What to Consider When Considering Detox

When we talked about spring, we mentioned detox, so I thought we would give it some more space and reading time.

Let’s start with why we need to detox.
It is quite simple. The world we live in – the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, almost everything that goes into our bodies is contaminated in some way. Of course, there are exceptions, but not many. Our bodies are strong and adaptable, but they need us to take care of them. Fortunately, there are many ways we can do that, whether we put in the good or avoid the bad. Ok, let me clear this up for you. 🙂

What is detox?
Detox is big right now; everyone talks about it, but what they rarely say is that our body already has a built-in detox system. Detoxification refers to the body’s natural process of removing or neutralizing toxins. Our liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, digestive and lymphatic system have this job.

Let’s try to explain this in a simple matter:

• Liver – the MVP of detox. It breaks down harmful substances (like alcohol, drugs, and environmental toxins) into safer compounds that can be eliminated
• Kidneys – filter your blood and get rid of waste through urine
• Digestive system – removes waste via the colon and helps process what the liver breaks down
• Lungs – removes CO₂
• Skin – helps eliminate some waste through sweat (but it’s minor compared to the liver/kidneys)
• Lymphatic system – acts like a clean-up crew, moving waste products and immune cells around, draining into the bloodstream, where the liver and kidneys take over

So, we are already detoxing all the time. That being said, this doesn’t mean we can’t make their job easier.
If you’re thinking of juice cleanses, think again.

Most commercial detoxes like juices and supplements don’t do anything that our bodies aren’t already doing, and many of them lack scientific evidence to back up their claims. Not only that, but some can even be harmful — especially ones that involve extreme calorie restriction, laxatives, or diuretics.

So, how can we help our body detox?
There are a few legit ways to support our body’s natural detox systems:

• Hydration: Water helps our kidneys flush out waste
• Fiber: Helps our digestive tract keep things moving
• Antioxidant-rich foods: Support liver function (think berries, leafy greens, cruciferous veggies)
• Sleep: Crucial for metabolic waste removal in the brain (another sleep benefit)
• Limiting alcohol, processed foods, and sugar – reduces toxic load

Now that we know our bodies are already detoxing 24/7, do we need to detox?
Well, yes and no. No, we do not need the commercial detox programs, but yes, we do need to ease up the process of detoxification our body already does. As we learned, there is no need to do anything extreme; just support our natural systems with good nutrition, rest, and hydration.
Of course, a few days of clean eating and cutting out alcohol and/or processed foods is always a good idea, just know you’re not “flushing toxins,” but giving your body a break from overload.
And let’s not forget, we need to move, everything in our bodies works better when we move, so take a walk, run, do yoga, go to the gym, ride your bike, or simply do some old-school pushups, pullups and so on, just do, doing is what matters.

Once again, we learn that healthy living is all we need. 🙂

Also, don’t forget, your body isn’t the only one in need of detox; your mind needs it too. Yes, your mind. We are overflowed with negative information, with negative people, with negative thinking; we need to clear our minds from all that and more. The best way to do that is by being mindful, being present and surrounded with positivity, doing what relaxes you and makes you happy. First of all, limit your screen time, screen became a modern day disease, and instead spend time with people that make you happy (or by yourself if that is what you need), go outside, enjoy the beauties of spring, read a good book, watch a happy movie, sing, dance, draw, your mind knows what is best for you, just like your body does, so stop ignoring them, listen, and do. 🙂

Detoxing your mind and body does wonders. It is a natural reset button.

― Robin S. Baker