Is Detoxing Really a Thing?
"Detox" has been a buzzword for a bit, and while the how behind it has certainly become blurred with the rise in juice cleanses, fasting, and other wellness trends, there are three foolproof ways to help your body’s natural process of ridding itself of environmental toxins.
Place emphasis on the following three tips to see improvement in systemic bodily functions and toxin removal:
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Sweat: Sauna is king. Sweating is one of the best ways to remove unwanted waste in the body. Heat from the sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation. Increased blood flow aids in the transportation of toxins, including BPA and plastics, to the sweat glands, where they’re expelled through the act of sweating. Plastics are now being found in essentially every human organ due to our increased exposure. Adding the sauna to your daily routine is more important now than ever. There’s an added benefit of hitting the sauna after your strength session to activate human growth hormone (HGH) levels i.e. increase muscle mass. It’s a two for one deal, really.
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Breathe: Something we do all day seems so simple, but is it? Intentionally taking deep, long breaths not only takes stress off of your central nervous system, but aids in waste removal. When we inhale, our lungs oxygenate our blood throughout the body including the lymphatic system, kidneys, colon, etc. When we exhale, we eliminate part of the body’s waste in the form of carbon dioxide. You don’t need to rely on breath work or yoga class to get the full effect. Stop what you’re doing, take four rounds of slow, steady breaths, and get back to your task. Work this in throughout your day. Pro Tip: Breathing through your nose provides 20% more oxygen than that absorbed through the mouth.
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Hydrate: Honestly, hydrating is never a bad idea, though it’s crucial if you’re aiming to keep your organs happy and functioning optimally. Providing your body with an adequate amount of water and electrolytes will allow your liver, gallbladder, spleen, to harmonize with your intestines, colon and kidneys to properly secrete toxins in your urine and bowel movements. Wake up, chug a glass of water to flush out a night’s worth of toxin removal, and keep at it throughout the day.
Want to add another layer of defense? L-Glutathione is often referred to as the “master antioxidant”. It’s primarily found in the liver, where it can help neutralize harmful substances and detoxify the body. It can also help protect cells from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promote DNA synthesis + repair. * To further geek out, L-Glutathione lies in the sulfur (SH) groups. Sulfur is a sticky molecule that acts like flypaper, potentially trapping free radicals, toxins or heavy metals that encounter it.*
Our exposure to toxins has undoubtedly increased over the last several decades. Take control of what you can do to keep your body clean and functioning optimally.
