Detoxing…the Right Way | Part Two

In part one of Detoxing…the Right Way, I explained the importance of detoxing, and hopefully made it clear that if you plan on doing one, doing it properly will ensure that you don’t do more harm than good. A proper detox, I went on to say, is three-pronged, including diet, exercise and some supplementation, and then delved into what, from a dietary perspective, a proper detox looks like. In this part, I will look at the other two parts of the detox trifecta: exercise and supplementation.

EXERCISE/LIFESTYLE
As your skin and lungs are two of the organs involved in the detoxification process, exercise is one of the best ways to encourage detoxification. With an increased heart rate, comes sweating and deep breathing, both of which eliminates toxins. Let it be said, however, that you know your own fitness level, so exercise accordingly. If you haven’t worked out in years, consult a physician before hitting the treadmill like a marathoner, or start with 20-minute walks. If exercise is already in your daily repertoire, then carry on.

Ensuring that stress and negative emotions are minimized is also an important part of detoxification. Studies have shown that negative emotions are tied to an increased production of free radicals, which are damaging to the body. That said, although extremely tough, do everything in your power to be stress free during your detox. Yoga is a good way to exercise and minimize stress. You can also try breathing exercises and meditation, or just going to that white sand beach in your mind when things get a tad bit crazy.

SUPPLEMENTATION
If the diet and exercise components are in place, then herbal teas and supplementation can be used to not only encourage the detoxifying organs, but also support them. Look for supplements that contain herbs like milk thistle, which supports the liver, dandelion, which supports the kidneys, and fiber sources to encourage healthy bowel movements. Additional antioxidants, such as green tea extract, can also be used to help protect the body. Before adding any supplements to your detox, consult with your health care practitioner, as these herbs can interact with medications and may be contraindicated with some health conditions. 

Ultimately, detoxes are great. Just make sure that the one you choose addresses diet, exercise and supplementation. If it doesn’t, avoid it. And always remember, if you feel more comfortable being guided, a naturopath can design an individualized program just for you.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to Dr. Cristina about an individualized detox program, she can be reached at drcristina@thehealthloft.ca.