HEALTH Why and how to DETOXIFY your body regularly HEALTH Why and how to DETOXIFY your body regularly We live in a polluted & stressful world, which can easily overburden and strain our bodies with contaminants. And as you know, contamination may lead to severe health problems.The most common types of toxins that can affect our bodies are: ALLERGENS like chemicals, dust, food, mould & pollen ANTI-NUTRIENTS like alcohol, caffeine, high fructose corn syrup, processed foods & trans fats   BY-PRODUCTS from the chemical process responsible for keeping us alive, like bile, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, stool & urea CHEMICALS like cleaning products, glues, herbicides, pesticides & solvents HEAVY METALS like aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury & tin INFECTIONS like bacteria, parasites, viruses & yeast MEDICATIONS used inappropriately, improperly or overused On top of that, we all have to endure emotional, social & spiritual obstacles on a daily basis that can also contribute to tatty health and wellbeing! Think: DISCONNECTION FROM NATURE no or minimal contact with the natural environment  DISTRACTIONS constant noises, lights, images & smells  ISOLATION hello 2020 + 2021 LACK OF SPIRITUAL CONNECTION no meaning or purpose in life NEGATIVE EMOTIONS, as well as constant gloomy thoughts like anger, blame, doubt, fear, guilt & hatred OVER-STIMULATION from adverts, computers, phones, radio, television & social media POOR MENTAL STATE like addiction, destructive patterns & overeating  STRESS, which can be a result of lack of self-care, financial strain, ott worrying & overworking It’s a lot !!!Luckily, our bodies & minds can handle all those nasty hurdles (without the need for special diets that don’t do anything your body can’t naturally do on its own or expensive supplements). Despite constant changes in the outer world, they can maintain emotional & physical balance and wellbeing. This process is called homeostasis – an automated process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions. All major body systems, including the brain, gut, kidneys, liver + gallbladder, lungs, lymphatics & skin, work together to help maintain balance, health and wellbeing. Thus, only when these organs are healthy can they effectively eliminate unwanted substances.The detox process involves biotransformation, mobilization & elimination of toxins of both internal and external origin and helps rejuvenate your body naturally.While there are no exact symptoms that could suggest that your body’s natural detoxification system dwindles, there are several signs that could indicate a possible problem with your body’s detoxification, including: bad breath & body odour bloating & gas dark circles under the eyes fatigue along with brain fog + interrupted sleep pattern fluid retention and excess weight headaches along with neck + shoulder pain heartburn  infertility along with low sex drive irritable bowel, foul-smelling stool + dark colour urine mood disorder muscle + joint aches  persistent colds & infections premature ageing + weakness rashes + canker sores sinus congestion + postnasal drip weight changes + loss of muscle tone If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, know one thing…There isn’t a program or product that will fix the issue. I often come across a magical detox plan that is exaggerated, expensive, potentially harmful, and completely useless! So please stay clear of anything that sounds extreme, unrealistic, & too good to be true, and instead adopt a detoxifying lifestyle, which I share my best seven tips for below, or seek professional help for severe symptoms!   7 basic components of a detoxifying lifestyle     7 basic components of a detoxifying lifestyle   Avoidance of environmental toxicants: electromagnetic radiation, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants Exercise: daily physical activity like cardio, swimming, walking or yoga  Healthy nutrition: a plant-based diet rich in organic products and adequate water intake Plenty of: sleep + relaxation Self-care practices for the body: acupuncture + massage  Self-reflection practices: breathing exercises, mindfulness and meditation  Toxin elimination: via chelation therapy, hot yoga class, sauna or steam room  It is vital that you develop and maintain such a lifestyle, and as you can imagine, nutrition plays a huge part in it.   The first step     The first step   To promote detox, remove any foods + or beverages altogether from your diet that may be contributing to the burden of toxins in your body, including: → any foods containing petrochemical residues→ polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like charbroiled meat→ trans fats→ sugary, salty + processed foods→ water contaminated with metals and chemicals   The next step     The next step   Incorporate more nourishing foods into your diet, supporting organs with detoxification and positively modifying genetic expressions & cell signalling. Fats & Oils provide an excellent energy source for the detox and biotransformation processes. Grains source of soluble + insoluble fibre vital for intestinal transit  Fruits contain various phytonutrients like anthocyanins, b-carotene & lutein that have protective antioxidant properties. They are also high in water content, which aids in detoxification. Legumes are a great source of soluble + insoluble fibre, various amino acids + antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Nuts + Seeds are not only a great source of energy + fibre but also have a positive impact on the reduction of bacterial deconjugating enzymes. Protein’s high-quality, bioavailable protein is a vital source of amino acids needed for enzyme production like l-glutamine, l-cysteine or methionine. Vegetables starchy veg, similarly to fruits, provide fibre + phytonutrients, while non-starchy ones offer a wide variety of phytochemicals that impact detoxification and biotransformation.     Antioxidant-rich foods can help your body fight oxidative stress caused by excess free radicals and other toxins that increase disease risk. Pre+Probiotic Foods both support the body in building and maintaining a healthy colony of bacteria and other microorganisms, supporting the gut and aiding digestion.