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What is metabolic detoxifcation? How can it improve your health? In today’s super fast paced world, we are under pressure to perform better, think smarter, and even play harder. We never feel like we’re doing or being enough. We burn the candle at both ends most days and when we do have time to relax, we aren’t even sure how to anymore.
Nurturing starts inside!
Nurturing ourselves is an important part of staying healthy, but how do we start? Typically, people turn to yoga, massage and mindfulness for deep relaxation and better mental health. While these methods can work wonders on so many levels, many practitioners of functional medicine also recommend detoxing.
Hmmm, detox?
We often think of the word “detox” as it relates to withdrawing from drugs or alcohol. However, in functional medicine, the concept of detoxing describes how the body renders chemicals, hormones, and toxicants less harmful to us. (It’s also known as “metabolic detoxification.”)
If this sounds too complicated, don’t worry. We’re here to help you start on a journey of detoxification to help you become a healthier version of the already awesome person you are. There are no bizarre rituals involved, it’s simply seeing food as medicine. In fact, if you’ve read our previous articles on Juice Plus+, you’ll know that’s a good way to get started.
Why is detoxing so important?
The organs of detoxification work efficiently as a whole to reduce the body burden or toxic load of chemicals.
Organs of detoxification include:
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Large intestine
- Lymphatic system
- Sweat glands
According to the Institute of Functional Medicine, “Scientists estimate that the average adult carries within her or his body at least 700 toxins and that a newborn’s body can contain over 200 toxins.” So as you can see, sometimes our amazing organs need some extra help to perform better and unload the body’s toxic burden.
Sound scary? Fortunately, our bodies have metabolic pathways that convert toxins into chemical compounds. This makes it easy for the body to eliminate them, primarily through the urine or stools. However, with all of the toxic bacteria, pollutants, plasticizers, and heavy metals lurking in our daily environment, our organs are working overtime. And don’t get us started on personal care products absorbed through the skin, your body’s largest organ. It’s enough to make you want to retreat into a plastic bubble. (Wait, that’s probably harmful too!)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idea of toxic burden may seem intimidating. But YOU have the power to reverse the damage. As a result, you’ll experience a healthier and more energetic you. In our ongoing series of articles on gut health, we will equip you with all of the tools you need. Stay tuned for more— your internal organs will thank you!
