6 Secret Detox Tips

It is easy to succumb to the many detox diets on the market but the truth of the matter is that detoxification should be geared to each individual’s overall lifestyle. You can commit to a twenty-four hour; three, five or ten day fast or simply add some minor changes that will help detox your body while you are still able to normally carry on.

Some people lead low stress lives capable of practicing yoga, meditation and healthy eating on a daily basis. Others run a rapid fire, minute-to-minute schedule with barely a moment to breathe let alone eat anything healthy.

Whether you are one of these or somewhere in-between these detox tips may help you decide how to rebalance, recharge and reward yourself with a higher quality of life.

One Herb at a Time

There are several herbs capable of cleansing the liver, your body’s first responder when it comes to filtering the blood and eliminating waste. Talk to a naturopathic doctor as well as your medical doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Some herbs that may be especially helpful include:

Milk Thistle

Sometimes labeled as silymarin, milk thistle comes from the daisy family presenting as a bright purple flowering plant. It can be taken in capsule form ranging in 100 mg to 1000 mg doses.

Look for 80% silymarin on the label and start off with a low dose, two to three times per day. If toxins are assumed higher such as those detoxing from alcohol tobacco or drugs, higher doses may be recommended.

Dandelion 

Many are annoyed by this hearty weed while others know the real deal. Dandelion is rich in iron, potassium and zinc while also able to encourage bile production. Bile is an important component that flows between the gall bladder and liver assisting the maintenance of overall health.

Dandelion is often paired with milk thistle. Other herbs that stimulate bile flow are burdock root and artichoke.

Turmeric

This orange herb is fast becoming the go-to remedy for overall systemic inflammation. When the liver becomes inflamed it is often the result of a taxed, toxic system. Choosing healthier foods while incorporating turmeric supplements just may reduce inflammation and calm the liver to allow it to work more efficiently.

Water

Yes, it’s a no brainer but many people don’t even realize that they are not getting enough or how to really drink water.

The best way to begin purging your system is as soon as you wake up in the morning. Before you do anything pour yourself a tall glass of room temperature, yes it’s warm, water. Add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon and slowly sip like you would your central nervous system ass kicking cup of coffee.

When you wake, your body is still in detox mode pushing out all it can which is why you may need to go to the bathroom, have oily skin and bad breath. Room temperature water is easily assimilated quickly adding to your morning detox while the enzymes in the lemon prepare your digestive system for the day.

Avoid Acidic Choices

When your body’s blood is acidic it is a veritable breeding ground for disease. Eating alkaline choices are a great way to prevent your system from becoming an easy host.

According to Ana Goldseker, Director of Nutrition for Nava Health and Vitality Centers,

“Steer clear of acid-forming foods if you’re looking to detox,…When there is a lot of acid-forming food in your diet, it can lead to many different forms of inflammation, including arthritis, acne, fatigue, bloated feeling, weight gain and more. Instead, look for foods that have high pH levels, meaning they are more alkaline. The more alkaline a food is, the more detoxifying it is for the body.”

Alkaline foods include:

• Asparagus
• Watermelon
• Broccoli
• Apples
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Bananas
• Raisins
• Celery
• Apricots
• Honey
• Hazelnuts
• Tofu
• Miso soup

Acidic foods include:

• Corn
• Lentils
• Olives
• Winter squash
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Plums
• Wheat
• Rice
• Noodles
• Beans
• Dairy
• Meat
• Seafood
• Sugar
• Oil (olive, avocado, butter, etc)
• Catsup
• Coffee
• Soda

Don’t be overwhelmed by these lists, just be mindful. Eating anything in moderation should be okay but if any of these are on your plate four to six times per week you may want to reconsider slowing down your consumption.

These detox tips could be a helpful way for you to rebalance your system for a more powerful, healthy, disease fighting life.