This fast-paced world of ours constantly takes us out of one situation and throws us into another. There is not much time to slow down, analyze the situation and respond. This ceaseless going without breaks does not come without repercussions. Someone always pays and often it is our body that compensates – until it finally cannot.
How and Why to Detox Your Body Naturally
How do we know if we are getting to the point of burnout? More importantly, what can we do to help our body respond to the stressors of everyday life so it can continue to support us in our journeys? Here are a few indications your body may let you know you need to slow down and detoxify.
Symptoms that Indicate You Should Slow Down and Detoxify
Do you experience any of these symptoms?
Allergies: puffy eyes, sinus congestion, difficulty breathing.
Blemishes and or dry, itchy skin.
Changes in your gastric elimination.
Brain fog, inability to concentrate.
Emotional instability: feelings of depression, lack of energy, motivation or enthusiasm and patience, unexplained fatigue needing naps.
Symptoms of reflux and bloating
Recurrent infections, fever, inability to fight off infections.
If you notice some of these symptoms, take a moment to consider you may be overdoing it.
Detox is often better than reaching for a pill that solves the immediate symptoms, Inappropriate medication use can do more harm than good. In addition to the expense, you may pay in the form of side effects, drug interactions, and/or unnecessary suffering.
How to Love and Support Your Body
So, now that you know the signs your body expresses to get your attention, how can you return some love and support back to it? If you do a Google search on detox (by the way, please don’t do this), you’ll be bombarded with hundreds of diet fads, cleanses, and supplements. It’s enough to make your head spin. And how do you know which one is authentic and will truly help you heal? There are many ways to detoxify our bodies including physical detox, emotional detox, spiritual detox, etc. All are beneficial, but as it’s best to do one at a time, this article focuses on the physical. (Stay tuned for future articles on emotional and spiritual detoxes!)
What is Physical Detox?
Physical detox includes tangible things we can do to help our bodies heal. We focus on three major organs when we physically detox: the liver, skin, and gut. Here is the detox protocol I follow and incorporate into my daily life to help my body perform at its best:
Hydration
Chronic dehydration is a problem for most of us; it disguises itself as hunger and causes us to eat more. As a rule, try drinking half your body weight (lbs.) in ounces of water daily to ensure your body is adequately hydrated. Better hydration helps improve skin tone and reduces blemishes and irritation of the skin. It also allows our liver and kidneys to eliminate toxins more efficiently. Good old water goes a long way to help your body to run effectively.
CLEANSING CUCUMBER AND LEMON WATER WITH MINT RECIPE
Supplements
As the express purpose of both our livers and kidneys is to detox our bodies, I don’t generally recommend supplementation. However, certain situations warrant the use of supplements to aid our bodies from the toxic overloads that constantly bombard us.
Always talk to a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to ensure there are no drug interactions with current medications. That being said, some supplements I prefer to use are Pre and probiotics, psyllium husk, green tea, Spirulina, Turmeric, B vitamins, Milk Thistle and NAC.
Dry brushing
Dry brushing exfoliates the skin and gets rid of dead skin cells. As this technique follows a specific pattern, it also aids in circulation and blood flow and is an important part of detoxifying our lymphatic system. Think of the lymphatic system as our body’s “sewerage system”. As it removes fluids that leak out of our blood vessels, the lymphatic system helps to maintain fluid levels in our bodily tissues. It also aids in the production of our immune and plasma cells. Regular dry brushing and lymphatic massages are crucial for the optimal functioning of our bodies.
Infrared Sauna
Use of an infrared sauna, not a conventional sauna, for 10-15 minutes a day helps rid the body of “bad” cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, sodium, ammonia, sulfuric acid, toxic heavy metals, aluminum, and mercury. Getting rid of these heavy metals and toxicity can help eliminate some of those lingering, pesky symptoms such as dry, itching skin, brain fog, inability to focus and concentrate, etc.
Physical activity
Physical exercise and stretching can hugely benefit our health. How much do you need? I recommend 30 – 45 minutes of physical activity or stretching daily to help your body’s natural detox mechanism function effectively. Exercise helps improve blood circulation, burns calories to break down toxins, and effectively expels toxins through sweat. There are multiple toxins in the environment all around us: our air, water, food, and products we use in our homes all have tons of toxins and chemicals in them.
The Bottom Line
On an average day, we are exposed to more than 10,000 toxins and we need to be vigilant when it comes to our health. Learning to read labels is a crucial part of reducing that toxic overload on our systems. In the meantime, I recommend you try to incorporate the strategies listed in this article to help detox your body naturally.
About the Author: Dr. Deepa Pattani
Dr. Deepa Pattani is a Functional Medicine Specialist, author, as seen on Forbes, CBD specialist, LDN compounder, pharmacy owner, wife, and mom of two. Dr. Deepa equips frustrated, stressed professionals with tools to stop feeling fatigued, anxious, and hopeless and feel sustained energy, in control and healthy with her 7-step PATTANI protocol that utilizes diagnostic testing and 1:1 coaching so they can live their best life yet.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Deepa has worked in hospitals and long-term care, so she understands treating the root cause is the only option. As an autoimmune disease educator, Dr. Deepa has helped patients manage weight loss, reduce medications, and decrease hospitalizations. She has helped over 500 patients in the last 5 years alone and has been a frequent speaker and educated other medical professionals.
Dr. Deepa has been seen on Forbes, featured in Dallas Voyage Magazine, has been a repeat radio guest, and bestselling author of the book “Unleashing the Storrie Within” which can be found on Amazon. She’s passionate about utilizing CBD to reduce medications, microdosing with LDN, and holistic healing.
Contact Dr. Deepa at AllenPharmacist@gmail.com
Disclosure: This article is intended to be educational and not construed as medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns about your health.
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FAQs About Physical Detox
Physical detoxification, often referred to as detox, is a process designed to remove harmful substances or toxins from the body. As with anything else, it’s important to proceed in a new program with moderation. As they say, too much of a good thing, isn’t! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about physical detox:
What is physical detox?
Physical detox is a process that involves eliminating harmful substances or toxins from the body. It can refer to practices aimed at supporting the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms.
How does the body naturally detoxify?
The body has its own detoxification systems, primarily involving the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. These organs work together to filter and eliminate waste products and toxins from the body.
What are common reasons seniors undergo detox?
Common reasons for undergoing detox include improving overall healthm managing chronic illnesses, and enhancing energy levels.
What are the different types of detox programs?
There are various types of detox programs, including medical detox, which is supervised by healthcare professionals. Other types include juice cleanses, fasting, and dry brushing.
Are detox diets effective?
The effectiveness of detox diets varies depending on individual goals and the specific detox program.
Are there potential risks or side effects associated with detox?
Yes, there can be risks and side effects associated with detox, especially if not done under proper supervision. These may include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and potential complications during withdrawal from addictive substances.
Should I consult a healthcare professional before starting a detox program?
Absolutely. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any detox program, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can help you determine if detox is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Are there natural ways to support the body’s detoxification processes?
Yes, there are natural ways to support the body’s detoxification processes, including staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep. These lifestyle choices can promote overall health and well-being.
