18 Proven Ways To Detox Your Life
Have you ever had a week where you ate too much fast food smoked and drank too much alcohol and ended up feeling slow and not very clear-headed?
You might be thinking that it’s time to clear out the junk from your system – and you’re right.
But detoxing is not just about those popular juice diets; it’s actually about taking steps to remove all the unnecessary stuff from both your body and your mind.
In this guide I will show you how to identify the harmful elements in your everyday life and I will give you 18 tried-and-true methods to get rid of them.
First thing first: What does it really mean to fully detox your body?
Starting a full body detox means that you decide to follow a plan that helps your body get rid of toxins that have built up over time.
These toxins, which include all sorts of pollutants and harmful substances, can make you feel less energetic and cloud your thinking.
When you detox, you help your liver, which is super important for getting rid of toxins, to do its job better.
But it’s not just your liver working hard; your kidneys, gut, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin all play a role in cleaning your body.
When you begin a detox, you’re doing more than just clearing out physical stuff; it’s a whole-body refresh that can make you feel better overall and give you more energy.
It’s important to detox because these toxins can affect your health in negative ways. For example, they can make you feel tired, cause skin issues, or make it harder for you to think clearly.
So, by helping your body’s natural cleaning systems work better, you’re likely to feel healthier and more energetic.
What are toxins?
Toxins are harmful substances that can mess with how your body normally works and may cause health problems.
These toxins are everywhere: they come from plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and can also be man-made. They make their way into your life through the air, your food, and the products you interact with daily.
Think of toxins as uninvited visitors that can damage your cells or interfere with your body’s chemical processes. Some common toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, snake venom, and certain chemicals from plants.
The danger of these toxins depends on how much you’re exposed to, how they get into your body, and whether you’re particularly sensitive to them.
The good news is that you can reduce their impact, and I’ll tell you how to do that.
Proven Ways To Detox Your Life
If you are in a hurry, here are the 18 proven method of detoxifying your life in a handy, easy-to-consume table. Upon clicking (or tapping) on each link it will take you to the respective paragraph for further reading.
Lifestyle Change | Benefits |
---|---|
Declutter your life | Clears your mind and makes room for new things. |
Cut down on smoking | Improves your health and gives your body a break from harmful substances. |
Stop drinking alcohol | Improves your sleep, skin, and mood. |
Drink ONLY water and herbal teas | Helps your body clean out toxins and keeps you hydrated. |
Drink Green Juices | Gives your body important nutrients quickly and helps cleanse your blood. |
Eliminate unhealthy and process foods | Improves your overall health and gives your body the nutrients it needs. |
Start exercise | Improves your physical and mental health, reduces stress, and boosts your mood. |
Epsom Salt Soak | Helps you relax, thus improving your mental health, and removes toxins from your body. |
Sleep more | Helps your body recover and get rid of toxins. |
Spend time alone in nature | Helps you relax your mind, breathe clean air and reconnect with the world around you. |
Keep your car’s windows closed when driving through cities | Reduces your exposure to air pollution. |
Switch to natural cleaning products | Reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals and makes your home a healthier place. |
Choose natural body care | Improves the health of your skin, you avoid potential substances from entering your body through your skin and is better for the environment. |
Watch more comedy shows | Improves your mood, reduces stress and clears your mind. |
Attend meditation or yoga classes | Clears your mind, improves your physical health, and reduces stress. |
Add some air detoxing plants to your house | Improves the air you breathe. |
Reassess Your Relationships | Spend time with people who encourage you and make you happy. |
Prefer natural remedies than drugs and medication. | Minimizes the risk of harmful side effects from medication and promote overall health and well-being without chemical intervention. |
1. Declutter your life
Sometimes we don’t realize how much a clear space can help clear our minds.
To start, take a good look around you. For each thing you own, ask if it’s useful or makes you happy. If it doesn’t do either, consider getting rid of it.
By creating a calm and orderly place to live, you’re not just cleaning up; you’re also letting go of the mess that can make your thoughts heavy and your choices unclear.
When you clear out physical clutter, you often clear out mental clutter, too. This means you have more room for new and good things to come into your life.
2. Cut down smoking, vaping or anything smoke related
Cutting back on smoking, using e-cigarettes, and all other products related to smoking is an important step toward improving your health.
When you stop using these products, you’re helping your body recover. Each time you resist the urge to smoke, you’re giving your lungs a break and showing strong self-control.
Think of it this way: Your body deserves clean air. You have the power to stop harmful substances from affecting your health.
If it’s hard, start with small steps. Every cigarette you don’t smoke is a win for your health. It’s a good idea to ask for help from friends, family, or health professionals. You’re not trying to do this alone.
When you decide to stop smoking, you’re showing that you’re dedicated to living a healthier life. Changes can be hard, but they’re good for you.
3. Stop drinking alcohol
If you decide to stop drinking alcohol, your body’s ability to get rid of harmful substances can improve a lot. When you don’t drink, you give your liver a chance to rest from constantly fighting off toxins, and you help your whole body reset and get healthier.
Think about how good it feels to wake up refreshed, with a clear mind and feeling full of energy instead of tired. Your skin may look better, you might sleep more soundly, and you could find yourself in a better mood.
This change isn’t about losing something; it’s about choosing to put your health first. You’re in charge, deciding to care for your health and happiness.
4. Drink ONLY water and herbal teas
If you decide to drink only water and herbal teas, you’re taking a significant step to help clean out your body. Think of it as giving your body a break from other drinks that might contain sugars or caffeine.
Drinking water keeps you hydrated, which is important because it helps your kidneys flush out waste and keeps your cells working well.
Also, drinking only water is proven to increase your cognitive function, increase your metabolism rate, detoxify you and make your skin look healthier.
Herbal teas (which again are water infused with herbs) are full of antioxidants and certain herbs that can support your body’s natural detox processes as well.
Some of them include:
Dandelion:
Herb/Spice | Benefits | Active Compounds |
---|---|---|
Milk Thistle | Protects and regenerates liver cells | Silymarin |
Dandelion | Natural diuretic, supports liver health, aids digestion | Taraxasterol, luteolin |
Turmeric | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports liver function | Curcumin |
Ginger | Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, supports detoxification | Gingerol |
Cilantro (Coriander) | Removes heavy metals, facilitates toxin elimination | Coriandrin, quercetin |
Peppermint | Soothes gastrointestinal tract, supports liver function | Menthol and other active compounds |
Burdock Root | Blood purifier, detoxifier, supports liver health | Arctigenin, inulin, essential oils |
5. Drink Green Juices
Ok, apart from water and teas you can drink green juices as well. This will help you add some “pluralism” to your diet and also help your body get rid of toxins at the same time.
Think about having a fresh glass of green juice in the morning, full of nutrients from greens like kale, spinach, and celery. These green juices contain chlorophyll, which helps clean your blood and can make you feel more energetic.
Now, if you are not the blending type of person, you can try getting a ready-made green juice powder. In this list, we’ve got some of the best green juice powders to suggest.
And if you are thinking that green juices are a waste of money, I tell you upfront that No, they’re not. If you want to learn more, check this article I wrote a while ago.
Drinking green juice is a way to take care of yourself and give your body important nutrients quickly. Using fresh, leafy greens in your drinks can be a simple step in your daily routine that supports your health.
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6. Eliminate unhealthy and process foods
To improve your health and detoxify yourself, it’s essential to stop eating unhealthy and processed foods.
Instead, try to fill your diet with mostly fruits, vegetables, and nuts—aim for these to make up about 70% – 80% of what you eat. That’s not medical advice of course but it is something that I personally do when I am under a detoxification period.
Fresh produce and nuts can give your body the nutrients it needs without the harmful substances that processed foods often contain.
An easy way to achieve the goal of 70% – 80% of fruits and vegetables for detoxification purposes, is to simply do the math.
If I we suppose that you eat 5 times per day (3 meals and 2 snacks) that equals to 35 times per week.
70% of the times you eat, translates to eating 24 times per week fruits and vegetables and 11 times per week anything else.
80% translates to eating 28 times per week fruits and vegetables and 7 times per week everything else. If you think about it, is like eating once per day meat or dairy or bread or pasta.
Not that hard – right?
Eating well isn’t just about avoiding certain foods, but also about feeding yourself with things that are good for you.
7. Start exercise, walking, running, resistance training
Making exercise a part of your daily life, like walking, running, or doing exercises with weights or bands, can really improve your health.
When you walk or lift weights, you’re not just helping to get rid of toxins in your body, you’re making your heart stronger, clearing your thoughts, and giving yourself a sense of well-being.
Here’s how working out helps with detoxification:
- Sweating: Sweating is one way your body regulates temperature, especially during exercise. When you work out, your body produces sweat to cool down. Sweat contains water, electrolytes, and some metabolic waste products, but it is not the primary means of detoxification.
- Improved blood circulation: Exercise increases blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs involved in detoxification. This enhanced circulation can aid in their proper functioning.
- Increased breathing rate: During exercise, your breathing rate increases, allowing your lungs to expel more carbon dioxide and other waste gases.
- Lymphatic system activation: Exercise stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste products and toxins from tissues. The movement of muscles helps circulate lymph fluid and encourages detoxification.
- Enhanced metabolism: Exercise can boost your metabolism, allowing your body to burn more calories and potentially eliminate certain toxins stored in fat cells.
- Stress reduction: Regular exercise is known to reduce stress levels. Chronic stress can impair detoxification pathways in the body, so managing stress through exercise may indirectly support detoxification.
If you’re new to exercise, you can start with simple activities. You could walk around your neighborhood, jog on the spot, or lift things you have at home, like water bottles.
The key is to keep active, breathe deeply, and get into a steady routine that makes you feel good and healthy. Starting this habit is a step toward better health.
8. Epsom Salt Baths
Taking an Epsom salt bath can really help you relax and may help remove toxins from your body.
The reason why it’s helpful is that Epsom salt is made of magnesium and sulfate.
When you soak in an Epsom salt bath, your body may absorb these minerals through the skin.
Also, the combination of magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salt may stimulate detoxification pathways. [1]
Magnesium aids a variety of bodily functions, including the removal of heavy metals from the body. [2] [3]
Finally, soaking in an Epsom salt bath may provide various health benefits such as softer skin, reduced inflammation, muscle soreness relief, stress relief, and potentially restoring magnesium balance.
9. Sleep more
I’ve talked so many times about how important is sleep. It seems though that quality sleep can help your body recover and get rid of toxins.
Think of sleep as your body’s time to repair itself and sort through the day’s information. Getting good sleep is a key part of taking care of your overall health.
While you’re asleep, your brain gets rid of waste through something called the glymphatic system. It’s like a cleanup crew for your brain, working to clear out the junk from the day. [4]
Try creating a calming bedtime routine, make your bedroom a comfortable place to sleep, add some plants and let your body take care of the rest. Getting consistent, quality sleep can leave you feeling refreshed and clear-headed.
10. Spend Time In Nature
Once you’ve got a good sleep routine down, it’s a good idea to take some time for yourself in a park or a forest.
Being alone in nature can really help you relax your mind. Think of this quiet time as a break from your busy life.
When you’re out there with the trees and the sounds of nature, you can think without any interruptions from your usual day-to-day stuff. While you’re walking or just sitting, take deep breaths, enjoy the fresh air, and feel refreshed.
Spending time in nature like this isn’t about avoiding real life—it’s about reconnecting with the world around you, which is important. It’s good for your head and your heart.
11. Keep your car’s windows closed when driving through the city.
When you’re driving through a busy city, it’s a good idea to keep your car windows closed.
Why? Because the air outside is full of car exhaust and smoke from factories, which isn’t great for your health.
Urban air pollution is a real thing and unless you want to fill your lungs, skin and body with particulates, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, organic solvents, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) – toxins in simple words – have that window closed when driving through the city. [5]
Closing your windows is an easy thing to do, and it really helps you avoid breathing in those harmful things.
12. Switch to natural cleaning products
Switching to natural cleaning products is a smart move for reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals and making your home a healthier place.
Harmful chemicals = More toxins in you.
When you use cleaners made from plant-based ingredients, you’re taking care of your family’s health and being kind to the environment.
These green alternatives work well against dirt and germs, and they don’t leave dangerous residues or fumes behind.
You can start by replacing your usual all-purpose cleaner with one made from vinegar or use baking soda for tough cleaning jobs.
Here are 5 cleaners made from plant-based ingredients that are sold on Amazon:
Product Name | Description | Price |
---|---|---|
Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray, Pink Grapefruit | Plant-Based and Biodegradable Formula Perfect for Most Counters, Tiles, Stone, and More. 28 oz Spray Bottles, 4 Pack | $$ |
ECOS® All Purpose Cleaner, Orange | 22oz Bottle by Earth Friendly Products (Pack of 2) | $ |
Naturally It’s Clean Floor Enzyme Floor Cleaner | Powerful Plant Based Enzyme Formula Cleans Hardwood, Tile, and Floors Stain Free. 24 Gallon Rinse Free Concentrate | $ |
Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner | Natural Everyday Household All Purpose Cleaner, 99.96% Plant-Based Cleaning Spray, Kitchen and Countertop Multisurface Cleaner, 25 Fl Oz (2-Pack) | $$ |
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner | Degreasing Formula, Fresh Morning Meadow Scent, 23 oz (Pack of 4) | $$ |
Choosing these options helps ensure that the air in your home is cleaner, and you’ll be doing your part for the earth as well.
13. Choose natural body care
Using natural body care products can help reduce your contact with chemicals that might be bad for you.
Choosing products with natural ingredients can improve the health of your skin. Think about using lotions and balms that are made with plant extracts and don’t have artificial stuff added.
Toxic elements such as chromium, magnesium, cadmium, lead, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur, silicon, and titanium have been found in cosmetic products, exceeding safe permissible limits. [6]
It’s a good idea to check the ingredients when you’re shopping for body care items. Look for things you can easily identify as natural, such as aloe vera or coconut oil.
These natural products are made using ingredients derived from nature, such as plants, fruits, herbs, and minerals. These ingredients are typically obtained through extraction or processing methods that preserve their natural properties.
They often have antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which are good for keeping your skin in good shape. It matters what you use on your skin, just like it matters what you eat.
Here are 5 body care products made from natural ingredients that are sold on Amazon:
Product Name | Description | Price |
---|---|---|
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Lotion | Moisturizer 100% Virgin Coconut Oil For All Skin Types, Paraben Free, 16 oz | $ |
Goat Milk Lotion | Face and Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin – Moisturizing Skincare and Hand Cream – Honey Almond Scent, 12 oz | $$ |
Mrs. Meyer’s Body Lotion for Dry Skin | Non-Greasy Moisturizer Made with Essential Oils, Lavender, 15.5 oz | $ |
Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion | With Lavender Scent, Natural Oatmeal to Calm & Relax, Non-Greasy Daily Stress Relief Lotion, 18 fl. oz | $$$ |
Everyone Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion | Citrus and Mint, Plant-Based Lotion with Pure Essential Oils, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, 32 oz (Pack of 2) | $$$ |
14. Watch More Comedy Shows
Watching more comedy shows can be a fun way to improve your mood and clear your mind. Laughing acts as a natural remedy that can help you feel better and refreshed.
According to one research paper, laughing acts as a natural remedy for both physical and mental health, providing immediate and lasting benefits. It helps combat the physical effects of stress by relaxing the body and releasing endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. [7]
Studies have shown that laughter can reduce stress, inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure, and even faked laughter can provide some of these benefits . [8]
Don’t start laughing out in the public with no reason though.. People might think you went craze or something..
Take some time to make a list of comedy shows that make you laugh. It could be an old sitcom, a stand-up comedy act, or an improv show.
Let yourself get carried away by the fun and silliness.
When you laugh, you reduce stress, increase happy feelings, and build a stronger mindset to handle stress. If you make laughter part of your routine, you’ll notice how it can positively change your life, one laugh at a time.
15. Attend mediation or yoga classes
When you join a meditation or yoga class, you’re giving yourself a chance to clear your mind and improve your physical health. As you step onto the mat, let the day’s stress fall away and take deep breaths.
Yoga is more than just a workout and fancy poses; it’s about finding calm and stability, boosting your energy, and building strength.
Meditation provides a similar experience, helping you reach a peaceful state where your thoughts become clearer and you feel more centered.
These practices are more than just hobbies; they’re ways to reduce stress, nurture your well-being, and help you focus on what’s important.
With every class, you’ll notice you’re not just working out your body, but you’re also feeling more refreshed.
Related: Pilates VS Yoga? What suits you better and why
16. Add some air detoxing plants to your house
Adding air-cleaning plants to your home can improve the air you breathe and help you further with your detoxification goals.
Think about how a peace lily or a snake plant can make your home look better and also work to clean the air.
There are several plants that have been scientifically proven to be effective in removing specific harmful substances from the air. Some of these plants include:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):Â This plant is known for its ability to remove formaldehyde, a common indoor air pollutant. Formaldehyde can be found in various household products such as furniture, carpets, and cleaning agents. The spider plant is able to absorb formaldehyde through its leaves and convert it into harmless substances. [9]
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):Â The peace lily is known for its ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are emitted by various sources such as paints, solvents, and cleaning products. The peace lily can absorb these compounds through its leaves and break them down into less harmful substances. [10]
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.):Â The snake plant is effective in removing several harmful substances from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. These substances can be found in various household items such as paints, adhesives, and plastics. The snake plant absorbs these pollutants through its leaves and converts them into harmless compounds. [11]
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis):Â Aloe vera is known for its ability to remove formaldehyde from the air. It is also effective in removing other volatile organic compounds. Aloe vera absorbs these pollutants through its leaves and breaks them down into harmless substances. [11]
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):Â The Boston fern is effective in removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. These substances can be found in various household products such as paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents. The Boston fern absorbs these pollutants through its leaves and converts them into less harmful compounds. [13]
These plants are great at removing harmful substances from the air, giving you a cleaner place to live.
Breathing in cleaner air can make you feel better, and having plants around can boost your health. It’s an easy way to make your lifestyle healthier.
17. Reassess Your Relationships
Take a moment to think about your friendships and relationships. It’s good to evaluate who you spend time with and see if they’re good for you.
Try to be around people who encourage you and make you happy. These are the friends who cheer you on and make you feel good about yourself.
If there are people who always bring you down or make you feel bad, it might be helpful to spend less time with them.
It’s okay to make hard choices for your own mental and emotional health. When you let go of negative relationships, you can make room for new, positive ones that share your values and goals.
For example, if you have a friend who always criticizes you, this might make you feel bad about yourself. On the other hand, a friend who celebrates your successes and supports you when things get tough is someone who’s likely good for your well-being.
Listen to your gut feelings when deciding who to be close with. Moving towards a happier and more balanced life is a good thing.
Mental challenges in combination with the lack of physical activity can result in serious metabolic and organ-system disturbances, contributing to the body’s toxicity. [13]
18. Prefer natural remedies over drugs and medication
As you think about improving your relationships, also consider using natural remedies before you jump to taking drugs and medication.
Nature offers many options that can work well with your body. For example, herbs have healing properties, essential oils can have calming effects, and eating a diet full of whole foods can restore your health.
Also, try activities like meditation and yoga to take care of your mind and spirit. This approach isn’t about rejecting modern medicine; it’s about including natural health options to support your well-being when they’re appropriate.
Choosing these methods can help you live a more balanced and energetic life.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
You’ll find 800+ beneficial plants and remedies in “The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies“.
It includes recipes of tinctures, teas, decoctions, essential oils, syrups, salves, poultices, infusions and many other natural remedies that our grandparents used for centuries.
What’s also special about this book is that it has between 2 and 4 high definition, color pictures for each plant and detailed identification guidelines to make sure you’ve got the right plant.
How can you tell when it’s time to detoxify your life?
You can often tell it’s time to make some changes in your life when you’re constantly feeling tired, having stomach issues, or can’t think clearly.
These are ways your body is telling you to take a closer look at your habits:
- Sluggishness and Fatigue
- Digestive Issues
- Skin Problems
- Mental Fog
- Cravings for Unhealthy Foods
- Weight Gain
- Increased Stress
If you’re always wanting junk food, gaining weight without a clear reason, or feeling more stressed than usual, these are signals that you should reevaluate your lifestyle choices.
Benefits Of a Full Body Detox
Starting a full body detox can improve your health by removing toxins that can harm your body. This process can give you more energy and bring other health benefits such as:
- Removal of Toxins from your body
- Improved Energy Levels
- Weight Loss
- Improved Digestion
- Clearer Skin
- Stronger Immune System
- Mental Clarity
- Improved Breath
- Healthier Hair
- Reduced Inflammation
These changes are just the start. A detox can also give you clearer skin, a stronger immune system, and healthier hair. It can help you feel more alive and healthy overall.
Starting this process can help you feel more active, focused, and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
Adding detox methods to your everyday life can lead to real health improvements. You might find that you start your mornings feeling fresh and grateful to yourself for taking such good care of your body.
Detoxing is more than just a passing trend; it’s about making a commitment to your health. It means making things simpler and cleaner, from the food you eat to the thoughts you have.
When you detox, you’re not only cleaning your body but also taking care of your mind and emotions. When you choose to live cleaner, you’re working towards a more balanced and energetic life. If you really commit to these changes, you may notice that living a detoxed life isn’t only healthier but more rewarding too. Have faith in the process, because your body and mind naturally seek balance and calm.
It’s important to understand why detoxing can be beneficial. For instance, reducing processed foods can decrease your intake of sugars and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight loss and better heart health.
Clearing your mind of negative thoughts can reduce stress and improve your mood. Each step you take to reduce toxins in your life can have a positive effect on your overall health and happiness.
Read More on Detoxification
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