Is detoxing at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list? If so, you may want to explore all your options before diving deep into the vast world of detoxing and cleansing. There’s a lot of misinformation out there – and some of it can even be harmful to your body!
Fortunately, you can use simple therapies to achieve gentle vitality and improve the building blocks for your body’s natural detoxification process. Here are three of our favorite ways to detox naturally:
1. Limit your sugar intake
When we reach for sweet treats, deep inside we can all hear the little voice saying, “Don’t eat it, don’t eat it!” Our mouths may be salivating and our brains may be craving it, but sugar is one of the worst things for us! It’s a guilty pleasure relationship. When we consume too much sugar, the extra insulin can cause a variety of problems, and cardiovascular problems are at the top of the list.
Harvard Medical School states, “Consuming too much added sugar can increase blood pressure and worsen chronic inflammation, both of which are pathological pathways to heart disease.” But what is a normal amount of sugar you should consume at a time? Staying within 8-10 grams of sugar per serving is a good start, as the human body can metabolize this range within a few hours. Be sure to pay attention to added sugars on the nutrition label, as they are often found where you least expect them. You can even find excess amounts of sugar in natural ketchup!
Not only does limiting sugar support longevity, but it also gives your body the chance to properly perform its normal toxin elimination functions because it is no longer bogged down by processing all that sugar. It may take a few weeks before you stop drooling over those pink donuts, but your body will function optimally if you limit the amount of sugar.
2. Drink fresh vegetables
If you can’t eat multiple servings of vegetables, why not drink them? When I’m feeling heavy, I like to make my own fresh green juice with parsley, ginger, lemons and green apples. All organic of course!
Parsley is a great alternative to fresh spinach and kale because it is easier on the digestive tract. This fantastic herb contains many electrolyte vitamins, which ensure that your body stays hydrated and achieves optimal detoxification! Parsley leaf contains flavonoids that support urine excretion. It is important to drink plenty of water while consuming parsley because you want everything to flow naturally.
In your quest for good health, you have probably heard of adding lemon juice to your water. Lemons are a fantastic source of bitter compounds and pectin, which support a healthy, balanced pH environment. Like other members of the citrus family, lemons contain compounds that support the elimination of free radicals in our body.
Want to start drinking your greens, but not sure where to start? Here is one of my favorite green juice recipes:
DIY Healthy Green Juice
Lauren’s healthy green juice. Credit: Lauren Ann Nichols
You will need: (all fresh and organic)
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 Lemon
- 2 green apples
- 2 ounces ginger
- Water
- Blender (such as Vitamix)
How to do that:
- Wash all products well!
- Cut the right pieces for your blender. You can leave the lemon peel, apple stems and all.
- Place all material in the blender and cover with at least 32 ounces of water.
- Close the lid of the blender and blend for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Strain all liquid into your storage container using a fine mesh strainer.
- Chill and enjoy within 48 hours.
Pro tips:
*I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase circulation.
*Add one of WishGarden’s handcrafted herbal tinctures to your juice for an extra detox boost! I prefer the Deep Cleanse Reset & Flourish.
*Add an herbal lymphatic tincture, formulated with herbs such as cleaver and red carrot, to support your lymphatic system and immunity.
If you have a targeted system in mind to detox, such as the liver or kidneys, check out these liquid tonics that are safe for daily use:
Kidney Strength Daily Support promotes healthy kidney function with a synergistic range of herbs. Corn silk, marshmallow root and parsley work together to promote a healthy inflammatory response while strengthening the functions of the urinary tract.
Liver Strength is a normalizing tonic with unique herbs. Motherwort supports a healthy inflammatory response and moves fluid to the organs of elimination. Yellow dock root is known for its macronutrients to support healthy liver function. Regular consumption of this herb can activate the detoxification process in the liver and stimulate bile production. Finally, watercress antennae are rich in vitamins such as iron and calcium.
3. Get moving
You know it’s true: you have to get moving. Exercise is the most important therapeutic tool for overall good health. Try taking a 30-minute walk at lunch, after dinner, or in the morning. I once heard that the Japanese path to longevity involves walking 10,000 steps every day. So walk, walk and walk again! Walking improves lymphatic movement and circulation and supports cardiovascular health. In a world with thousands of additional options, sometimes a walk can save money and achieve more vitality than anything in a bottle.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
Read further