When we live a healthy lifestyle, our bodies can be very efficient in eliminating toxins and waste that doesn't serve us. But when we're constantly exposed to a variety of chemicals and toxins from the air, water and food on a daily basis – even the healthiest body can find it all too much and become weighed down by the toxic load.
So, we’ve come up with a range of ways you can step in and enhance your natural living lifestyle.
1. Avoid chemicals, synthetic fragrances and household cleaning products
Conventional household cleaning products can introduce harmful chemicals into our homes and bodies which can cause asthma and other breathing difficulties, allergies and cancer.
Sometimes even the ‘natural’ products on the shelves aren't what they claim to be, so opt to make homemade products and use your pantry staples like bicarb soda, white vinegar and spruce it up with some pure essential oils for a simple household cleaner.
2. Avoid BPA water bottles and drink filtered water
Not only are plastic water bottles damaging our health, but they are a major environmental issue that is harming our planet. According to Clean-up Australia, one in 10 items found on Clean-up Australia Day are plastic water bottles. Not to mention it takes up to 1000 years to break these plastics down!
Most bottles are derived from crude oil, an oil which is highly toxic and even more damaging when spilt into our oceans. Plastic water bottles also require 3 litres of water to produce each 600ml water bottle! The chlorine in tap water is also affecting your gut health – so install or buy a water filter at home or opt for the versatility of Bobbles Filtered BPA water bottles here.
3. Go raw or cook at low temperatures
Vegetables maintain the highest nutritional value when unadulterated. Include plenty of deep green coloured vegetables including kale, green dandelion and broccoli which all contain chlorophyll – a powerful pigment which can eliminate environmental toxins, heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides. Spice up these meals with herbs such as parsley and cilantro which also have incredible detoxifying effects.
4. Sweat it out
Increase your cardio activity and detoxify sweat from your skin – your body’s largest organ. This also gets the lymphatic system circulating properly and prevents waste from stagnating in your body. You could also go to the local sauna and sweat it out a few times with a swim in between.
5. Dry body brushing
Again, the skin is a powerful detoxification organ, so start your day by dry body brushing to remove dead skin cells and dirt that may be blocking pores. This will also improve your blood circulation and as a side benefit your skin will be left feeling glowing.
6. Flush-out your colon
Consider booking yourself in for a colon cleanse. Over time our colons can build up toxic waste from undigested processed food which remains on the wall of our colon. It is an optional alternative therapy and the benefits include improved mental outlook, immune system, weight loss and vitality. But be sure to seek medical advice first and do your research for a professional colon hydrotherapy specialist.
7. Practise yoga and meditation
Sometimes we forget just how powerful the practices of yoga and meditation have on living a natural, toxin-free lifestyle. Over time, stress and anxiety can have harmful effects on our body including an upset digestive system, poor hormone production, lower immune and sleep deprivation. Make weekly yoga classes a non-negotiable – there is always time to fit them in.
8. Improve your diet
Even without going completely raw, there are ways of improving your diet that will help you naturally cleanse your body from nasty toxins. Wholefoods including berries, cruciferous veggies, garlic and spices such as turmeric can help your body detoxify (and they're pretty tasty, too!).
By eating these fibrous foods, as well as foods that are high in protein and healthy fats, you'll soon feel better, look better and rid of those nasty toxins. An organic, plant-based diet is the most recommended way of doing this. However, if you decide to continue eating meat, opt for high-quality, organic meats and avoid processed foods at all costs.
9. Take care of your gut
Your digestive system plays a vital part in the cleansing of toxins from your body. To avoid gastrointestinal issues, it's important to incorporate gut-supporting foods and nutrients into your diet. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi are your go-to when it comes to great gut health, as are wholegrain foods filled with fibre such as beans, legumes, fruit and veggies. Find out more about improving an unhealthy gut.
10. Improve your immune system
To ensure our bodies are up to the task of getting rid of any nasty toxins lurking around, we must find ways to boost our immune system. These include getting enough vitamin C and E in our diet (both of which can be found in spinach, for example), drinking green tea, eating ginger and garlic and taking echinacea. Avoiding stress and getting enough sleep will also help to keep your immune system strong.
11. Get enough sleep
Sleep can never be underestimated when it comes to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which will, therefore, lead to the elimination of toxins in your body. As mentioned in the previous point, good sleep improves your immune function, which means your body's natural defence will perform at its best. Getting enough sleep will also help you maintain a healthy weight, avoid inflammation and depression and improve brain function. More than enough reasons to get an early night!
