Try These Six Ways to Detox Your Body

Every day, your body filters out dozens of toxins. To give it a healthy kickstart, try to eliminate items that trigger inflammation, such as sugar and processed foods, advises Dr. Frank Lipman, founder of the wellness company Be Well. Even if you find it difficult to eat sensibly all the time, there are little things you can do regularly to help your body detox naturally. Try these six strategies.

1. Lemon Water

As soon as you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of warm water with the juice from a fresh lemon added. Lemon juice provides your body with loads of vitamin C and hydrating electrolytes in the form of calcium, magnesium and potassium. These are important because your body naturally dehydrates overnight, so replenishing first thing in the morning helps jumpstart digestion and detoxification.

2. Greens

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage and collard greens help reduce chronic inflammation and are high in antioxidants, which help your body fight toxins and disease. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamin K and folate, which are important for bone strength and heart health.

3. Yoga Poses

Certain yoga poses help your body detox naturally by stimulating the digestive process. Twisting poses, such as Seated Spinal Twist, help relax the muscles in your abdomen. "By releasing, gripping and holding in the belly and taking deep calming breaths, we can relax the muscles and diaphragm, allowing the GI system to do a better job," explains Lipman.

4. Drink Tea

Teas containing milk thistle help your body detox by stimulating your liver to remove built-up toxins. A study commissioned by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that milk thistle enhances liver function by stimulating repair of liver tissue and protecting against cellular damage. Cancer studies suggest that milk thistle also blocks free radicals from damaging cells and makes toxins less harmful.

5. Take a Bath

The simple relaxation of soaking in a tub can also do wonders for your body. To make your tub do double duty, add two cups of Epsom salts to the water, and soak for at least 20 minutes. "Epsom salts contain magnesium as well as other minerals and nutrients that are absorbed into your skin during the bath and can help with the detoxification process," says Lipman. Magnesium stimulates action in the colon, causing your body to get rid of excess waste more efficiently.

6. Body Brushing

A couple times each week before you shower, take a few moments and brush your body with a dry, soft-bristled brush. Dry brushing regularly helps get rid of debris and old skin cells, which unclogs pores and helps skin perspire more efficiently. It also increases circulation, which promotes healthy cell turnover.

You only get one body, so treat it kindly. These simple strategies help your body naturally detoxify itself, leading to increased energy, better sleep and a healthier, happier mood.

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