the digestive system to catch a break and work on waste elimination.
- Exercise – sweat is not only a strategy to cool our body down but it releases toxins through our skin. Exercise also helps to circulate toxins to the appropriate organs for effective detoxification.
What could the consequences be if we don’t assist our body to detox?
Without these dietary supports we may develop consequential:
- gastrointestinal problems
- chronic fatigue
- aches and pains
- skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis)
- weight gain
- immune breakdown
- mood disorders (depression, anxiety, irritability, rage)
- learning and behavioural issues
- neurodegenerative disorders
- neurological complaints
- poor cardiovascular health
- fatty liver
- hormonal dysregulation
- fibromyalgia
- triggering of autoimmune conditions
How do our organs detox?
Our skin sweats out toxic materials, sheds, causes other eruptions to pushes them out through pimples and acne – ever had a breakout after a big night or wondered why we sweat with fever?
Our kidneys send toxins our through our urine – this is one reason it is vital to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
The liver processes materials and excretes through the urine, skin and faeces. It is our most important organ of detoxification as almost everything we eat, drink, inhale and put on our body is sent through our liver.
Our lungs send out Co2 gases from our blood and lungs.
The digestive tract eliminates toxic foods by promoting vomiting, diarrhoea or normal bowel motions.
Because our body relies on us to get arm it with the appropriate tools for effective detoxification it is important to ensure we are consuming sufficient amounts of healthy fats, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and fibre to enhance and optimise its detoxing functions. Some great detoxing and antioxidant foods include:
- asparagus
- fresh beetroot
- granny smith apples
- ginger
- turmeric
- green leafy vegetables
- lemons, grapefruit
- garlic
- green tea
- capsicum
- cucumber
- broccoli sprouts
- nuts and seeds
Include these into your daily routine and watch the magic happen!
