By: Your JNH Lifestylist

So, how can you spring clean the machine that is your body? Read through the four ways outlined below on how you can start detoxifying your body today.

While it’s not exactly your typical ‘detox’ or ‘cleanse,’ limiting or eliminating your alcohol consumption can go a long way in improving your health. All in all, alcohol is poisonous to the body, and over 40% of it is metabolized through the liver [1]. Essentially, the toxins in alcohol are processed through the liver into less harmful substances, which are then eliminated by the body. But over-consumption or frequent consumption of alcohol can put your liver under stress. Since the liver is part of your detox system (it works to detoxify and metabolize substances that enter the bloodstream), cutting it some slack can significantly improve your health, as well as improve your body’s own detoxifying abilities. Plus, when you feel better, you function better, enabling you get more out of your life.

You know how when you’re sick, people tell you to drink more water? There’s a good reason for it. Water is the ultimate detoxifying substance when it comes to clearing out your digestive tract. It’s also responsible for a wide range of functions, including to help regulate body temperature, enhance digestion and increase nutrient absorption. Water detoxifies your entire system by assisting in the removal of waste in the form of sweat, urine and even through your breath [2]. For an extra health boost, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your water; it’s a good source of vitamin C, and can add a bit of flavor to your water, making it more appealing.

Since the body is reasonably good at naturally detoxifying itself, it’s important to support this function. Research indicates that consuming high amounts of high-content sugary drinks may cause fatty liver disease, which negatively affects the health of said liver [3], [4], [5]. A fatty liver may not be able to function as it should, so it’s worth considering detoxifying your body by eating less pre-packaged and processed foods and eating more real and whole food items. It’s simple, and it might even save you money down the road.

Infrared saunas are an excellent way to detox your entire body. Research shows individuals who have undergone infrared sauna sessions as part of a detoxification process have less poor health days, fewer sick days, increased sleep and a lower neurotoxicity score [6]. An infrared sauna can also help you relax, reducing the stress in your system. As a result, you feel more energized, stable, and you can even experience overall better health.

Detoxes don’t have to be complicated. They can be simple, like eliminating certain foods you know are bad for you; and by incorporating infrared sauna sessions, you can even add the fact that you’ll be destressing during your detoxification process. Choose your detox method today and start improving your health and wellness immediately.