Winter Detoxification
Detoxifying is the process of releasing accumulated toxins and waste products that build up throughout our system. From birth, we are bombarded by toxins, externally from environmental sources.
Internally, our organs give off waste products that accumulate in our body. Imbalanced emotions also play a part in polluting our system with excess chemicals such as free radicals, homocysteine and cortisol.
Importance of Winter Detoxification
Winter detoxification can be an important and, in many ways, an easy process. Our body does much of the detoxification process through urination, defecation, and perspiration. As our bodies age and our immune systems weaken from illness, poor diet and/or addictive substances, we sometimes need to give our system an extra helping hand. That is why conscious detoxing is great way back to optimum health?
One of the best ways to start your winter detoxification is with the body’s biggest organ, the SKIN. A detox diet strengthens the organs involved in detoxification and releases stored toxins, expelling them through the organs of elimination: the skin, as well as the intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys, and lymphatic system.
Winter Detoxification Self-Test
1. Do you have one bowl movement or less every day? (yes = 1/no = 0)
2. Do you take prescription, recreational, or over the counter drugs? (yes = 1/no = 0)
3. Do you eat meat more than twice a week? (yes = 1/no = 0)
4. Do you eat fast or processed food? (yes = 1/no = 0)
5. Ever smoked or exposed to excess second hand smoke? (yes = 1/no = 0)
6. Do you have any skin problems, digestion or gas/bloating? (yes = 1/no = 0)
7. Do you drink alcohol? (yes = 1/no = 0)
8. Do you live in a major city? (yes = 1/no = 0)
9. Do you drink tap water, coffee, or soda? (yes = 1/no = 0)
10. Do you feel fatigued, have low energy, or poor sleeping habits? (yes = 1/no = 0)
Total Score______
A score of 4 or higher may indicate that you could benefit from a cleansing, detox program.
Adopting A Healthy Lifestyle
1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are extremely important.
2. Regular exercise, which gets your body moving and sweating.
3. Quality sleep, where you do not have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and wake feeling rested.
4. Avoiding drugs and excessive alcohol. The problem is not only illegal substances like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; we are solicited constantly by legal substances that pollute the body such as habit forming sleeping pills, excessive antibiotics that destroy not only the bad bacteria, but the healthy bacterial flora, and the constant ads for alcohol.
5. Nutritional and herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver function, the kidneys ability to process and the digestive system’s regularity (discussed below).
6. Improving our mental/emotional process by stopping the mental chatter, approving and accepting ourselves, and losing the emotional baggage that drags us down.
7. Taking a spiritual approach by looking beyond the little things that get in the way and accepting and trusting the “Universal Power” or energy to guide you. Take a look at the big picture!
8. De-cluttering the toxic waste around you including the clutter in your home/office, the friends or loved ones that poison your thoughts and actions, and the environment that is making you sick.
9. Knowing that YOU are in control of your life.
10. That you have the power to do something about that will make a change.
Tips for Winter Detoxification:
1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise.
4. Avoiding drugs and alcohol.
5. Taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.
6. Take nutritional/herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver function.
7. Go on a three-day fast, four times per year.
8. Fasting at the change of the seasons is a good rule to remember.
9. Take care of your skin and know your skin type.
10. Consider a self-empowering affirmation to clear your mind.
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About the Author
Connect with Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac at peacefulmind.com “Living Life, Consciously” Alternative medicine and therapies for healing mind, body & spirit!
