What is detoxification and how can it help your skin?

What is detoxification and how can it help your skin?

Every day we are exposed to toxins in our air, water, food and personal products. Examples of these chemicals are pesticides (in our food, lawns and parks), solvents (in gasoline, paints and cleaning products) and plastic chemicals (such as BPA and phthalates). We can do our best to live free of these substances, but some are unavoidable.

The good news is that we do have organs of elimination and detoxification that work hard to clear these from our bodies. When it comes to detoxification, the most important organs are the skin, lymphatic system, digestive system, liver, and the kidneys. The liver is the primary detoxification organ in the body. It protects the rest of the body from harmful substances by reducing their toxicity and making them ready for excretion.

When the liver and other organs involved in detoxification aren’t working properly, it can cause a build-up of toxins in the body. This also happens when we’re exposed to more toxins than our body can handle. When there are excess levels of toxins, we can notice it in our bodies –skin rashes and itching, fatigue, headaches, body aches, and even weight gain are some of the symptoms people notice.

During a cleanse, you’ll want to nourish your body well to support your liver, kidneys and colon. 
Here are some of the most important foods and drinks:

• Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, arugula and radishes)
• Sulphur-containing foods (such as onions and garlic)
• High fibre foods (such as fruits, veggies and legumes)
• Antioxidant-rich foods (such as colourful fruits and veggies)
• Herbal Teas (such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Burdock Root, and Yellow Dock)