In today’s times, the best offense is a good defense approach is a solid play for good health. From the uncertainty of re-entering the mainstream to concerns about new variants and vaccines, we’ve put our bodies through enough mental and physical stress to rival war era times. As a result, I’ve decided to fight back. Though not in a Marvel super suit way–a more natural method to improve health, eliminate toxins, and boost the immune system.
Treat your body to the best it deserves with good food–ideally organic–proper hydration and skincare. Here’s a rundown on how to self-detox.
Diet:
Ever since the year we don’t mention, I’ve lost trust in world care. As a result, I’ve decided to take control of my body by choosing foods that are organically grown, with a limited ingredient deck, and less processed. Begin slowly by weaning off offensive foods and add more wholesome options. Naturally, eating a large serving of vegetables and fruits have therapeutic advantages, as well as choosing fish over meat, but take it further by selecting the best choices. For instance, I love tuna but it contains a significant amount of mercury, which is not beneficial when you are trying to remove harmful chemicals. Safer fish options include cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. Limit larger fish like the aforementioned tuna, as well as swordfish. High IQ detox foods with antioxidants include nuts, berries, spinach and fruit with low sugar.
Hydration:
Hydrate with plenty of water or green tea and avoid alcohol. I also add lemon, peppermint, pepper and turmeric to my drinks for their anti-inflammatory properties, ideally in their natural form, which tastes great in tea.
Exercise:
Fitness has always been a daily part of my lifestyle, which begins in the morning. It’s a locked in routine that cannot be impeded by the demands of an unpredictable schedule and starts the morning with a natural boost and appetite. Additionally, since a large part of my day is spent seated staring at a screen, I make a point to take movement breaks in fresh air, which gives a needed refresh.
Pine Needle Tea:
Drink Up! Pine needle tea is like taking a sip from a Christmas tree forest but it also is a great detoxifier. Says Christiane of Muskoka Girl’s Tea, “Upon learning of the high content of Vitamin C of the White Pine, which is so beneficial for optimal health, we decided to look into it further as this beautiful iconic Muskoka tree is so prolific where we live. With further readings, we found out our First Nations used most of the White Pine for many uses, including making tea out of it.”
Simply seep the tea bag or loose leaves for about five minutes for higher potency. Store in the refrigerator in plastic wrap or an airtight container to preserve. The tea is not easily found at stores but can be bought online.
Bentonite Clay + Cleanse:
Traditional mud clays have been the iconic image for selfceare, cover eyes with sliced computers, wrap your hair into a towel turban, and you’re primed for Instagram post greatness. Though the detoxifying properties of bentonite clay is a skincare powerhouse used for thousands of years due to its absorbency. Mix the volcanic ash with water into a paste, apply to oiler areas of the body, and leave on for 20 minutes. The clay creates an electrical charge that attracts the body’s toxins and pulls them out of your system.
A relaxing epsom salt bath and saunas are other great ways to remove impurities from the skin.
Vitamins:
Yes, we’ve graduated from our one-a-day Flintstones but a trip down the vitamin aisle can be overwhelming with an assault of choices. After some research on vitamins that help remove toxins, I honed in on oregano leaves, garlic, nettles.
Resources:
Pine needle tea in bags and loose: Muskoka Girls Tea
Pine needle loose tea: Pine Needle Tea
Benozine clay: Mountain Rose Herbs
Vitamins: Whole Foods