Achieving and maintaining healthy skin goes beyond the skin care products we apply onto our skin. Our lifestyle and nutrition practices play a significant role in the overall health of our skin and wellbeing. While our body possesses remarkable intuitive abilities and works diligently to keep us healthy, in today's world filled with environmental and lifestyle "toxins," our bodies need a little support for optimum health.
As we embrace the spirit of renewal and detoxification for Spring, we want to highlight the ways we can support our body's natural detoxification processes.
1. Increase your intake of liver-supportive foods
Foods like garlic, leafy greens, turmeric, beets, and citrus fruits are known to support liver function and promote detoxification. They contain antioxidants, fiber, and specific compounds that stimulate the production of detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Increasing your fiber intake through raw fruits and vegetables also supports healthy digestion and promotes the elimination of toxins.
2. Practice deep breathing exercises
Proper breathing techniques enhance oxygen intake and significantly aid in detoxification. Deep breathing, including diaphragmatic breathing, increases oxygen intake and improves circulation, facilitating the removal of toxins from the body. Additionally, techniques like pranayama can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and support the body's natural detoxification processes. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation through focused breathing exercises, we can enhance our body's detoxification capabilities.
3. Dry brush your skin
Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, exfoliates the skin, increases circulation and promote detoxification. It sloughs off dead skin, refines the skin, unclogs pores, promotes lymphatic flow and aids in the elimination of toxins. This simple practice can improve skin health and support detoxification efforts. We incorporate Merben jute body brushes, Living Libations Facial dry brush and Living Libations Verve Tonic to stimulate lymphatic movement in our dry brushing rituals.
4. Engage in activities that promote sweating
Sweating is a natural process that helps eliminate toxins through the skin. Engaging in regular exercise, saunas, or steam rooms that promote sweating. In addition they improve circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. Whether through cardio, strength training, or yoga, incorporating physical activity into your routine can significantly enhance your body's natural detoxification processes. Saunas, steam rooms and hot baths are also effective methods to promote sweating and support detoxification however should be avoided if you have sensitive, compromised skin.
5. Prioritize quality sleep
During sleep, the glymphatic system, a waste clearance system in the brain, becomes more active, eliminating waste products and toxins. Sufficient sleep also allows for the production of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress and reduces inflammation. Prioritizing quality sleep ensures optimal functioning of the glymphatic system, aids in the elimination of toxins, and contributes to overall health and wellness.
6. Reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol
Coffee and alcohol are metabolized by the liver and can burden on its detoxification function. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins further challenges the liver's ability to eliminate harmful substances efficiently. Switching to cleaner beauty products, cleaning products, minimizing plastic containers or choosing organic foods also help to lighten our toxic loads.
7. Stay hydrated
Hydration is key to optimal body functioning. Drinking water supports detoxification by aiding in the flushing out of toxins from the body, promoting optimal kidney function, and assisting in the elimination of waste through urine. Begin your day by squeezing 1/2 of a fresh lemon into a glass of room temperature water for added detoxification benefits.
8. Incorporate herbs into your diet
Milk thistle and dandelion are herbs that support liver function. Milk thistle and dandelion can be easily incorporated into your routine in various ways: herbal teas made from milk thistle seeds or dandelion root is a simple and soothing option. You can also add ground milk thistle seeds or dandelion greens to your meals or salads for a flavorful boost. Additionally, herbal supplements in the form of capsules or tinctures offer a convenient way to ensure consistent intake of milk thistle and dandelion for liver support and detoxification.
9. Start small, keep it simple but consistent
While embarking on a comprehensive detox plan may seem overwhelming, remember that small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes in our bodies. To begin, we encourage selecting 2-3 practices from the above tips that resonate most with you. This will allowing you to make meaningful progress towards your wellness goals.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.