The fact is, an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. This won’t pose serious problems if only they can be flushed out immediately. However, they reside in our organs, resulting in chronic illnesses.
Detoxification is a natural process designed to discharge harmful substances. It works by metabolizing the toxins in the liver then expelling them out, somewhat like a natural gas heater that blows hot air out of the duct.
According to studies, humans discharge toxins 75 percent in stool, 20 percent in urine, 3 percent in sweat, and the remaining 2 percent to be drained from our nails and hair. That is the reason constipation is bad for you- it prevents the removal of harmful chemicals.
The excellent ways to detoxify include; drinking and juicing vegetables such as carrot, spinach, cucumber, and fasting. The latter allows the internal organs to rest and recuperate.
Here are some more vitamins and minerals that support detox:
Fiber
The intestine is considered as the second brain. If it’s healthy, you can expect plenty of health benefits. As mentioned, 75 percent of detox occurs in the stool, so keeping your digestive system healthy is vital. A fiber-rich diet promotes peristaltic and digestive muscle movements. The best sources include beans, berries, oats, and nuts.
Omega 3
Omega 3 is abundant in fish, manifold oil, and sesame oil. This not only removes toxins from the cells but also speeds up the healing process.
Vitamin E
This serves as an antioxidant that helps cells detoxify themselves, resulting in healthy skin. The natural sources include broccoli, nuts, sunflower seeds, and corn.
Potassium
Tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados are rich in potassium. They promote a healthier urinary system and stronger bones.
Magnesium
It is said to activate the enzymes responsible for excretion, supporting digestive functions. It is commonly found in leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, squash, and beans.
Benefits of Detoxification
Weight Loss
With a balanced metabolism resulting from detox, your body can burn calories faster, helping you shed a significant amount of weight. It is no wonder why many fitness supplements target metabolism.
Stronger Resistance
With toxins eliminated from the body, the immune system doesn’t have to work that much in combating pathogens brought about by harmful chemicals, increasing your resistance against various diseases.
Healthy Colon
Detoxification unclogs the digestive system and restores its normal functions, resulting in regular elimination. So you can say goodbye to constipation, which is said to be the mother of all illnesses.
Improved cognitive functions
The accumulation of toxins may lead to the death of brain cells, reducing your cognitive functions. By detoxing, you can prevent cell damage, improving your memory and concentration.
Younger Skin
Free radicals steal nutrients from skin cells, causing them to shrink. Detoxing can get rid of them. This promotes the growth of new skin cells, helping you stay younger-looking.
Increase Vitality
Toxins can make you feel lethargic that can prevent you from functioning at your best. With detoxification, you can feel lighter and renewed that you are motivated to do the things you love.
Quality Sleep
By regulating melatonin production, detox promotes better sleep, making you feel rejuvenated when you wake up in the morning.
Improved cardiovascular functions
Detox supports good blood circulation, which prevents high blood, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases.
How to Begin the Detox Process?
- Start by drinking lemon water in the morning. This is a great way to regulate your digestive functions.
- Instead of high-carb food for breakfast, go for protein such as eggs, cheese, yogurt, chicken, and milk to boost your metabolism.
- Include whole foods, fruits, and vegetables in your daily meals. When cravings strike after a meal, replace junk foods with healthy snacks such as nuts, avocado, or olives.
- You can drink coffee, but the better alternatives are tea and fruit smoothie. Caffeine can interfere with the detox process.
- During your free time, try to get moving. You can do simple exercises such as stretching, jogging, and push-up for at least ten minutes. As we all know, sweating also gets rid of toxins.
- Smoking and alcohol are prohibited as they are the primary sources of toxins.
- Avoid staying up late, as sleep deprivation can slow down the effects of detox.
Detoxification is not an overnight process. It takes patience and consistency, but you sure can expect a drastic improvement in your overall health and well-being. You may experience mood changes, a bit of anxiety, and body pain in the first few days. Those are the common withdrawal symptoms, and they will gradually reduce.