If you’re interested in healthy living, chances are you’ve come across trends related to cleansing your body. Friends and family members may tell you to try juice cleanses or other restrictive diets.
In today’s world filled with air pollution, man-made chemicals and plastics, the interest in avoiding negative substances makes sense. What you may not know is that your body already has an amazing cleansing system of its own. How does it work?
What Is the Body’s Cleansing System?
Many internal organs contribute either directly or indirectly to filtering out harmful substances from your blood. They help to protect the cells throughout your body.
Your Liver
The liver is a main pillar of natural cleansing. It helps with removing toxins and filtering your blood for old or damaged cells, too. In addition, the liver can neutralize many substances, changing them into harmless waste products.
Your Digestive System
Some harmful compounds get destroyed or eliminated by the digestive system. Stomach acids can break down bacteria and other organisms. The colon removes waste products from the body for good.
Your Kidneys
The kidneys also help filter the blood, and the liver directs some toxins to the kidneys for elimination in the urine. In other words, when there are water-soluble toxins present, it’s the job of the kidneys to get rid of them.
Your Lungs
The lungs help filter the air you breathe. Mucus can trap dirt particles and germs. The lungs can also capture and remove toxins from smoke.
How Can You Support the Liver’s Natural Functions?
One of the main ways to promote natural cleansing is to maintain your organs with a healthy diet. For example, you can support your liver with antioxidant-rich fruits (berries, grapes and citrus fruits) and green veggies. A liver health supplement can help you get supporting nutrients if unhealthy dietary choices have limited your intake of vitamins. When you give your liver the vitamins and minerals it requires normally, you’re supporting its natural functions. You can get these nutrients primarily from a balanced diet, but also from supplements if you choose.
Drinking plenty of water is important, too. It helps your liver and especially your kidneys do their jobs efficiently. When you stay hydrated, it’s easier for the kidneys to flush toxins and bacteria in the urine. Put simply, you’re helping your body remove negative substances as quickly as possible.
How much water do you need? Scientists recommend about four to six cups a day, in addition to other liquids, such as juices and teas. That said, you should follow any instructions from your doctor. Some people need more or less water depending on medications and lifestyle factors.
What Else Can You Do To Support Healthy Cleansing Processes?
It’s impossible to complexly avoid negative substances in today’s environment, but there are things you can do to limit your exposure to them. One of the most important ways is to avoid smoking or being around secondhand cigarette smoke. Smoke from cigarettes is full of harmful substances that can damage your lungs, liver, kidneys and other organs.
Getting plenty of sleep is important for the cleansing process, too. Your body works hard to eliminate toxic substances while you rest. It also takes the opportunity to repair and support your organs. Sleeping sufficiently at night is a healthy investment, just like a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It’s worth turning off your electronic devices early for.
How Good Are Popular Diets for Cleansing?
Your diet depends on your personal preferences, and enjoying nutritious foods is a good thing. Unfortunately, many popular diets are ineffective and some are potentially harmful. Products that encourage you to go to extremes, such as cutting out entire food groups, aren’t healthy.
If you feel that you want to try a diet your friends or family recommend, it’s smart to discuss your plans with a healthcare provider first. That way, you can make sure you’re supporting your body instead of working against it.
