Detoxes get a lot of hype from health-conscious individuals and health promoters alike, and rightly so! No matter how much we prioritize our health, we are all exposed to lots of chemicals and toxins every single day through the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the products we use. It’s important to give your body a break every now and then and help support your natural detox mechanisms. Common signs of toxic burden include stubborn weight, poor digestion, fatigue and brain fog. Sound familiar? You may benefit from a detox!

Your body has several mechanisms that naturally remove toxins, chemicals and waste, so optimizing how they function should be the focus of your detox. There are many products, cleanses and formulas on the market that claim to remove toxins and reset your body, but you probably don’t need them! They are typically expensive and not always great in terms of quality. They may also contain substances that could interact with other supplements or medications you are taking and negatively affect your health.

Depending on your current health conditions and goals, your detox should last between 7 and 30 days and provide all the foundations for health your body needs to thrive!

Eat Clean

Your digestive system is one of your biggest detox organs because it is responsible for eliminating waste. Toxins and chemicals can also be bound in your stools so healthy elimination is critical to clearing those out! Optimizing your digestion by removing inflammatory foods is a good place to start. Eliminating foods that contain sugar, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, dairy, gluten-containing grains and processed foods can improve your digestion and reduce the number of toxins you are ingesting on a daily basis. Fruits and vegetables contain tons of vitamins, minerals, water and fibre, which all support your natural detox processes. Loading up on detox foods is even better!

Get Active

Exercise is important for health in general and can be especially helpful for detox, as long as it’s done the right way. Exercise improves the circulation of blood in your body and therefore improves blood flow to the detox organs including the liver, kidneys and skin. Exercise also increases your body temperature and promotes sweating which helps clear toxins from your body. It’s important not to overdo it though! Your body requires a lot of energy during a detox so you don’t need to be dripping with sweat to support those systems. Being active 20-30 minutes most days of the week is plenty! Restorative exercises like yoga can also promote deep breathing and relaxation and act like a detox for your brain.

Stay Hydrated

Water makes up a huge portion of your body and is involved in almost all metabolic processes. It is also important for flushing out toxins through your kidneys and supporting regular digestion. Drinking water first thing in the morning and with everything you eat can help ensure you are staying hydrated throughout the day. You can add fresh lemon to your water to keep it interesting and to give your liver a boost as well!

Sleep

Sleep is your body’s chance to repair and replenish itself from all the activities of the day. Your body needs this time to clear out the old cells and rebuild new ones. Letting your body rest is essential, especially while you’re detoxing! Ensuring you are getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night is necessary to ensure your body is ready to go the next day.

Incorporate Detoxifying Herbs

There are a number of herbs, plants and spices that can specifically target your liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin and digestion. Adding these to your detox program can be helpful to boost the function of these organs. It is important to consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before adding these to your regimen however to ensure no interactions exist with any medications or supplements you are taking and that they are safe to consume given your current and past health conditions. Your ND can also ensure you are using them in the right form, in the right dose, at the right time so you aren’t just wasting your time and money!

Your body is already great at detoxing itself but sometimes it could use a little help. Supporting your body’s natural detox systems could be the boost you need to feel great. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor today to get started on the detox that’s right for you!