9. Turn Off the Electronics
We are constantly bombarded with visual and auditory stimuli from electronic devices and the electromagnetic radiation they emit. Unless you live in a remote area, these are impossible to avoid. Exposure to these has been shown to affect the central nervous system, impacting sleep, appetite, metabolism, and even DNA. What you watch on television or your computer affects you psychologically (and by extension, physiologically).
You can help detoxify your brain and body by:
- limiting the use of electronics as much as possible – cook on the stove or outdoor grill instead of using the microwave, turn off your cell phone and wireless router before going to bed, opt for manual tools instead of electric/digital, nix the Fitbit and other wearable technology.
- limiting television watching – besides the electronic factor, much of the news and popular programming are negative and violent.
- turning off the TV and smartphone at least an hour before going to sleep
- using wired headphones when talking on your cell phone
- spending more time outdoors
- increasing your activity level
- engaging in real, face-to-face social interaction.
10. Water
Every cell needs water to survive and reproduce. Its obvious role in cleansing is flushing toxins and other waste through the digestive system as quickly as possible. The kidneys and liver can have trouble eliminating synthetic toxins because they are foreign and water helps push things through.
Adequate hydration is important for other systems in the body, too. The lymphatic system is integral to cell nourishment and waste elimination, as it transports these in molecules too large for the blood to carry. Lymph is liquid, therefore, drinking enough water will aid in waste transport and keep the juices flowing through ducts and nodes, cleansing as they go.
Make sure your drinking water is purified, preferably by reverse osmosis, to remove chemicals and metals normally found in regular tap or bottled water (including fluoride). To add to water’s detoxifying potency (and flavor), add two teaspoons of organic lemon juice to a cup of water (at room temperature) and drink first thing in the morning. To take it even further, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to cleanse the kidneys and liver.
Another addition to water that will aid in a whole body cleanse is apple cider vinegar. Alkalizing and probiotic, apple cider vinegar breaks up calcifying minerals to keep kidney and gallstones from forming.
11. Turn Off The News
Let’s face it: positive events rarely make it to CNN. While it’s important to keep apprised of what’s going on in your community and the world, hearing the constant bad news and seeing violence (even if fictitious) causes stress, anxiety, and depression. To clear your mind and uplift your soul, shut off your TV or radio and go outside. Better yet, spend time with a loved one instead of staying plugged in.
12. Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen is one of the key molecules to our survival. When your body (particularly your lungs) is full of toxins, it can be difficult for your body to get enough of it. This can lead to fatigue, cellular dysfunction, and much more.
Oxygen therapy involves breathing in air with a higher concentration of oxygen in a controlled setting. If you don’t have an oxygen clinic or spa near you, simply heading outside for 10-20 minutes can do wonders. Make sure to practice some breathing exercises to take it to the next level.
13. Steam Therapy
Steam is a great way to open your pores and sinuses to speed up the detoxification process. While steam from a hot shower, sauna, or humidifier is great on its own, you can boost its benefits by adding essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, or lavender. To do so, use a diffuser, shower disk, or simply add 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, lean over the bowl and cover your head with a large towel.
14. Herbs For Cleansing
There are thousands of herbs that can improve your health dramatically. Whether they’re antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or detoxifying, there are plenty of herbs out there that can give a great body cleanse (15). Start with herbs like borotutu bark, milk thistle, turmeric, peppermint, and garlic. If you can, consult a naturopath before taking any of these herbs medicinally, since herbs can interact with medication or worsen preexisting conditions.