- coachmollykay
Detoxing Naturally
Updated: Jun 9, 2021
Words like "detox" and "cleanse" are flashed across every screen we see associated with health and fitness these days. What's with the obsession? What happened to eating clean, living a healthy lifestyle, and allowing the body to do its job? Let me explain, processed food, stress, hand sanitizer, so much hand sanitizer! Plus, the billion-dollar health and fitness industry is what happened. Not to mention, we love buying products that make us think a short cut week cleanse can irradiate months or even years of an unhealthy lifestyle.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some tools that will help your body do its job more effectively and times when a true detox is necessary, especially if you are experiencing chronic dis-ease, mold toxicity, autoimmune conditions or cancer but for everyone else let's get back to the basics and use our common sense. You don't need a lot of crazy pills, juices, powders, or overpriced plans to help keep your body functioning optimally. You can simply incorporate water and fresh real foods that allow your body to naturally detox itself which our organs are designed to do. If you don't eat a lot of veggies, start with a small amount. Buy organic when you can. Frozen fruits and veggies are great options as well.
Lemon
- aids in digestion
- helps reduce bloat since it's a natural diuretic
- helps reduce inflammation
- cleanses the liver
- helps to alkalize the body (balance out the body's PH levels)
Lemon essential oil is one of those tools that can be used when carrying cut up lemons in your purse is not an option. Just kidding, I’ve never done that, ok maybe I have. Lemon essential oil is also a great option if you experience sensitivity on your teeth when you eat lemons or add lemon juice in your water since there is no citric acid contained in the oil as opposed to the fruit.
Chia seeds
- plenty of fiber to help keep you full; fiber also binds to toxins in the body to help move them out
- high in calcium
- high in anti-oxidants which helps to fight free radicals
- high in zinc which is good for your skin
- make sure to soak and/or blend with a liquid so your body can absorb them!
Speaking of “moving them out” the key to detoxing naturally is making sure your detox pathways are clear and functioning properly. If you are not experiencing a bowl movement 1-3 times per day you may need to address underlying conditions and supplements may be necessary to “get things moving” if dietary changes alone do not.
Pineapple
- high in vitamin C
- helps to ease bloat
- contains enzymes that help aid in digestion
Digestive enzymes are another tool that can really aid in digestion especially if you suffer from certain GI disorders, leaky gut, mold toxicity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis or EPI.
Raw apple cider vinegar (and apples)
- acts as a natural internal disinfectant and anti-bacterial
- helps with insulin sensitivity (blood sugar)
- make sure to start with a small amount like 1 tbsp mixed with 8 ounces of water or lemon water
- eating a whole apple is great since it has fiber, high water content, and is a convenient healthy snack!
Veggies! Specifically cucumber, celery, broccoli (cooked)
- celery is high in calcium, vitamin A and C, iron, and magnesium. and has a high water content
- fresh celery juice heals the gut, helps with inflammation, and helps with digestion
- cucumber is very hydrating, high in vitamin K, and helps to cleanse bad breath!
- broccoli is high in B vitamins, helps to lower cholesterol, and aids in digestion (cooked verses raw might be easier on your tummy)
Avocado
- high in potassium which helps with water retention
- high in fiber and B vitamins
- healthy fat to stabilize blood sugar and keep you full
Water
- how the body rids itself of toxins!
- prevents headaches and helps with focus
- drinking water throughout the day helps prevent snacking when you are just thirsty
- aim for half your body weight in ounces per day!
Some additional foods to include when you are trying to detox are walnuts, leafy greens, and berries. They all contain fiber to help clear out toxins and keep you full! Keep an apple or some nuts handy so you are able to snack healthy. Being prepared with water and healthy snacks between meals is the best way to continue to detox without doing anything crazy.
If you stick with these detoxing tips as often as possible, there won't be a need to look for detox pills or cleanse kits. Let your body be it's own cleanse kit.
Keep Looking UP!
MollyKay