Detox Month Wrap-Up

This month has been all about how we can help our bodies to detoxify with foods. Whether just making smart choices about detoxifying foods (like in my Top 10) or trying a full-on Dr. Oz 3-Day Cleanse, it has been quite a month! 

The most important factor in detoxification is diet. Eating whole foods with detoxifying qualities is essential to helping your body do its natural job. But, there are also many other popular ways to try and detox. As January comes to a close, let's look at some of them - and if you want to give them a shot, I include my recommendations for the Southampton area.

1. Infrared Sauna These saunas are linked to numerous health benefits including pain reduction and exercise, as well as detoxification. Fans, like Dr. Oz, say the infrared rays help remove toxins and could even extend your life! Saunas also increase blood circulation and get your heart rate rate up.


Psst... check back later this week for a fun look at my trip to pH Vibe!


2. Exercise- Again, sweat, sweat and then sweat some more. Exercise also keeps your blood oxygenated and keeps your lymphatic system moving. Try to get moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day 3-4 times a week. If you can't get to the gym, a good walk will do it.

3. Massage- A massage not only feels good, it releases many of the toxins that are trapped in your tissues. Massage also promotes lymphatic drainage.

Plus, it's great just to get some "me time"!

4. Detox Bath- Similar to the Dr Oz Detox Bath, my tried and true detox bath uses 2 cups of Epsom Salts. I then add 1 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and 1 cup of baking soda to the water. Each of these components work to draw toxins out through your skin. Soak for a least 20 soothing minutes.

A beautiful bathroom like this never hurts, either

5. Colonic Irrigation- It sounds scary, but it's not! The first time I had one I worked my self into a total panic. It turns out it was over nothing. The colonic was easy and the therapist really put me at ease. I have them regularly now. Colonic irrigation removes the toxins and metabolic waste products that linger in your colon. Get your "pipes" cleaned every once in a while to keep those toxins from being reabsorbed into your system. Better out than in, right?

Tapp's Detoxifying Top 10

We've talked about the health benefits of detoxifying foods - how they help your body push along and process the toxins that come in from the outside world. But if we want to help our bodies detoxify, what do we actually eat? 

There are literally thousands of detoxifying foods. Here are my "Top 10" - they're easy to find and adaptable into many recipes. It's not a coincidence that many of my recipes use these foods.

Tapp's Detoxifying Top 10

   

1. Artichokes -very high in antioxidants. Known to stimulate and improve liver function by increasing bile production which helps with liver purification and protection.
2. Garlic -powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and natural antibiotic. Garlic produces a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells which help fight against toxins. 
3. Cabbage -like all cruciferous vegetables, cabbage contains sulforaphane which helps the body to fight toxins. Cabbage also has glutathione, which is an antioxidant that supports the liver detox pathways.
4. Butternut squash -along with all other orange colored vegetables, butternut squash contains beta carotene which the liver converts to Vitamin A. The body uses the Vitamin A to sweep toxins out of the body.
5. Beets -packed with magnesium, iron and Vitamin C. All of which support liver in the detoxification process. They also purify the blood and assist in keeping the lymphatic system moving.
6. Watercress -like most green leafy vegetables and herbs, watercress is packed with detoxifying nutrients. It also has natural diuretic properties that help the body to flush out toxins.
7. Lemons - contain Vitamin C, help to balance body’s PH and flush the liver.
8. Ginger - very high in antioxidants. Ginger helps with digestion and stimulates the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients to the body. Ginger also has a relaxing and cleansing effect on the body which helps to purge toxins.
9. Flaxseeds -aid in the proper elimination of toxins. They are a great source of fiber which help to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal track. 
10. Water- though technically not a food, you need to be well hydrated for your body to be able to detoxify. I am NOT talking about sodas, sports drinks, coffee or tea. I am talking about water, coconut water, and herbal teas. 6-8 glasses per day. The general rule is, if you're thirsty you are already dehydrated. Drink drink drink.