…and safe ways to get rid of toxins
In the context of a healthy lifestyle that has now become a trend, the word “detox” has increasingly appeared. However, many still do not fully understand the meaning of this concept.
Toxins are poisons of biological origin. In the human body, the toxins can be produced by bacteria, parasites, or fungi.
If there are toxins in the body, then the cause is an infectious disease that requires medical treatment.
Detox or, in its more scientific formulation, detoxification, is a set of procedures aimed at removing toxins from the body. Toxins are quite dangerous substances that, accumulating in the intercellular fluid, cause a strong destructive effect on the body. In fact, it is a poison; it enters the body of almost every person. Toxins wait for us everywhere: in the air, food, water, and clothing. So, the detox procedure just involves the removal of toxins from the intercellular fluid through the intestines, kidneys, lungs, or skin by stimulating the lymphatic system.
In addition, there is such a thing as toxicants – “A poison that is made by humans or that is put into the environment by human activities. Many pesticides are toxicants” – persistent organic pollutants (pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, fire retardants, and more). They can enter the body from the environment and accumulate in fatty tissue, which may cause certain chronic illnesses.
It is undeniable that nutrition and lifestyle have a direct impact on well-being and health.
Alcohol abuse entails a whole cascade of chemical reactions, and the decay products of alcoholic beverages really poison the body.
A diet rich in processed and sugary foods increases the level of inflammation, negatively affects blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
To solve these problems and reduce the risk of developing diseases, it is worth making dietary and lifestyle changes; quality detox programs may help to start this process faster.
Popular Detox Programs
There are detox programs for every taste and budget. Here are the most popular ways:
● change in diet (fasting; vegetable, fruit, or juice diets; eating only liquid foods);
● bath and sauna;
● massage;
● supplements.
Detox programs can be divided into relatively safe and those that can harm.
● Massage. If it is performed by a professional, it will be useful: it will help you relax and speed up muscle recovery after a workout.
● Bath and sauna. Regular bathing has a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of death from sudden cardiac arrest, the development of coronary insufficiency, and other cardiovascular diseases. However, there are risks: bathing is contraindicated in patients with symptomatic and unstable heart disease, as well as after drinking any amount of alcohol.
● Supplements. I prefer the supplements that support the whole body as well as the 3 Phases of Liver Detox. There is NO magic bullet when it comes to a certain ingredient that supports detox. It is more complex than drinking a cup of chamomile tea or taking a one-ingredient supplement. Liver support includes complex B vitamins, amino acids (the components of proteins), some herbal extracts, and more.
In my practice, I offer a 10-day Restart Program to help my clients feel better faster by adding vitamins, herbal extracts, and more to support 3 phases of liver detoxification. It helps my clients to understand how much fatigue they suffered from and also teaches them to incorporate healthy foods into their diet, instead of just relying on some miracle detox supplement.
● Diet. Each drastic dietary restriction has its potential negative effects:
– Fasting – a decrease in the number of calories consumed can lead to loss of muscle mass, metabolic disorders, deficiency of vitamins, and trace elements; AND deficiency of amino acids derived from proteins we eat to support the phases of liver detoxification.
– the transition to a vegetable or fruit diet also leads to an imbalance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and a lack of vitamins, and trace elements. I do not recommend a fruit diet to anyone as it keeps insulin and blood sugar increased in the body, which causes inflammation. Supplementation with vitamin B12 and iron may be needed too.
– juice programs – the worst thing you can do to your body is to do a juice “cleanse”. Sometimes detox gurus suggest that people drink only specially prepared fruit and vegetable juices for several days. This is bad because it leads your body to keep your insulin and blood sugar elevated, as juices are mainly composed of simple carbohydrates.
In addition, some types of juices, such as spinach or beetroot, are high in oxalates, and an excess of these substances can lead to kidney stones as well as deposition of oxalates in muscle tissues and the brain. Some juices can even have a laxative effect, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
What to do?
Popular detox programs not only do not improve well-being but can also harm. To accurately help the body and maintain health, experts advise:
- give up smoking and alcohol;
- drink enough water ;
- normalize sleep;
- exercise at least 150 minutes a week;
- include enough vegetables and low-glycemic fruits (mostly, berries), and other fiber-rich foods in your diet;
- consider starting a 10-Day Restart Program.