Embarking on a detox journey can be daunting and intimidating, but each great journey starts with a single step. Today, I'm here to offer guidance and support as you take that first step towards a healthier, toxin-free life.
As with any journey, there are choices to be made. So. Many. Choices. If you are like me, you might get paralyzed from the number of choices in front of you...where to even start. 🤷♀️ I would suggest either starting with your diet or with your house. While making changes in both areas simultaneously may seem ideal, it can be overwhelming. By focusing on one aspect at a time, you can ensure lasting changes.
Harnessing the Power of Herbs
You know the ones, the ordinary kitchen spices. The ones that most of us don't think twice about, because they aren't special or anything. But guess what, those ordinary kitchen spices are packed full of amazing *magic*. Yup. One easy way to kickstart your body's healing process is by incorporating these ordinary kitchen spices into your daily routine. You probably have cinnamon, sage, fennel, ginger, black pepper, parsley, cayenne, rosemary, garlic, cardamom, and turmeric in your spice supply right now, and all of these offer numerous health benefits. These herbs support the immune system, aid digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve circulation. To avoid overwhelm, I recommend starting with one herb, experimenting with it for about a month, and then gradually introducing others to truly understand their individual benefits.
Mindful Shopping
Whenever possible, by local organic produce. If you are able, try growing your own organic produce, it is a very rewarding hobby. Please make a habit of reading labels. Aim to prioritize whole foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and meats, while limiting packaged and processed foods. When reading labels, watch out for ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame, saccharin, nitrates, nitrites, and soy. Additionally, it's advisable to steer clear of artificial colors and dyes, as they have been associated with behavioral problems, rashes, allergies, asthma, and cancer. As much as possible, avoid highly processed foods, especially sugars, grains and oils. To effectively do this, you will find yourself making all of your foods from scratch; this does take time to reach this level, but it is doable. Start small, like making simple dinners from scratch, and work your way up to canning, fermenting and bread making.
Creating a Chemical-Free Home Environment
Making changes in your household is another vital aspect of detoxifying your life. Start by replacing chemical-laden products and supplies with plant-based and natural alternatives whenever possible. Much like trying to pick foods that are not packed full of harmful chemicals, you should think twice before spraying harmful chemicals around the house. Remember you have options. You can choose to buy natural products, or you can make your own cleaning products.
Choosing Safer Alternatives
Scented items, such as candles can be so delightful, after all, aromatherapy is a booming industry for a good reason. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that not all aromatherapy products are created equal. For example, scented candles made with paraffin wax can cause irritation and potentially may even have links to cancer. Consider beeswax or soy candles, diffusing essential oils (appropriately diluted), or using ethically sourced resins for a healthier ambiance. Similarly, artificial perfumes and air fresheners can be replaced with plant-based options that freshen and purify the air. Essential oils can also be used in homemade cleaning products, and resources from Aromatics Internation and Plant Therapy can provide valuable information.
Avoid Antimicrobial/Antibacterial
While antibacterial and antimicrobial soaps may seem like a good idea for staying healthy, the common ingredients in them have surprisingly unknown effectiveness and similarly unknown safety profiles. In recent years the FDA has been reviewing the ingredients in antibacterial/antimicrobial soaps and has banned 19 ingredients to date (such as triclosan and triclocarbon, and has yet to pass a ruling on benzalkonium chloride). Bottom line, at this point there has been no evidence to show that antibacterial/antimicrobial soaps are more effective (or safe) as compared to plain soap and water.
Embarking on a detox journey requires courage and a willingness to make changes. By taking small steps, such as incorporating healing herbs, mindful shopping, and creating a chemical-free home environment, you can gradually detoxify your life and experience the long-term benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Remember, I'm here to hold your hand and provide support throughout your journey.
Comments