(NC) Winter is the season when our bodies typically accumulate weight, as well as the toxins that come with unbalanced diets. Don’t wait for spring, however, to get back to a healthier routine. Now is the time to use the momentum of New Year’s resolutions to kick start a simple and safe program to help your body get rid of unwanted contaminants. Advancements today are giving us a broad range of lifestyle habits, foods and supplements to help the body do this more effectively.
Unwanted substances, for example, can enter our bodies through what we ingest and even the products we put on our skin. While the liver metabolizes these substances, it is always a good idea to support its function by making small changes to your lifestyle. Remember to always consult with your health care practitioner when you are making changes to your diet or supplement regime. The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) has a few suggestions to help your body stay clear from toxins present in the environment:
Help your digestion
In order to promote a healthy digestive tract and healthy liver function, remember to get enough fibre and drink at least eight cups of water throughout the day. Also consider taking probiotics to maintain digestive health. Staying regular and clearing your body of waste makes room for the healthy foods and nutrients you want.
Eat clean
You don’t have to starve yourself or force yourself to only eat one type of food. Organic parsley, fennel, ginger, basil, beets, sesame seeds, onions, garlic, goji berries, citrus fruits, cinnamon and Brazil nuts are all foods with detoxifying properties you can add to your diet. Remember to choose organic products, which are grown without persistent toxic chemicals.
Complement your diet
There are many natural supplements that can help you get back on track with your health goals. Milk thistle contains the unique flavonoid silymarin, which is an antioxidant that can help increase glutathione (an important liver detoxifier) levels in the liver cells. Other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, play a vital role in the detoxification process at the cellular level.
Additional tips on natural, healthy living are available online at chfa.ca.
