Supporting detoxification in our body, through the liver, gut, lymph and skin, is a fantastic way to improve how you look, feel and function as a whole.

When our detox pathways are “clogged up” it can show up as symptoms like skin concerns, digestive issues, fatigue, hormone imbalances & more. 

If you are having breakouts or chronic skin rashes like eczema, or trouble losing weight, feeling bloated all the time, and having consistent headaches or migraines…these aren’t normal, and these are all signs your body needs support!

We can’t be perfect and control everything around us, but we can:

1. Reduce our exposure to triggers and toxins
2. Boost and support our natural detox pathways

For example, let’s go over how amazing our liver is!

Some of it’s roles include:

Detoxification of your entire system including metabolites, protein synthesis, metabolism regulation, hormone regulation, & production of chemicals for digestion. It does SO much for our body & with today’s toxic environment (food, air etc) it is critical to support our liver’s natural processes.

However, we don’t need to undertake drastic measures to “cleanse” our systems. When it comes to a (spring) detox, think in terms of gentle supportive tactics for cleansing, not deprivation and drastic measures.

And detoxing can also include other areas of our lifestyle beyond our food & products (more on that below!)

Questions to ask yourself:

• “What is currently NOT serving me and my health?”
• What/where have I been wanting to make a change in?”
• “What in my environment would I like to change (clutter, products etc)?”
• “What mental and emotional stress do I need to let go of?”
• “What habits do I need/want to start implementing (or improve consistency) with?”

Detoxing can mean improving your physiology – but from a holistic approach – it can also mean getting rid of toxic people, relationships, and environments. 

It can be creating less clutter, donating items, cleaning & organizing, creating more physical space. Your mental load and your environment (i.e. your house, workspace) are two areas we don’t address enough – but they have a huge impact on our health! 

Less clutter, less energy spent on crappy people – less stress – and a happier, healthier you!

FIRST: REMOVING & REDUCING as many toxins as possible.

SECOND: Lifestyle changes & habits with our body & mind to support natural detoxing.

Our Functional Medicine approach to detoxing can include addressing your:

• Nutrition 
• Water & Hydration
• Movement/Exercise
• (Non-Toxic Natural) Products 
• Supplements & Misc Tactics
• Gut & Liver Support
• Healthy Environment 
• Mental & Emotional Health 

1. Drink more water:

Did you know that water makes up approximately 65% of our bodies? Adequate water intake is necessary for proper body functioning. It is a natural detoxifier for our bodies, as it helps replenish balance within our cells and to flush out toxins. Drinking more water will increase energy levels, improve digestion, circulation, and organ functioning. It also reduces bloating, improves skin tone, and increases mental clarity. Drink up!

2. Eat your veggies:

Being healthy isn’t always about eating less…it is about fueling your body with the nutrients in the proper quantities. Vegetables contain high levels of micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) that are essential for overall well-being. They are also high in fiber and low in calories, which provide satiety and aids in proper digestion & energy balance. Try adding 1 cup of veggies to your dinner or have a colorful salad with lunch. Try incorporating 1 new vegetable a week to your meals.

3. Reduce your sugar intake:

Highly processed foods containing white sugar, flour, trans fats and/or GMOs are highly inflammatory to our bodies, increase insulin & blood sugar levels, fatigue, and provide little nutrients! Other foods to consider would be dairy and vegetable oils. Aim to reduce and ultimately eliminate all these “foods”.

4. Get moving:

Physical activity will improve circulation, energy levels, digestion & strength & endurance. The more you move the energy you gain! Sweating is a natural way of removing toxins from the body. Regular exercise also increases serotonin levels (aka the happy hormone) so you will be fitter AND happier!

5. Prioritize Sleep:

Sleep and proper recovery is one of the most underrated factors when it comes to naturally balancing your hormones, improving energy, and detoxing. Sleep is when our body removes toxins, grows & restores energy & cellular balance. Prioritizing sleep is crucial to truly optimal health. Aim to get a consistent 7-8 hours a night. Set up a nightly routine that will help train your body to get ready for bed.

6. Get R & R:

With our non-stop busy lifestyles, rest and down-time is usually pushed on the back burner (if it even exists!) Unfortunately many people deal with chronic stress (physical, mental, environmental and emotional). 

High cortisol levels are linked to ALL major diseases, decreasing your overall health! High cortisol levels have been shown to decrease hormone production, which regulates your metabolism, moods, digestion, etc.

Reducing stress (and ultimately balancing your hormones) is critical for optimal wellness. Schedule time each day for you: it might include reading, meditation, prayer, or spending time with loved ones. Keep a gratitude journal or practice breathing techniques. Reduce or eliminate the stressors that you can control. Your Negative Nancy friend? Buh-bye! Find a new project or hobby that will keep you excited about. All these little things add up!

7. Consider Quality Supplements:

Even though the optimal way to nourish our bodies is through whole foods, we can’t always eat the “perfect” diet with all vitamins and nutrients.

Supplementation is a great way to fill the gaps between your diet. It ensures that you are taking in the proper nutrients that your body needs.

Supplements are SUPPLEMENTAL to your diet, and is based on each individual, but we might recommend ones such as Omega 3s, a multi vitamin, and Vit D.

8. Reduce the “hidden” toxins in our environment:

Some stressors may include:

• Environmental toxins (chemicals & ingredients found in personal care & cleaning supplies, plastics etc).
• Pollutants/Smog/Fumes
• Alcohol, or tobacco consumption
• Consistent use of OTC medications or antibiotics (like ibuprofen, excedrin etc)

9. Clear out the Physical and Mental Clutter:

As described above, brainstorm different things your house and workspace (even your car) needs some TLC. Also consider if there are relationships, people, or any responsibilities that you start to let go of, to better your overall health.

10. Miscellaneous Tactics:

These support the liver, gut and lymph systems, and can/should be incorporated alongside the other habits.

• Dry brushing
• Sauna use
• Massage
• Rebounding 
• Air filter & purifier for your home.workspace I.e. (Air Doctor)
•  Essential oils: frankincense, lemon, orange, tangerine, rosemary, geranium, juniper berry, cilantro
•  Herbs: Dandelion, Yellow dock, Burdock, Chicory root

1. Start brainstorming of the areas of your life and environment that have potential to be cleaned up and changed to a better, cleaner alternative.
2. Decide where you can AND want to start making changes. My recommendation is to start with just a few areas and small changes – more is not always better! 
3. Schedule your next appointment with me (or your free consult!) Because if you are focusing on supporting your detox pathways, we need to make sure we are addressing the ROOT CAUSE of WHY you’re having any symptoms in the first place!

ACTION STEPS:

Use these as starting steps!

1. Reduce/eliminate alcohol
2. Drink at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day
3. Get a stainless steel or ceramic water bottle (ditch the plastics!)
4. Throw out any trigger or junk food in your house
5. Add in a source of healthy fiber: cruciferous veggies, beans, lentils, flax, chia, oats
6. Walk at least 8k steps a day
7. Clean out/de clutter one area of your house or work space
8. Arrange your work space with something positive & uplifting (photos, plants)
9. Donate items (that you’ve been meaning to for months!)
10. Implement 1 small night time habit to help unwind & improve sleep
11. Spend 5 minutes doing deep breathing
12. Spend time outside barefoot (I.e. grounding)