Fight back against toxins
The modern world is responsible for subjecting our bodies to an unprecedented series of challenges, particularly in industrialised nations where synthetic chemicals are heavily used. What with pollution, radiation, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, additives and preservatives, it’s impossible to avoid toxins completely.
Our bodies are coming under increasing attack from the chemicals in our environment, but we can fight back by detoxifying and protecting against these toxins.
How to begin detoxing your body
Your body’s main detoxification organs are the liver, kidneys, lungs, bowels and skin, and there are ways in which you can aid the detoxification process. At its most simple level, you need to ensure that you’re getting the toxins out of your body. A congested bowel will exhaust your energy and, if your system is clogged up, it will soon show in how you look and feel.
* Two bowel movements a day is ideal for most people.
* Eat plenty of fibre like brown rice, fruit and beans.
* Red meat and processed meats contain no fibre.
* Foods high in sugar or yeast can feed the bad bacteria in your colon, leading to irregular bowel movements.
* Eggs can also be constipating for some people.
And now for the next steps…
It is the liver that takes the brunt whenever our toxin load becomes too great, but fortunately we can protect this vital organ by limiting our exposure to toxins and helping our body eliminate those that do get in. Some ways include:
* Eat organic fruit and vegetables wherever possible.
* Avoid smoking, chemical products, pollution and alcohol.
* Neutralise toxins, especially free radicals, with antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene, zinc and selenium.
Overpowering bad bacteria by adding beneficial bacteria can help detox your gut, while skin-brushing will get your lymph moving and aid drainage.
Take a detoxification capacity test
This procedure will test how well the liver can convert and clear toxins from the body. Your saliva and urine will be examined to identify the challenges placed upon your liver, and the substances which should be removed from your diet.
Smokers, heavy drinkers, people exposed to toxic chemicals in the course of their work and regular users of prescription drugs are among the groups of people who will benefit from a detailed detoxification capacity profile.
Gillian McKeith is a holistic nutritionist who has written extensively about the benefits of detoxifying your body. More information about detoxification capacity tests and detoxification in general can be found at her Nutrition Clinic website.
She is the author of the newest bestselling book ‘Gillian McKeith’s Food Bible’, and known around the world for her television programme You Are What You Eat.
Fight back against toxins / Author: Stephanie Lee
Stephanie Lee is a copywriter with an interest in healthy living.
