Detox, short for detoxification, is a term used to mean a set of interventions to manage acute intoxication and withdrawal, mainly with regards to someone recovering from some type of substance abuse.

Aside from substance abuse though, there are toxins, which are anything that has the potential to harm our bodies, that invade our bodies through such things as our environment or food.

In the case of this post, I’m referring to environmental and food toxins.

Our bodies have a natural process to eliminate toxins, which are excreted through the body (ex: urine). But, our bodies can get too overwhelmed with these toxins and that’s when we may begin to experience signs of illness and sluggishness. That’s the perfect time to incorporate other methods to help that natural detox process along.

There are so many ways to do it. Some methods require no real effort at all while others have much stricter guidelines. No matter which way you decide to go make sure you do your research first. Also, know it is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms for a few days while your body gets used to the changes.

You can choose to go to specialized spas and practitioners to complete a detox or you can detox right in the comfort of your own home. Detoxing at home is probably the easiest thing to do.

Here are 13 easy ways you can detox right at home:

1) Find better ways to have your sugar

Sugar, unfortunately, is like a drug. Eliminating sugar is a key step in detoxing.  Sugar can lurk in many foods and drinks like bread, cereal, juice, soda, alcoholic drinks, flavored water, and many other items. Check your ingredient labels! Learning better substitutions can help you literally get both something sweet and nutritious!

2) Drink plenty of water

We all know by now that water is essential to life. Water is also important to our kidneys. Our kidneys are two of several organs that are involved in the body’s natural detoxification process. The kidneys basically help prevent the buildup of waste products in the body, however, in order to do an efficient job they need the proper amount of fluids, preferably water. Water is by far the best choice for a beverage. Go a step further and make it filtered or purified with a slice of lemon!

3) Try herbal tea instead of coffee

Do you drink more coffee than anything else? Water is always your best choice, but if you must have a cup of coffee either switch to organic to avoid pesticides or try alternatives like green tea.

Besides being a great coffee alternative, green tea has many potential benefits including fighting breast, lung and colon cancer, and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. If you’re more than a three cup a day coffee drinker, bear in mind that most of these health benefits for green tea are based on a maximum of three cups per day.

4) Drink a green smoothie

You don’t have to be a die hard green smoothie drinker, but adding one here and there throughout your week can help your body get rid of some unwanted visitors. Green smoothies can help you detoxify naturally, while helping you get in your recommended servings of vegetables on a daily basis. I mean who has time to get all their vegetable servings in every day? The next best way is in the form of a green smoothie!

5) Cut back on processed foods and add more fruits & vegetables

Processed foods contain processed ingredients, excess sodium, fat, and calories. Try making your food at home, from scratch, with as many fresh ingredients as possible. This will mean incorporating more whole foods in your diet.

Fruits and vegetables can provide you with important vitamins and minerals while helping you feel fuller: 

*Cucumbers have a high level of water and can cleanse your body.

*Citrus fruits may help you cleanse the liver and remove toxins from the body.

*Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties. 

*Broccoli sprouts are also a good source of antioxidants and can help your during a detox. Add them to salads or cook with them.

And while you’re at it, try to buy organic when and if you can, which brings me to my next point…

6) Eat organic as much as possible

You can reduce levels of toxins in your body from chemicals like glyphosate just six days after eating organic. Let’s face it, organic food is more expensive than non-organic. We all may not have the luxury (I know I don’t) to always buy organic, but there are some rules you can apply so you can still benefit from healthy foods without going broke.

Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) puts out a guide called the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. This guide includes the 12 most contaminated fruits & vegetables, including apples, strawberries, and now most recently kale. Think about how many of these food items you and your family may eat on any given day. To learn more visit The Environmental Working Group. 

7) Replace your traditional cleaning products

The traditional cleaning products on the shelves contain countless toxic substances. How many times have you felt light headed after just cleaning the bathroom? Think about all that you inhale during that short amount of time. All you really need are five basic ingredients to create your own non-toxic cleaning products right at home.

8) Change up your feminine care products

Do you know that your feminine care products contain hundreds, if not thousands, of toxic chemicals? Chemicals that come in contact with very sensitive areas? Chemicals that have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, and birth defects? Changing up your daily feminine care routine can make all the difference.

9) Dry skin body brushing

Do you body brush? It’s a very simple concept that stimulates the lymphatic system, which would improve circulation, and therefore increase toxin elimination. Dry skin body brushing will also help remove old, dead skin and open the pores, which will also encourage detoxification. The technique uses a skin brush or a massage mitt made of natural plant or flax fibers. You would then GENTLY brush your skin, in a circular motion, prior to any showering or bathing. You may have to try it a few times to see if you like it.

10) Give yourself a massage

Massage therapy has many benefits including improving and increasing circulation, which remember from dry skin body brushing, will increase toxin elimination. Giving yourself a massage may not be the same as having one done by a massage therapist, but self massage can be just as beneficial. Prevention magazine has a great article entitled: 5 Ways to Give Yourself an Awesome Massage

11) Start using more natural products & remedies

Our exposure to toxins include medicines and our everyday personal care products, too. There are plenty of natural alternatives right in your kitchen that you can try. Replacing your regular beauty products with simpler, healthier ones can also be just as easy. Essential oils, elderberry syrup, and homeopathic remedies are also a good place to start to try to replace your conventional medicines. Make sure you read the labels carefully and follow all recommendations and warnings. Just because they’re more natural remedies doesn’t mean they can’t be used incorrectly.

12) Add more herbs and spices to your food

Herbs and spices have vital minerals and vitamins that are essential to health. They can also make your food taste better, so you’re less likely to turn to junk food or other unhealthy cravings.

Use herbs that support your detox organs – liver, kidney and colon. E.g. milk thistle and dandelion.

13) Get enough sleep

Did you know your brain eliminates toxins while you sleep? Known as the glymphatic system, it is a recently discovered system that is proven to be more active when you are sleep. Research has shown a link from the glymphatic system and development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, and ALS due to a build up of toxins in the brain.

What things do you do to detox right at home?