5 Ways to Detox Your Life

In this ever-increasing toxic world it is so vital to do what we can to remain as toxin-free as possible.

In all ways: physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Having gone through the challenges of a lymphoma diagnosis a few years ago (a systemic cancer of the lymphatic system - which is the detoxification system of the body) and a very scary few months of not knowing if I was going to survive, my inner private detective dove full force into endless hours of research to find ways to improve my chances.

I learned a lot about keeping my body, mind and spirit as clear as possible, in order to avoid EVER going through that experience again.

So far, so good. (Yes!)

In my research I learned that cancer isn’t just something people are genetically doomed to experience. Genetics actually have a relatively minor role, as genes can be turned off and on, depending on many life-style and environmental factors.

The study of epigenetics has discovered that genes need instructions for what to do and when to do it. Environmental influences, such as a person’s diet and exposure to pollutants, can impact genetic behavior in a big way. (1)

That means: the choices we make each and every day matter.

Have you noticed how more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer lately? It used to be it was somebody’s grandma. Now, it’s our friends and even ourselves. We have to do all we can to remain as healthy as possible, yes?

A lot has to do with our body’s immune system being overtaxed and its ensuing inability to deal with such a huge toxic load.

So, the answer to remaining as healthy as possible: reduce your toxic load, detox regularly, keep our immune system as strong as possible.

This isn’t just about avoiding cancer. It’s about creating the healthiest possible inner and outer environment for yourself to create a life you love, filled with vitality, energy and clarity.

Toxicity comes in many forms, not only from our environment through air and water pollution, chemicals and pesticides in our food supply, electromagnetic energies, but also the every day products that surround us: from paint and carpeting, to our cleaning household products and the cosmetics we put on our bodies to keep us “looking” young and attractive.

Yep, those can be especially toxic, as our skin is our largest elimination organ, yet often it can absorb the many chemicals present in lotions, hair products and make-up directly into our blood stream.

Yikes!

And then there's emotional and spiritual toxicity as well. So, what's a person to do to remain as toxin-free as possible?

This is a HUGE subject, and I’m only going to cover some basics.

Besides the obvious, like quitting smoking cigarettes, and exposing yourself unnecessarily to other toxic substances, we can start here:

1. Switch to an all-organic, plant based diet. It’s not just a fad, it's a necessity these days to remain as healthy as possible.

If you can’t get or afford organic products, at least consume tons of fresh vegetables and fruits, and let go of as many animal products as you can. Meat and dairy tend to be loaded with antibiotics and hormones, as well as viruses, bacteria and parasites. If you must eat meat, cheese and chicken, make sure they’re organic, pasture-raised, etc.

Anything in a box has additives and preservatives to make it last longer on the shelf. Yes, it’s convenient, but not conducive to creating optimal health. So, you can keep grains, nuts, legumes in your pantry, but try to let go of artificial products with no nutritional value.

So focus on natural, organic fruits and vegetables, as close to their pristine state as you can.

And, make sure to drink lots of fresh, purified, water. Let go of sodas (sugar and artificial sweeteners are poisons) and research water filtration systems to install one in your home.

2. Stop using toxic, commercial house-cleaning products. Oh my, is that stuff harsh for your health! Not only will you save money, you will create such a nice, fresh feeling in your home. And your nose and lungs will thank you!

It’s so easy!!

You can buy non-toxic, biodegradable products. We make our own. This is what we use to clean our home: white vinegar, a few drops of biodegradable dish soap (Dr. Bronner’s is awesome!) water and lavender drops (or other natural fragrance.)

You can experiment with amounts. For floors and counters we use:

• a bucket of water

• ½ cup vinegar

• a dash of dish soap

• and a few natural fragrance drops.

You can put some of it in a spray bottle for counters and bath. For windows, just use water and vinegar. The other ingredients can be oily and leave streaks.

3. Use natural body-care products: You can make your own, or purchase them.

The skincare industry has very loose regulations about what they are allowed to include in their products.

Did you know that mascara uses mercury, a known carcinogen, as a preservative? And lipstick, the oh-so-precious-kiss-inducer, has lead in it along with nine other toxic heavy metals! Gulp! (2)

Recent science indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a neurotoxin and can be dangerous at small doses, linked to learning and behavioral problems, hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility in men and women. (3)

Basically, you should be able to eat whatever you put on your body. If you can’t, don’t use it.

If you want to know what product, dish soap, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, sunblock, moisturizer and hair conditioner is toxin free and safe to use, visit the Environmental Working Group website (www.EWG.org). It has a huge database of body care and household products with a clean or toxic rating. It's awesome!

For now, here are two easy changes you can make right away:

Start using coconut oil as a moisturizer! That’s the only thing we use on our faces. You can also apply some to your beautiful bod right after you shower. Let it soak in a bit, then dry off with an oldish towel.

Home-made mouthwash: Here’s a simple recipe we came up with:

• 1 cup filtered water

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• 1-2 drops tea tree oil (great antibacterial / antiviral)

• 2-3 drops of food grade peppermint oil (to taste)

4. You may want to explore doing a water fast. Try it for at least 24 hours every 6 months or so. And if you can manage 3 days, even better.

When you fast your body switches into repair and regeneration mode, and your immune system actually becomes stronger. You might feel some detoxing symptoms, such as lethargy or headaches, which is a good sign that your body is working. So try to take it easy and get through it gently.

If you feel that you may need some nutrition during your fast, you can try doing a juice fast instead, or afterwards. Note this does not mean fruit juice, as it is loaded with sugar. I’m talking green juice, or a combination of green with with carrot, cucumber, beet, etc.

Come off the fast slowly, typically eating raw vegetables and fruits for a day or two before getting back to cooked food.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This topic of fasting and detoxing your body is vast. Please do your research, and consult a doctor before you attempt a fast, especially if you have a serious health condition.

5. Create some distance from toxic situations and people. This category is a whole other ball of wax, yet it merits being included.

Toxic emotions can have an enormous impact in our lives, at so many levels! Did you know that anxiety and stress actually create an acidic internal environment? And typically, acidic environments are more conducive to harboring viruses, bacteria, and a breakdown of the immune system.

So, be kind to your self, try to take a break from toxic situations or negative people that affect your well-being. If you need to, seek the support of a professional counselor to help you make some healthy decisions.

Self-love is a huge factor in healing and maintaining our optimal health. So, take care of YOU. Do things that are fun, that make you laugh, that feed your soul, and avoid situations that tax you emotionally, until you devise a healthy way of handling them.

BONUS

Along with these five basic suggestions, remember that exercise is key to detoxifying. Make sure you do something that makes you sweat (if you can’t exercise, then saunas are a great idea).

Your lymphatic system can only do its job through movement. There is no pump to move lymph through your body like the heart, moving your blood. So, you need to move. A rebounder/trampoline is awesome to get your lymphatic system to detox tissues and organs, and it's a lot of fun to bounce around for 15 minutes or so.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for reading this far. This is a super important topic, and I wanted to at least get you started. Keeping your life as toxin free as possible, is a KEY factor in creating a life you LOVE.

Please share below: What has worked for you? What can you share with others that might help them, aside from these suggestions? Let’s get a conversation going…

To Your Highest,

Eli