Our body has the necessary processes to promote the elimination of toxic waste that accumulates in it, but it can happen that the organs in charge of this function cannot fully carry out their task. Why? And how can we help them fulfill their mission? Here are some answers to adopt the right “detox attitude”.
1. The causes
Our bodies are subject to numerous external attacks that pollute them. The list is as long as it is diverse. In the land of overconsumption of medication – 40 times more than the European average with nearly 1500 tablets per year per inhabitant – these substances are high up on the list of toxins, even though they are obviously indispensable in some cases.
Air pollution, tobacco, alcohol, cooking methods (grilling, charred meats,) are also in the top of external contaminants.
2. Self-defense
Fortunately, nature is well designed, our body has the necessary weapons to fight these toxic attacks. The liver, intestines, kidneys, and lungs, but also the skin through perspiration, are the warriors of this army tasked with eliminating the body’s waste. The liver is the commanding general.
The detoxification process, indeed, involves the transformation of liposoluble products (soluble in fat) into hydrosoluble products. The liver plays a key role in the elimination of toxins because its cells (hepatocytes) contain a large number of enzymes involved in the transformation of toxins.
3. Seasonality
The end of winter is the right time to tackle spring with a rejuvenated body. Particularly after having taken a series of painkiller medications, antibiotics following flus, bronchitis, ENT infectious episodes and other ailments from the cold.
Overall, one or two annual detox cures are recommended for patients on multiple medications, always supervised by a professional. The goal is to take advantage of the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins and restore its balance.
4. The shopping list
We adopt detox habits when grocery shopping, starting by placing at the top of the list fruits and vegetables from organic farming or local reasoned farming, to limit pesticides. Prioritize vegetables from the cruciferous family, artichoke, dandelion for their action on the liver, endive, cucumber for their diuretic action. And the spices favored by nutritionists such as turmeric – a must for detox, to mix with a fatty substance – rosemary, liquorice.
Finally, a list of foods to avoid for a week is drawn up: processed products, prepared meals, dishes in sauces, foods high in saturated fatty acids (like processed meats, fatty cheese, red meat, offal, appetizer cakes, pastries…), fast sugars like sodas, cakes, “fake” breakfast cereals, confectionery, …).
Rest assured: this is not about permanently banning these foods from your plate, but avoiding them entirely for a week and then consuming them without excess, and preferably separately. Making healthy choices is part of the “detox attitude”! It is the best way to ensure that our organs can effectively do their job, by detoxifying our body and helping us to stay healthy.
5. Lifestyle Hygiene
It is impossible to ignore the benefits that contribute to detoxifying the body daily. Starting with the first one: physical activity. You know it but let’s reiterate: practicing regular physical activity, ideally one hour two to three times a week, allows the body to more easily eliminate toxins. No time? Start by walking, a sport accessible to everyone.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, or herbal teas and vegetable juices. This will help the body to eliminate toxins more quickly and to regulate digestion
Finally, if one wants to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, it is essential to manage stress and introduce relaxation and yoga practices. By learning to manage your emotions, you ensure that the body’s detoxification processes are not affected by external factors.
By adopting these simple habits, you will help your body stay healthy for a long time! So don’t hesitate, start acting today and make sure you have a great detox cure.