Living in a healthy, clean environment is of extreme significance. Having a body that is cleansed and detoxified, can boost our well-being to sky levels. There is nothing better than having your house clean (here are some simple cleaning guides, hacks to make your life easier, and tips to get you started) while feeling energetic and “alive” more than ever before! Built up toxins and waste are energy-reducers and seriously sabotage our health, leaving us with nothing but a body full of junk to work on. Toxins can come from four main categories: The (1) water, (2) food, (3) air, and (4) chemicals used to prepare or even grow food. We use organs like the kidneys and liver to process those toxins and try to eliminate them in the form of urine, sweat, and feces.

Here are some examples of each category:

1. WATER

Several toxins, from bleach and chlorine to prescription medications and ammonia have been reported to be traced in drinking water in surprising excess. It is no big secret that our waters are becoming polluted by the waste of colossus companies. It is said that chemicals and pollutants in the water are to be held responsible for a number of disease and illnesses, ranging from depression to cancer.

2. FOOD

Toxic food refer to genetically modified foods, highly processed, food additives, and even chemical ingredients used in food recipes, such as aspartame and other chemical flavorings. Considering the high intake of processed foods that give us nothing but empty calories (i.e. sugar and white flour that are believed to alter the body’s hormonal balance), we can say that our diets are somewhat toxic. Indicatively, some of the additives that are considered to create a toxic environment are food colorings, such as RED 3, BLUE 1, GREN 3, YELLOW 6, and BLUE 2. Alcohol also lists as a food toxin, when consumed in large quantities.

3. AIR

The toxic chemicals and gases, such as carbon monoxide, that can come from factory emissions, vehicles, and others, released into the atmosphere are pollution toxins that harm our body, since they mix with the air we breathe. Tobacco products can also create a toxic environment not only for those that smoke but passive smokers as well.

4. CHEMICALS

Toxic chemicals are those that have small amounts of highly toxic ingredients, such as pesticide, residues of which you can find on non-washed produce that is not organically grown. That aside, over the counter prescription are also referred to as chemical toxins and the same applies to recreational drugs. Mercury traced in the foods we consume is also under serious discussion lately, because high levels of it can be seriously harmful to our health.
Like previously mentioned, our bodies are equipped with detox organs that help flush built up toxins from the body (i.e. lungs, kidneys, liver, and skin). What we can do is give them a helping hand to make sure they will keep functioning well and working to our best interest for many more years to come. Here are some natural cleansing methods for your reference.

METHOD 1: EAT HEALTHY FOODS

1. WATER

Water is life-saving so drink plenty of it. Increasing your water intake is, perhaps, THE most important thing to begin detoxifying, because it helps the bowel and kidneys maintain their normal functions and eliminate toxins and waste from your system. Doctors recommend we drink 8 glasses of water a day. Start your day by drinking a glass of warm water that will awaken your metabolism in an instance. Consuming fruit and veggies, such as cucumbers, watermelons, and tomatoes, which contain high levels of water, also helps. Not to forget, water also makes your skin look young and healthy.

2. FIBERS

To maintain your digestive function, fiber is the nutrient you want to get in your system. This incredible natural cleanser will make sure every harmful materials and toxins that have built up in the digestive track throughout the passage of years always find their way out of your body. Stimulating bowel movements in a daily basis will leave you feeling healthy and light, so include as many whole-grain cereals, fresh fruit, lentils, veggies (skin on), almonds, and beans as you can!

3. ALCOHOL & COFFEE

Both should be avoided as possible when you are on a cleansing process as they both contain toxins that can impair the kidney and liver function and block your natural cleansing. It should be noted that when the body does not cleanse itself or is prevented from doing so, you are risking health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
If you still need the caffeine, you can always have a nice cup of green tea and also pump your body with some healthy antioxidants! As for alcohol, it contains toxins (aka congeners) that develop during the fermentation process. It also produces another toxic substance when metabolized in the body, called acetaldehyde.

4. CARBOHYDRATES

Simple carbohydrates (i.e. bread, rice, and pasta) deprive your body from vitamins, nutrients, and beneficial to your health substances. They make you feel full at first but then drop your glucose levels so steeply that you end up feeling less energetic shortly after. Plus, they usually come loaded with preservatives that lay the table for toxins to develop on the long run. So, better switch to complex carbohydrates (i.e. potatoes, wholegrain cereals/pastas/breads, legumes, and brown rice) that help the digestive system and help get rid of build-up toxins and preservatives.

5. SUPERFOODS

Consuming superfoods will speed up the cleansing process. Some of the many superfoods are:
• Garlic
• Beets
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Celery
• Papaya
• Lemon
• Kale
• Wild rice
• Watercress
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots

That aside, drinking herbal teas is a great way to use Mother Nature’s herbs known for their extraordinary cleansing properties. For example, you can stimulate the liver, kidneys, and gall bladder and reduce water retention at the same time with dandelion tea. Dandelion tea is also thought to help boost the immune system and stabilize blood glucose. Licorice tea is a mild laxative and helps your liver’s function. Finally, burdock tea will purify your blood, repair the liver, and detoxify your body, by stimulating urine production and cleansing the intestinal tract.

METHOD 2: MAKE THE RIGHT LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO CLEANSE YOUR BODY, coming right up!