Detox habits: 3 simple ways to cleanse your body of toxins

Toxins are harmful substances which build up in our bodies due to environmental and emotional factors, such as a hectic or stressful life, or as a result of a poorly balanced diet.

These substances can cause health problems such as fatigue, headaches, allergies, infections, or chronic illnesses. This is why it is important to introduce some small but important “detox habits”, which help us to purge ourselves of these toxins, restoring our balance and well-being.

In this blog post, we suggest three simple actions that you can do every day to cleanse your body and your mind, restoring your energy levels and vitality.

1. Drink filtered water

Water is essential for our bodies, as it supports the elimination of toxins through urine, sweat, and breath. However, not all of the water that we drink is “healthy”. For example, tap water may contain heavy metals, bacteria, and other unwanted chemical substances.

This is why we recommend drinking filtered water which is higher in quality and tastes better. Indeed, by filtering water through a filtration system, impurities and unwanted substances are removed, leaving the natural mineral salts which help our bodies’ balance.

You can choose from a range of different filter types to suit your requirements and preferences. Remember that not all filters are the same, each with its own particular features and different technologies. They may be instant and rapid, designed to filter a particular substance. Or they may remove many more substances, even if they are infinitesimally small. You can fit a filter directly onto a kitchen tap, so that you always have fresh water available which is free from unwanted substances, or you can use a filter bottle or jug. There are many different ways to drink filtered water at home or on the move (did you know there are also filter sports bottles?).

Also, and no less importantly, if you decide to install a filter so that you can enjoy filtered water whenever you want it, you are also helping the environment: by not buying a single-use plastic bottle of water, you can reduce the amount of plastic waste which is produced every day.

Drinking at least two litres of filtered water per day, drinking on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up and well after eating, or drinking throughout the day and not just in a narrow window of time are all habits which help diuresis and the elimination of the toxins which build up during the night or over the course of a long working day. You can also add ginger or aromatic herbs to make the water taste even better. Or even lemon! But before getting too excited about this “miracle” combination, it would be a good idea to take a quick look at this article on the LAICA blog.

2 - Eat healthy, organic food

Diet is another crucial factor when it comes to our well-being and for certain detox processes. Many of the foods that we consume each day are actually high in sugar, fat, additives, colourings, preservatives, or pesticides. Substances which can introduce toxins into our bodies and affect its balance. Sometimes for a few hours, such as an allergic reaction or an intolerance, or for a longer period of time which weakens our entire body.

This is why we recommend eating natural, organic food which provides all of the nutrients which you need without introducing unwanted or harmful substances. Natural and organic foods are usually farmed without using hormones or antibiotics, respecting the natural cycle of the environment and our well-being.

You can choose from a wide array of products, such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, pulses, seeds, dried fruit, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products. Obviously, before you tear up your normal meal plan, we recommend that you consult a dietician or a nutritional specialist, who will be able to help you successfully devise a diet that is tailored to your needs and the specific requirements of your body.

A good habit which you can introduce straight away is to vary your menu as much as possible, focussing on seasonal and locally sourced food. Another good habit is to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Aim for ones which are high in vitamins, antioxidants and fibre which help liver, kidney and digestion function. Minimise consumption of foods which are refined, processed, fried, sweet, or which contain alcohol or caffeine, which can weigh down our bodies and hinder detox processes.

3 - Get physically and mentally active

Physical and mental exercise is another important aspect for our well-being and for detox. Getting active and relaxing help us to eliminate toxins through our sweat, breath, and emotions. It also helps us to improve our circulation, metabolism, immune system, muscle definition, posture, and mood.

This is why we recommend getting physical exercise at least two or three times a week. A walk in the hills, going for a run, swimming, or a Pilates session: you choose the right form of exercise for you. You can exercise with a group, such as team sports or dance classes, or you can get active on your own, getting away from everything and everyone. The important thing is that you breathe deeply, sweat, and are calm at the end of the session. If possible, mix up your activities, combining strength and conditioning exercises with ones which can improve your flexibility and tone your body.

And do not forget the importance of mental well-being. This is something which you can and should look after through simple daily practices: surround yourself with relaxing images, meditate, find time to listen to your breathing, read as much and as often as you can, listen to music, all of your favourite types of music. Carve out some space for yourself, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, where you can use these activities to relieve tension and calm your mind.

4 - Conclusions

The three simple actions which we have written about may seem small and insignificant but how often do we forget to put them into practice? A single action will not make the difference on its own, but if this action is repeated and becomes a habit, our bodies will begin to see the tangible benefits. By consistently taking care of ourselves, we can simply eliminate excess toxins from our bodies and our minds. Embrace our natural well-being. And remember that detox processes are not just a physical matter, but a mental and spiritual one too. Try to be as positive as possible to achieve this, showing gratitude and love to yourself and others.