Detoxification (or “detox”) is a natural process that our bodies use to cleanse and purify our cells, tissues, and organs. Everyday we are bombarded by substances that harm our bodies and pose long-term health risks. These substances are considered toxins and can be found in the air we breath, the water we drink, the food we eat, the products we put on our skin and hair, and the products we use to clean our homes.
Just as we monitor our eating habits in order to prevent weight gain, we must also monitor our toxic habits in order to prevent both short- and long-term health complications.
What are toxic habits? A toxic habit can involve food, social engagements, relationships, work, or self-talk. It can cause toxic chemicals to enter our bodies and accumulate in our tissues. It can cause unnecessary stress and insomnia, which disturbs our bodies’ normal processes. It can lead to low self-esteem and psychological issues. Accumulated over time, toxic habits can degenerate our bodies, minds, and spirits and leave us feeling ill, weak, and unhappy.
Toxins that are of major public concern involve pesticides and additives present in food. Industrialization of farms and mass production of refined foods has changed the way food is preserved and stored and has introduced hormones, antibiotics, and foreign chemicals to our bodies. Advancements in science have led to new forms of fats and sugar that are more affordable to produce and purchase, yet also lead to addiction, diabetes, and clogged arteries.
Personal care products that contain synthetic oils and chemical fragrances can cause allergies, skin irritations, and hormonal imbalances. Cleaning products for the home can lead to similar issues, along with permanent damage to the lungs, brain, and endocrine system.
Sometimes we experience toxic relationships with the people we allow in our lives. Chronic negativity and verbal abuse can elevate stress, which can lead to dependencies on substances (e.g., food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine) and disrupt our bodies’ systems, especially digestion.
The good news is we can control a lot of these toxic substances in our lives. The bad news is that it requires a lifetime of dedication to making positive decisions for our health.
How do we detox? There are various programs that we can use to cleanse the body inside-out and outside-in. Some simply involve oral supplements, teas, and beverages, while others require an entire change in diet. Fasting is a useful method for detoxing at the cellular level, but must be done cautiously and is only suitable for people without major health issues. There are also external detox programs that allow toxins to be removed through the skin.
Either way you choose, detoxing can be difficult. Having a coach to help you select a program that is appropriate and aligns with your goals is crucial for a successful detox. Email rachael@bewellplace.com with questions about detox programs and selecting one that is appropriate for you. Please include “Detox” in the subject line when requesting information specific to this topic.