The term detox has become a household term now. Be it your body or your mind, detoxing it is necessary. In literal terms, it means internally cleansing yourself. Removing harmful substances, known as toxins, from your body requires some effort. By doing so, you rid your organs and internals of impurities and prevent yourself from a multitude of health problems.
Although our body can fight toxins very well, enhancing it can make the process much breezier. Fastening the procedure doesn’t mean going on grueling diets or expensive supplements, but doing the bare minimum and taking good care of your body.
There are multiple misconceptions about the steps taken for detox diets and the after-effects. These include weight loss and detoxification itself. Your body looks after the entire operation; a healthy and balanced diet only enhances it. Here are a few tips to help detoxify your body the right way.
1. Lower your alcohol intake to a minimum
Alcohol is arguably one of the worst liquids to enter your body. Scientific researches show that the liver breaks down more than 90% of the alcohol into cancerous substances, which are further broken down into toxins and then dumped out of the body.
Because of this strenuous activity, the liver is always under immense stress. Not just this, alcohol harms you a lot more through inflammation, heart-related problems, and the buildup of fats. If you drink, consider lowering your intake. If you don’t and wish to keep your internals in pristine condition, keep it that way! If you’re in too deep, seek help.
Irrespective of what your drug of choice or source of addiction is, it’s never too late to get help. You can either get treatment at facilities such as the Delphi Health Group or join support groups that motivate and bring out the best in you.
Professional mental health experts can help you overcome all obstacles and lead a healthy and prosperous life. Drugs and other harmful substances can take a toll on you both mentally and physically. However, pulling yourself out of it can be detrimental to your health in the short and long run, ensuring an overall better life.
2. A lesser-known contributor: sleep
The vast majority tend to pay no heed to lack of sleep. Sleep is your leading contributor to your daily routine and healthy life. Without ample sleep, neither you nor your body will ever receive its true potential. Sleeping gives your brain and body the much-needed rest they deserve, allowing them to rejuvenate.
Lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems in the short and long run. These can include weariness, laziness, stress, anxiety, heart diseases, and decreased functioning. When your mind does not get enough rest, it works twice as hard to get things done. It’s like running a sports car on cheap oil.
However, overcoming this problem is straightforward and rudimental. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep is an absolute must if you want to keep your brain and body in tiptop condition.
3. Don’t compromise on water intake
Your body is approximately 60% water – that speaks volumes! More than half of your body being water means maintaining it, let alone increasing it, which is highly crucial. Water keeps your body in movable condition, aids in digestion & absorption, and excretes waste materials.
Carbon dioxide and urea are two harmful waste products that the body creates. They are mixed into water and taken to different body parts for safe excretion through sweating and urination, which purify your bloodstream. A lot of water is used up solely in these processes, let alone the maintenance of the body, which is why keeping yourself hydrated is indispensable. There are also other ways to stay more hydrated and improve your body’s hydration.
4. Compromise on salts
Like alcohol, salt can give you a great taste and an even better feeling, but cause you a great deal of anguish and harm. Having more salt and less water in your system has an adverse effect. Consequently, it becomes hard for you to urinate. Since salt is half sodium, it is good to have foods rich in potassium to balance out the effects of sodium. If you want to cut down your salt intake, there are many healthy ways to curb your salt cravings.
5. Avoid processed foods and sugars at all costs
The vast majority of today’s health-related problems are due to processed foods and sugars. These include obesity, diabetes, heart-related diseases, cancer, and more. The health risks mentioned hamper detoxification by targeting most, if not all, organs and deteriorating their conditions. For example, regularly consuming sugary drinks, like soft drinks, can cause fatty liver, which damages your liver.
To overcome these issues, work on not having a sweet tooth. Avoid stacking junk food at home, as not having any stored will allow you to develop a habit of having healthier alternatives like fruits and vegetables. Moreover, controlling your sugar intake and keeping a good check on it can allow you to enjoy all things sweet without having to worry too much about your health.
6. Develop a habit of eating antioxidant-rich foods
In layman’s terms, antioxidants prevent your cells from bursting and are natural detox agents. Foods rich in them allow for healthier and rapid cell growth. They neutralize and control the unstable molecules within our body, which can be harmful. Known as free radicals, they help with digestion and other processes. Drinking alcohol, smoking, and a diet low in nutrients can create them in excess, resulting in adverse effects. Dementia, heart and liver disease, cancer, and asthma are some problems that can come about because of free radicals.
A better and more reliable source of antioxidants in foods, and not supplements, as they can harm you in other ways. The ones containing vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, at the least, can help you combat free radicals. Green tea, coffee, berries, spices, fruits, and vegetables are some of the best sources to help you counter free radicals.
7. Fitness goes a long way
Although your diet is the major contributor to your health, fitness plays a significant role. Exercising and working out keep your joints in working condition, improve your blood supply, and keep your muscles strong. Physical activity also helps to detox your body as you breathe heavily and sweat. You counter heart-related issues, diabetes, and many other diseases solely by working out.
Start walking at least 30 minutes daily and see the difference for yourself. It’s like keeping your car in drivable and prime condition.
Conclusion
Health is wealth – that statement is as real as it gets. Detox diets can only help you improve your body’s pre-built detoxification system. You can ensure that alongside refining your health by following the tips mentioned above and leading a longer, healthier, and happier life!
