We have more chemicals surrounding us today than at any other time in history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2014 that they found widespread exposure in the U.S. population to bisphenol-A (BPA), fire retardants, perfluorinated chemicals, acrylamide, and other potentially toxic and dangerous chemicals.
A 2010 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives also reported a potential connection between exposure to certain chemicals and insulin resistance, which can raise the risk of obesity and diabetes.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “The air we breathe, the food and water we consume, and the surfaces we touch are the homes of natural and synthetic chemicals, which enter our bodies through our skin, our digestive systems, and our lungs.”
Though the body’s own waste-removal system—which includes the lymph glands, the kidneys, the lungs, and the liver—does a good job most of the time flushing toxins out of our systems, sometimes it could use a little help. If you’re looking for a natural, quick weekend detox, here are three great options for you.
1. Detox Through the Skin
The skin helps us disperse toxins through perspiration on a daily basis. We can supercharge this process with the following two techniques:
- Dry brushing: An all-over exfoliating technique, dry brushing helps us slough off old, dead skin cells, opening up the pores and allowing new skin cells to rise to the surface. Not only does it help improve the appearance of your skin, but it also stimulates circulation of both blood and lymph, encouraging the body to flush away toxins. Find a dry brush at most any health store, then brush all over before your morning shower. Start at the ankles and brush upward with light but firm strokes. Always brush toward the heart, so for the shoulders and back, start at the top and brush down.
- Body wrap: Wrapping and warming your body encourages perspiration, helping to supercharge the detoxing effect. You can try a clay or mud-based body wrap at your local spa, but they can be messy, time-consuming, and expensive. Why not try our easy, economical, at-home system—the ItWorks! Wrap Pack? This pack comes with our best- selling contouring Defining Gel which helps tighten, tone, and firm in as little as 45 minutes, improving skin texture and tightness while helping to draw impurities out of the body.
2. Detox with a Weekend Juice Cleanse
Some cleanses out there today are a little bit scary. A whole month drinking only juice? That can be dangerous. But if you’re looking for a quick weekend detox that will flush you out and leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, a weekend juice cleanse is the perfect answer.
Juices move quickly into your body and bloodstream, giving you a superdose of nutrients and healthy phytochemicals while flushing the bad stuff out of your system. Best of all, you can create your own drinks according to your preferences. For powerful detoxing, use a lot of fruits and vegetables, and consider adding the following ingredients:
- Dandelions: These naturally support liver function and are a rich source of nutrients. Try adding some leaves to your green juice.
- Flaxseed: Full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, these are also a great source of fiber, which encourages the emptying of your digestive system.
- Lemons: Refreshing and tangy, they make a great addition to your juice, and also helps counteract any acidic foods you may be eating throughout the day.
- Seaweed: Sea vegetables are great at absorbing toxins in the digestive tract while giving you a great dose of key minerals. If you don’t like the taste, try seaweed powder in your smoothie.
- Broccoli sprouts: Sprouts are the better choice than florets for juices as they don’t taste as strong. Either way, broccoli helps break down and get rid of toxins, while giving you health-promoting antioxidants.
- Apples: These can help sweeten the taste of your smoothie, but you may be surprised to know that apples are also great detoxers. They are a natural source of fiber, and contain “pectin” which helps pull metals and food additives from your body.
- Cranberries: These tasty fruits contain natural bacteria-fighting compounds, flushing bad bacteria from your system and giving your immune system a boost.Add any fruit you like to taste, and have fun creating your own detox juices! If you’re on the go and would like a simple way to be sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need, try this:
Greens on the Go: You can take this convenient powder supplement with you anywhere, even to the office. Each single-serving packet contains the equivalent of over eight servings of fruits and vegetables, along with probiotics for digestive health, an acid- fighting magnesium and potassium blend, and 38 herbs and nutrient-rich superfoods. Simply mix in with your smoothie or add to any healthy juice and go!
3. Detox with Herbs
There are a number of herbs that naturally support liver function. You can add these to your juices and shakes when you’re doing your weekend cleanse, or simply add them to your daily diet when you need an extra detox boost. Some of the best options include the following—enjoy them in smoothies and teas, or try the extracts and supplements.
- Dandelion: As mentioned above, dandelion is a great detoxing herb.
- Milk thistle: Another detoxing heavy hitter, milk thistle has been used to support the liver for thousands of years.
- Burdock root: This herb helps stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, helping to purify the blood. It also supports the growth of healthy probiotics in the intestinal tract and protects against cellular damage.
- Cilantro: This herb is said to bind to toxic metals like lead and mercury.
- Sasparilla: This detox herb takes the nasty stuff out of your body, while anti-inflammatory compounds support healthy tissues and organs. It also acts as a slight diuretic, pushing liquid through the system and helping to flush away chemicals.Do you have other ideas for a weekend detox? Please share them with our readers!
Picture courtesy tiverlucky via freedigitalimages.net.
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