Detoxification is important to maintain good health, especially since we are exposed to toxic chemicals in our daily lives. Conventional produce is sprayed with toxic pesticides and herbicides. The chemtrails in the sky have been found to contain heavy metals, including barium, aluminum, strontium, to name a few. Tap water contains fluoride and other contaminants. Cleaning products, skincare products, and cosmetics often contain harmful chemicals. So, you can see why detoxifying the body daily is crucial. Eating an organic diet, drinking plenty of water, breathing deeply, and exercising are necessary for having a healthy flow of energy and nutrients in the body.
I like to think that every physical action has a nonphysical (spiritual/mental) counterpart. So, by detoxifying the body, you are also cleansing the mind and spirit. Ultimately, you are removing and releasing the energy that does not serve you. When there are toxins circulating throughout the body, our vital organs are exposed to them via the bloodstream and may not receive the proper nutrients. In other words, if our brains are not chemically balanced and properly nourished then our thoughts may not be healthy. It's all biochemistry.
One of the key indicators of health is pH, which can be either acidic or alkaline. Our body is naturally slightly alkaline at a pH of 7.3-7.4 (anything below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline). Eating organic whole plant-based products, especially green leafy vegetables, are generally alkaline which have detoxifying effects.
I suggest incorporating one or more of the following easy and natural detox methods into your daily routine:
1) Lemon Water
Among other great benefits, lemon water is an effective way to alkalize and detox the body. Although lemon is a citrus fruit that is acidic, when metabolized in the body, the byproducts are alkaline. It aids in digestion, helps to remove toxins from digestive and urinary tracts, stimulates the liver and protects it from damage.
SUGGESTION: Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of warm water.
2) Green Tea
I drink matcha green tea everyday! It is a powdered form of the leaves blended with hot water. Matcha is more potent with nutrients and antioxidant properties. The detoxifying effects of green tea in general derive from the polyphenols (antioxidants) that rid the body of free radicals which can damage healthy cells.
SUGGESTION: To make matcha green tea, first add a few drops of cold water to half a teaspoon of matcha powder to blend in a bowl. Then add 8 oz hot water and a teaspoon (or so) of organic almond milk or soy milk as a creamer. Tastes great with cinnamon.
3) Herbs & Spices
Spices like turmeric and ginger have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne pepper improves blood circulation and promotes digestion. Herbs such as dandelion root, burdock root, and milk thistle aid in cleansing the liver, which is the main organ for detoxification. Cilantro helps to detoxify heavy metals by binding to them and accelerating their excretion.
SUGGESTION: Use these beneficial herbs and spices in your everyday cooking and consumption.
4) Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) has so many health benefits primarily due to its high mineral content, which consists of 89% silica and about 20 other trace minerals. DE is especially useful for heavy metal detox and parasite cleansing. DE derives from fossilized algae, diatoms, which have microscopically sharp edges that essentially "scrub" intestinal walls to remove parasites and other toxins in our digestive tracts.
SUGGESTION: Mix one teaspoon in a glass of water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
5) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar breaks down fat, mucous and phlegm deposits in the body, thereby improving the health of your vital organs. Apple cider vinegar binds to toxins to eliminate them from your body, and because of its high levels of natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes, replaces the nutrients in your body as you purge out the toxins.
SUGGESTION: Add 1-2 teaspoons of organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 8 oz glass of water.
6) Cold Showers
When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, blood is diverted from the skin to internal organs to keep them warm. By improving blood circulation, cold showers help detoxify organs and contracts muscles, thus eliminating toxins more efficiently. Taking cold showers also strengthens your immune system and reduces blood pressure. For me, it also boosts my mood! Although cold water may be difficult to withstand, I translate the overwhelming feeling into joy. It also makes skin and hair soft!
SUGGESTION: Alternate from warm to cold water every couple minutes OR take a regular warm shower then turn it cold for a minute or two at the end.
(Other detox options include: epsom salt bath, dry skin brushing, sweating in a sauna, etc.)
Detox has become a lifestyle for me as it has influenced my daily choices of what I eat and drink, how I cook, and how I behave. Always choose organic and natural products. Read the labels of everything you put in, on, or around your body!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding detox, please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to learn what works for you because you are living proof. Much love!
