Detoxification 101
Detoxification – we hear it all the time and everybody’s talking about it – but what does it actually mean, and why is there so much hype around it?
Detoxification, put simply, is the process of removing toxic substances from the body. However, most people hear the word detoxification and think “5-day juice cleanse,” which is the reason I’m writing this – to debunk that idea once and for all, and to provide you with the correct (and possibly new) perspective on the infamous detoxification.
When you’re healing from chronic illness, detoxification and cleansing becomes a part of your everyday routine. And if you’re not healing from chronic illness, but rather looking to feel vibrant, full of zest, and live as your healthiest self, detoxification can also become part of your daily regime. Let’s start by going over what cleansing and detoxification is not: Detoxification is not restrictive, it’s not a short-term solution, and it’s not something that you do once in a blue moon. Rather than latching onto the 5-day-juice-cleanse-once-a-year trend, proper and effective cleansing means that you implement detoxifying practices into your life each and every day in order to provide constant support to your body.
Detoxification and cleansing is a lifestyle – when you detox, your body filters out toxins and waste, it strengthens your immune system, circulates your blood, rejuvenates your skin, supports gut health, removes heavy metals, parasites, and so on. Cleansing helps bring your body back to a state of balance and homeostasis and supports the functioning of your entire system. When we view this practice as a lifestyle rather than a short term “fix,” we eliminate the restrictive mindset that comes with something like a juice cleanse.
Now let’s be real, we’re all inhaling toxins of all sorts on a daily basis. Whether you live in a city, wear perfume, pump gas into your car, or hang out with people who vape religiously, we’re all subjected, voluntarily and involuntarily, to toxic substances. But here’s the good thing, our bodies are self-regulating and able to filter out the toxins we inhale. Let me give you a little glimpse into the magic of our vital organs: Our liver filters toxins that have seeped into our bloodstream; our lungs filter toxins we inhale (from cigarettes to air pollution); our kidneys filter toxins and release them through our urine (yes, pee is a form of detox); and our intestines work to remove parasites and other organisms. Our bodies are working around the clock to filter out toxins and assist our bodies in the detoxification process – without us lifting a finger!
However, it’s inevitable that we become so exposed to and burdened with toxins that we have an internal buildup of sh*t that our organs are not able to filter as quickly or effectively. When there’s an influx of toxins that results in a major overload to our bodies, our immune systems weaken and our overall health begins to decline. That’s when we begin to experience various uncomfortable and, sometimes, debilitating symptoms such as bloating, digestive issues, acne, fatigue, low energy, frequent colds and repeated infections, unexplained headaches or migraines, constipation. Sound familiar? Well, you most likely have a buildup of toxins and need to begin gently detoxifying your body.
The end goal of detoxification is cell regeneration and restoration, vibrancy, vitality, and to feel GOOD again! Our bodies are truly amazing – whether we realize it or not – self-healing organisms which, if put under the right conditions, always have our backs. Our bodies are smart, they advocate for us, they WANT us to heal. So if you’re healing from chronic illness, remember that our bodies are on our side, sometimes they just need a little assistance.
Below are some of my favorite tools, practices, and products for detoxification. By beginning to implement a few (or all) of these practices into your daily routine, you will assist your body in removing things that are not meant to be in our bodies, freeing up energy for other things (e.g., healing). Cleansing and detoxification allows our bodies to rest and repair, to recover, to put energy into healing rather than working to fight off toxins, parasites, and all of the other unnatural, miscellaneous things flooding our systems 24/7.
Infrared Sauna: This is by far my favorite tool for detoxification. While an infrared sauna may not be accessible for everyone, there is a free alternative to an infrared sauna that we can utilize to filter out toxins at an accelerated rate. SWEAT! Yes, sweat. I use the Therasage Thera360 daily and love it. This is the only portable sauna that offers full-spectrum infrared, no EMFs, negative ions, and earthing benefits. (You can use my code: BEWELLBELLA20 for 20% off through the end of February)
Dry Brushing: The lymphatic system is our body’s internal drainage system. However, our lymphatic system can become stagnant or slow due to inflammation from processed foods, excessive alcohol, and lack of detox/internal flow. Dry brushing can help by stimulating lymph flow and circulation which aids the detoxification process. Pro tip: I love to use my dry brush before going in the sauna to boost circulation pre sweat and I also use it before I shower. It’s a game changer.
Colonics + enemas: Colonics and enemas are another great tool for cleansing. However, if you aren’t actively cleansing (eating high vibrational foods like fruits and vegetables, moving your body on a daily basis, sweating, hydrating) colonics can disrupt your system more than help it. It can create a detoxification effect which means an overload of toxins are brought to the surface and you might experience discomfort. With that being said, if you get a colonic make sure to begin cleansing through clean nutrition, hydration, and daily movement beforehand. Colonics and enemas help to remove toxic waste in your colon resulting in enhanced energy, a more effective digestive system, improved immune system, and healthier gut flora and bacteria. As someone who is healing from chronic illness, I ideally like to get a colonic 1x per month.
Lymphatic drainage massages: Lymphatic drainage massages are one of my favorite tools for effective detox. The benefits: toxin and bacteria removal, reduced swelling, increased circulation, and stimulation of the lymph nodes to aid lymph flow for more effective detox. I also love to use a lymphatic drainage body tool with a nourishing body oil for extra support. This one is my favorite.
Other tools I love: daily green juices (this floods your body with nutrients that are easily absorbed into your digestive system for greater detox and elimination), exercise (daily movement- yes, even walking- helps to boost circulation which supports lymph flow and the removal of toxins to the lymph nodes and kidneys), epsom salt baths (taking a bath with epsom salt can help to flush toxins out of your body quickly and efficiently through sweat. Not to mention, it’s a great way to wind down and relax at night. Sitting in an epsom salt bath for 10-20 minutes will do the trick).
While detoxification may seem intimidating and only necessary for those healing from chronic illness, it’s not! It’s fairly simple and something that we can all implement into our lives to support our bodies and to feel better on a daily basis. x
