Originally published on ideafit.com
The human body is equipped to rid itself of toxins to improve health, but there are times when you may need to give it a boost. Simple changes in diet and eating habits can rejuvenate your body's natural detoxification system. Detox diets are often thought of as a new thing, but there is evidence that Chinese medicine incorporated the use of natural cleansing foods centuries ago. In this article, David Reagan - a personal trainer from Atlanta, shares simple ways to detoxify your body during the quarantine.
Detoxification is essentially the process of cleansing the blood. The liver, kidneys, intestines and other parts of the body filter and remove impurities as blood circulates. However, these processes can be overwhelmed at times and this can lead to health problems. Unexplained fatigue, bloating and skin irritations are some of the warning signs that toxins are lingering in the body.
The following are natural ways to aid detoxification in the body for improved health.
Most health experts agree that drinking more water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help the body function effectively. Drinking a large glass of water first thing in the morning is a great way to hydrate your body for the day ahead. The exact volume of water you should drink every day depends on your diet, physical activity level, and other factors, but between three and four liters is a sensible amount.
Water plays a vital role in transporting and flushing waste products from the body which can cause harm if allowed to build up. It also helps to regulate body temperature, aids digestion and lubricates joints. Problems resulting from dehydration include fatigue, headaches, reduced attention, and skin irritations.
Excessive drinking impairs the liver's ability to detoxify the body. The process of metabolizing alcohol creates acetaldehyde, a known cancer-causing toxin. When functioning properly, the liver converts acetaldehyde into a harmless substance and flushes it from the body. Drinking more than one or two drinks a day can overwhelm the liver and inhibit its ability to keep the detoxification system running effectively. Alcohol can also cause inflammation, a build-up of fat and heart problems.
The extent of the harm caused to public health by processed foods and sugar has only recently been understood. Daily consumption of processed foods has been linked to serious diseases in a number of studies. Obesity and diabetes have proven links to refined sugar, and there is convincing evidence that cancer and heart disease can result from a diet of processed foods.
Switching to a diet rich in vegetables is a natural way to aid the body's detoxification process. Leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll which flushes toxins from the bloodstream. Broccoli and cauliflower help the liver to produce detoxifying enzymes due to the presence of glucosinolates. Flavonoids and beta-carotene contained in carrots stimulate and support liver health overall.
Lack of sleep is a serious problem in the modern world. Many health professionals believe that sleep is as important for health and wellbeing as diet and exercise. Recent studies suggest that the brain uses sleep to wash away toxins and can contribute to the restoration of brain cell function. The amount of sleep needed to repair the mind and body varies from person to person, but between seven and nine hours is average. The sleep tracker function on a fitness watch is a good way to monitor how many hours of total rest you are getting each night.
A detox diet is often thought of as a short-term change in eating habits to help the body recover from something. To keep your body functioning at its best, eating foods rich in antioxidants on a daily basis should be part of your lifestyle. For example, a smoothie made with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries is a great way to kick start the day. Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps to neutralize free radicals within the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Small changes to diet and lifestyle can make a big difference to your health by improving detoxification processes within your body. Follow the tips in this article and the benefits will include greater energy levels, improved concentration, and healthier skin.
David Reagan is a NASM Certified personal trainer from Atlanta, Georgia, who specializes in weight loss, personalized workout plans, bodybuilding, and nutrition. He caters to high-end clients and executives, helping them achieve their fitness goals by accommodating their busy schedules. The client’s needs come first, and David’s fitness plan will set you up on the path to success.