Top 10 Tips for Healthy Detoxification

1. Go green: Green leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, beet greens, arugula, etc. contain a plethora of nutrients that help promote the flow of bile, which is essential for the cleansing process. Leafy greens are also high in chlorophyll, which help to cleanse the blood and provide energy and support for the digestive system.
2. Eat raw foods each day: Raw foods contain vital enzymes that are destroyed in the cooking process. These enzymes assist in the detoxification process.
3. Take a broad-spectrum vegetarian digestive enzyme with most meals: Undigested food particles are the leading cause of internal toxicity. Supplemental digestive enzymes will help support healthy digestion, increase bowel transit time, and reduce the burden on all of the organs of detoxification and elimination.
4. Eat foods high in phytonutrients: Beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and carrots are high in phytonutrients that support liver function and aid in detoxification. Enjoy these foods raw or lightly steamed.
5. Decrease overall carbohydrate consumption: especially simple sugars and refined and processed carbohydrates. All carbohydrates, including “healthy” whole grains increase free radical formation and inflammation in the cells of the brain and the liver. While whole grains contain important nutrients, such as B vitamins and fiber, it is important to consider overall carbohydrate consumption.
6. Add healthy fats: Healthy fats and oils in the form of flax oil, olive oil, borage oil, hemp oil, etc. help build healthy cell membranes.
7. Choose organic when possible: The drugs, pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers used in most farming applications will counteract your efforts to detoxify. Organic produce and drug-free animal products help to decrease the toxic load entering your body.
8. Drink pure, fresh water: Pure, fresh (unchlorinated!) water hydrates the cells of the body and helps to flush out toxins. Approximately half of your body weight in ounces is a good amount of water to consume (i.e. a 160 lb person should consume approximately 80 ounces, or 10 cups of water daily).
9. Exercise! Aerobic exercise such as walking, biking, running, rebounding, dancing, etc., will help get the blood and lymphatic fluids moving, flushing out toxins, and bringing more nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body.
10. Decrease stress and get adequate rest: Getting adequate rest allows the body time to perform vital housecleaning and repair functions. Take time daily to lie or sit quietly and perform some deep breathing, visualization, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. Or simply let your mind wander to something enjoyable. This will harmonize your body’s rhythms, and allow you time to integrate your thoughts and feelings for an overall sense of health and well-being.