WHEN TOXINS ARE PLENTIFUL, THE BODY HAS A SURE WAY OF LETTING YOU KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TOXICITY. HOW CAN YOU SHIFT YOUR BODY INTO DETOX MODE?
Toxins are harmful substances that can negatively impact the lungs, kidneys, liver, lymphatic system, blood, gallbladder, colon, and skin. When the body is holding on to toxins, it will let you know via various signs and symptoms. The more toxic your body, the worse you may look and feel. Some of the symptoms of toxicity may include: headaches, lethargy, weakness, sluggishness, weakened immunity, increased cellulite, depression, acne, skin rashes, increased allergies, recurring infections, inflammation, and bowel issues.
Reducing the toxins in your body will lower its acidity level, reliving uncomfortable signs and symptoms you feel. You will also lower your risk of disease and ailments associated with toxicity.
Before you begin, it is important to note that detoxing your body does not have to be a daunting, torturous process. There are simple steps you can take to safely and effectively begin the detoxification process*.
Here is a four-step plan to shift your body into detox mode:
1 QUIT TOXIC HABITS The first place to start the detoxification process is to examine your lifestyle. Are you drinking alcohol? Do you use tobacco? Do you drink caffeine in excess? These very harmful habits can cause the body to become very acidic, causing toxins to abound. Even if you have good nutrition habits, the nutrients may not be fully absorbed if they are being buffered by toxic-inducing habits. Alcohol and tobacco can increase your risk of developing deadly diseases. A clean body is free of the overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol and is completely void of tobacco use.
2 INCREASE WATER INTAKE Toxins need a way to exit the body. Generously increasing your water intake will provide the necessary vehicle to flush stagnant toxins out of the body. A fully hydrated body supports organ function and flushes toxins, whereas dehydration hinders body processes and can actually cause the body to hold onto toxins. It’s important to stay fully hydrated!
3 ELIMINATE TOXIC FOODS Toxic foods are highly acidic, or otherwise harmful. These include caffeine, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, red meat, and processed foods. Processed foods are truly toxic to the body, as they contain various harmful additives and preservatives. Some of the more common ones include: Mono Sodium Glumate (MSG), artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, common food dyes and trans fats. These are foreign to the human body and cause harm. Eat naturally occurring whole foods instead.
4 INCREASE DETOXIFYING FOODS Choose potent plant foods that are saturated with nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that provide protection against toxic substances. ✱ Many detox experts recommend water fasting or juice feasting to jolt your body into detox mode. However, these methods are best employed under the direct supervision of someone trained in such a capacity. Antioxidants help to eliminate or reduce damage caused by free radicals. Since free radicals can be compared to loose cannons waiting for an opportunity to wreak havoc on the body, eating foods that can sweep these from the body is good practice.
Super foods, plant-based foods with high mineral content, are another food category to include in a detox diet. These include chia seeds, hemp seeds, berries (goji, acai, etc.), spirulina, chlorella, and many more. A diet rich in super foods, leafy greens, fruits, and herbs and spices can do much to cleanse the body.
What are the Benefits of Detoxing? When you first clean up your diet, you may undergo varying degrees of uncomfortable symptoms. Headaches and lack of energy are common in the very beginning. However, do not give up; these symptoms are short lived. As your body cleanses itself, you will discover you have higher energy levels and no headaches! You will have a more positive outlook, greater mental clarity, and sleep better. You may have less cellulite, a clearer complexion and your allergies, sinus, and cold symptoms will likely lessen. The cleaner and healthier you eat over the long-term, the greater the benefits you will enjoy.
✱ Many detox experts recommend water fasting or juice feasting to jolt your body into detox mode. However, these methods are best employed under the direct supervision of someone trained in such a capacity.
DAILY DETOX JUICE
SUPER-NATURAL INGREDIENTS:
● 3 organic Granny Smith apples
● 3 organic stalks celery
● 1 cup fresh parsley
● 3 carrots
● ½ organic lemon with skin
● ¼ habanero (optional)
PREPARATION:
1 Wash all produce thoroughly and set aside.
2 Remove the core and seeds from the apples. Cut in quarters.
3 Cut a half of a lemon and remove seeds.
4 Cut habanero into ¼ piece. Seeds will increase the heat of the juice; remove seeds if you desire.
WHIP IT UP:
1 Use a juicer to juice the apples, celery, carrots, lemon, and jalapeno.
2 Once all produce is juiced, pour the juice into a blender and add the parsley. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds.
3 Pour into at least a 32 oz. glass and dilute with 16 oz. of water. Sip throughout the morning.
Yields: 1 serving (32 oz.)
