Post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links

The topic of cleansing and detox is popular at the start of the New Year. But do we honestly need to follow an actual cleanse or detox regimen to get the toxins out of our bodies? Our bodies are naturally designed to be self-cleaning organisms. From the skin acting as a natural barrier for bacteria and other pathogens, to the kidneys and liver breaking down both foreign and domestic waste, the human body has everything it needs to keep itself cleansed all on its own.

 

 

Share this on Pinterest

 

Unfortunately, most of us live in varying degrees of what you could call a toxic soup: a combo of pesticides, air pollution, junk food, alcohol, too much sugar and too little exercise, and let’s not forget about stress. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways we can take care of ourselves naturally, without spending hundreds of dollars on “natural” detox products that are often nothing more than glorified laxatives. Here is what you need to know:

 

What Does It Mean To "Detox"?

Detoxification - it's a word we often hear, but what exactly does it mean? Simply put, it's the process by which harmful substances and toxins are removed from our system. Thanks to mind-blowingly intelligent design and millennia of evolution, our bodies are incredibly intelligent and have the ability to naturally cleanse themselves.

The human body is able to break down and eliminate waste and toxins via the kidneys, liver, lungs, and the skin. Waste and toxins are removed when we sweat, and food waste is eliminated through the digestive system. However, in order for this process to happen properly, we have to make sure that our body's processes are working optimally. By taking care of ourselves and supporting our body's natural detoxification processes, we can feel our best and live our healthiest lives.

 

Your Body Is A Detox Machine, But Like Any Machine, It Needs Regular Maintenance

We often get asked, "How many days does it take to detox?", and here is my answer: treat cleansing as a lifestyle, rather then an event. It’s what you do most of the time that counts. You can’t reverse a decade of partying by doing a seven day juice cleanse. Conversely, if you normally eat a healthy diet, but have an occasional piece of cake at a birthday party, you aren’t going to go into a toxic tailspin. 

Your body was created to be a self-cleaning detox machine, and like any machine, your body works best with regular care and maintenance. This means drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and drinking liver-supporting teas is the detox that really works. I know, not as glamorous as as a 7 day juice cleanse.

 

 

Read also: A Detox Recipe For Success and Detox Pickles: A Healthy Recipe Even Picky Eaters Will Love

 

Cleansed Or Stripped? The Problem With Detox Products.

Most of the detox products and cleansing kits on the market contain of harsh laxatives that force your body to purge. Bad news: just because you feel it "working", doesn't mean it's working in a good way. Diarrhea, weakness, the "blahs", and headache are all common side effects when doing intense cleanses, and unfortunately, the results such as weight loss are usually only temporary. 

Unless you make healthy changes to your diet, lifestyle, and exercise regimen, your body will revert to its pre-cleanse state. So when you see a compelling product with the title, "detox your body in 24 hours," or "3-day detox cleanse," that promises a complete cleanse of the body after months, years or decades of unhealthy living, know that it's simply too good to be true.

 

The 5 Best Teas For Natural Detoxification

 

There are several teas that are safe, non-irritating, and work with your body rather than forcing it to purge. Here are the 5 most important for keeping your body cleansed and healthy:

1. Milk thistle tea is the safest yet most powerful known protector of the liver.
2. Dandelion root tea supports liver health, and dandelion leaf promotes the health of the kidneys.
3. Red Clover tea can help cleanse your blood, reduce inflammation, and improve liver function.
4. Turmeric tea isn’t just anti-inflammatory; it is a potent liver herb, and aids in the breakdown of fats.
5. Ginger tea helps to digest proteins, and also promotes circulation.

 Read more: 8 Herbs That Love Your Liver

  

 

Herbal Blends To Help Nourish Your Body And Support The Liver, Kidneys, Lymph and Skin

• Daily Detox is the most important detox tea that we make, and possibly the most important tea overall. The herbs in this blend, including milk thistle, dandelion root and red clover, provide a solid foundation for daily good health. With regular use (one to two cups daily) this blend of powerful herbs promotes clear skin, better digestion, and overall immune health.
• Detox Chai is similar to Daily Detox, but also contains chai spices, which support digestion, circulation, and sugar balance. It's caffeine free, and tastes great with a splash of non-dairy milk.
• Sleek & Slender tea is the go-to brew for managing weight naturally. Unlike other weight management teas, Sleek & Slender helps curb sugar cravings, supports digestion, and gives the metabolism a boost. It is NOT a laxative.

 

A Few More Quick Tips To Remove The Toxic Load On Your Body:

• Stay hydrated with plenty of water and teas to keep your kidneys healthy. When you drink water, it helps to flush toxins out of your system by increasing urine and sweat production. 
• Break a sweat. This will stimulate the lymphatic system, which clears the body of toxins naturally and can support detoxification in the body.
• Chill out. When in "fight or flight", your body prioritizes functions that are necessary for survival, while slowing down other processes that are not essential in the moment, such as digestion and detoxification. Here are 7 natural ways to reduce stress.
• Skip the soda in favor of lemon water or cold unsweetened tea. Too much sugar can harm the liver and ever lead to a buildup of fat in the liver, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Get rid of synthetic room fresheners and freshen your home with pure essential oils instead. Place a few drops of uplifting essential oils in this ultrasonic essential oil diffuser to freshen your home naturally.
• Use low or no VOC products when doing DIY home improvement projects, whenever possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Also, although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies, especially if currently using medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.