If you experience acne, hormonal headaches, a thyroid condition, estrogen dominance, adrenal dysfunction or any other reproductive imbalance, paying attention to your detox pathways could be a huge step in your healing journey.

The liver

Fats are absorbed into the lymphatic system through the small intestine if the gut is properly working. These fats then travel through the lymphatic system to the liver to be metabolized and detoxified. But, if we have inflammation or irritation in the small intestine from factors like alcohol, lots of spicy food, gastritis, etc., then this fat-absorption process becomes altered. The fats will instead travel into the bloodstream (rather than the lymphatic system) making our blood thick, therefore causing too-slow of transportation of nutrients and toxins to the liver. Once this thick blood gets to the liver, our liver metabolism becomes slowed down. Because of this slow moving blood flow, many toxins will secrete directly into the circulation around the body rather than traveling through the liver first to be detoxified and eliminated.

Daily practices for properly functioning detox pathways

Water

Drink plenty of pure spring water throughout the day, every day, to promote the flushing and movement of toxins

Exercise

Exercise daily in order to keep the entire body and blood flow moving (cardio, stretching, weights, etc.)

Menstruation

Menstruation is another one of the body's natural ways to release toxins through the body. Pay attention to the regularity of your cycle along with the relationship you have with your period. During menstruation, visualize your flow moving down and out of the body

Creative expression

Draw, paint, build, etc. to allow a flow of expression run through the body

Emotional release

The body communicates with us through physical discomforts and dis-ease. In order to heal we need to acknowledge these signs and move energy through the body.

1. Cry
2. Shake the body
3. Dance
4. Sing to release stuck energy in the throat
5. Etc.

Orgasm

Energy is stored in the pelvic bowl, and orgasm creates a flush of release through the entire body

Deep breathing

When we breathe deeply, we become more relaxed and more able to handle stress. Breathing deeply into the belly expands the lungs and diaphragm, causing the lymphatic system to receive a massage which aids in the detoxifying of toxins

Fiber

Fiber is beneficial for clearing and keeping a healthy gut microbiome

Dry brushing (skin brushing)

Brushing the skin regularly stimulates the lymph flow through the body, therefore promoting the body's detox of toxins. Using a gentle dry brush, begin at the feet and hands and work towards the center of the body.

Daily or bi-daily bowels

The body will begin to hold and re-circulate toxins if we do not poop regularly

Sweat daily

Exercising, using a sauna, or taking a hot bath with epsom salt, are three ways to allow the body to use it's largest organ (the skin) to excrete any held-in toxins

Leave a comment with your favorite ways to detox below