A toxin is any substance that causes harm in the body. Never before in human history have we been exposed to as many toxins as we are now.
If your body’s ability to process these toxins—detoxification—is compromised, the dominoes will fall on your core functional systems and your health will suffer, with the quiet stirrings of chronic illness taking hold. Fortunately, there are everyday things you can do to cleanse the body of toxins, strengthen the detoxification system, and prevent toxic overload.
The body has an amazing capacity to process and dispose of toxins. However, like any waste disposal system, it has limitations; chronic illness is the consequence when the body’s capacity to process toxins is hindered. Impaired
detoxification impacts us on a cellular level. Toxic build up will slow you down, zap your zest for life, and limit basic
metabolic functions.
Toxins may come from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, or from within the body. The liver, lungs, skin, kidneys, lymph nodes, stomach, and intestines work together to filter, reduce, and eliminate these toxins. Thus, from a holistic health perspective, all these areas should be considered if there is an issue in one area. The liver is the chief organ of the detoxification system. This critical organ converts toxic substances in the blood into chemical compounds that can be eliminated through the lungs, digestive tract, and skin. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), brittle, dry, spotty nails and dry eyes and floaters are all symptoms of a blood deficiency in the liver.1 The emotions associated to the detoxification system are important as well when looking at any detoxification issues. In TCM, the detoxification system is closely connected to the emotions of anger and frustration. These emotions may be the source of a detoxification issue or a symptom that stems from a physical issue. Like any other system in the body, our lifestyle has a tremendous impact on the health of the detoxification system.
Below are a few recommendations to help this system function optimally:
• Eat organic foods free of pesticides & herbicides
• Avoid overeating
• Eat fruits such as cantaloupe, avocados, and blueberries
• Consume plenty of vegetables, especially spinach, asparagus, and tomatoes
• Add other detox-friendly foods to your diet such as salmon, almonds, and turmeric
• Exercise to stimulate lymph flow and waste removal
• Consider deep-breathing exercises and far-infrared sauna to expel toxins
• Limit your exposure to EMF sources such as WiFi and cell phones.
• Add air purifiers to your home and/or workspace