Detoxing: A Natural Way to Start 2019

Detoxing is the process of ridding your body and mind of toxins, whether chemical or psychological, to help you feel in balance. It involves making healthy lifestyle changes such as reducing cortisol-releasing stress, maximizing your intake of antioxidants, consuming good bacteria and staying active.

Our bodies naturally work to detoxify our systems with the help of two organs: the liver and kidneys. Each organ works to filter the blood and keep the body in balance. However, poor eating and drinking habits, little exercise, and too many medications can make our liver work overtime. Moreover, high blood pressure or uncontrolled blood glucose can put our kidneys at risk. Unhealthy eating, chewing too fast and taking unnecessary antibiotics can also take a toll on our overall digestive system.

After a while, these unhealthy habits can start to cause problems such as indigestion and constipation, a lack of energy, and even blotchy and irritated skin. If you start to notice these changes, a detox might be the solution for you.

For starters, begin by identifying what problems you want to fix and seek professional guidance to address them. If you’re constipated, consider taking a fiber supplement, drinking more water, and adding more fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains into your diet. If you often find yourself under the weather, try meditating to reduce stress and taking a probiotic supplement.

If you’re feeling sluggish or run down, try exercising more to sweat out waste, adding a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement into your daily regimen and cutting out processed foods.

A good night’s sleep is also an important form of detoxification, as researchers believe our body flushes the brain of toxins while we are asleep.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, there are also plenty of detox aids to consider. For instance, salt baths serve as a great option, as well as teas with hibiscus or acai berry, fiber supplements and probiotics. Consider also adding dandelion, milk thistle, turmeric, garlic and cilantro into your diet. Avoid harsher options such as colon cleansers, diuretics and laxatives, as they are unnecessary and sometimes even dangerous.

Remember, a true detox means avoiding the bad – white flour and sugar, alcohol, drugs, smoking, chemical toxins found in household cleaners – and including the good – antioxidants, good bacteria, exercise – to keep your mind and body in check.

While we may get off track from time to time, remember that practicing healthy habits on a regular basis helps keeps our body in balance, and reduces the need for a detox.

John Walczyk is a registered compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email john@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.