Interested in detoxing? First, do your best to limit the most harmful chemicals. Then you want to unblock your body’s natural detox channels and build up defenses through good nutrition, bowel regularity, a few key supplements and exercise. Maintaining indoor plants can also help filter out environmental toxins in the air. Do your best to avoid environmental toxins, such as:
Detox and Cleansing Choices
Herbs have been used to safely support health for thousands of years. Yet with hundreds of herbs to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming.
One foundational herb I find to be most helpful is Aloe Vera. When concentrated, it can be a powerful tool to detox the body and strengthen immunity. At the right dilution, it can even be taken daily for those interested in supporting digestion, regularity, energy, skin, allergies and balancing an over active immune system.
In addition to herbs, consuming foods that contain essential phytonutrients and fiber contributes to cleansing, repair and protection of the body. Adding a few particular supplements may also support a faster and healthier detox. Some favorites include N-Acetyl- Cysteine (NAC), CoQ10 enzyme, vitamin A, B-complex, B12, Niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E and minerals. A full range of minerals are found in abundance in a good daily greens product and through eating more green veggies. Both sources contain plant chlorophyll which contributes to detoxification.
Why is Aloe Vera a Great Detox Herb?
Aloe Vera is a multi-tasking herb and has very little contraindication for use.* It is also easy to take in juice, water or as a tablet. The plant contains over 100 active elements and phytonutrients that help orchestrate hundreds of functions in the body.
There’s a big difference in Aloe Vera products on the market. When a product contains the whole leaf, including its highly medicinal, dark yellow sap, it works more effectively. In fact, concentrated products that display the ActivAloe trademark are trusted to support all of the pathways to body wellness (1). Whole leaf Aloe Vera, containing bitter yellow sap, supports pH balancing, reduces fungal overgrowth and improves absorption of foods and supplements. This is due to the Bioavailability Factor and is also why many people begin to feel more energy ingesting it daily after a short period of time.
Most people welcome the extra help it may bring for constipation. Start with less if you are already experiencing fast transit. Regularity is a critical step during detoxification and allows extra waste to be eliminated from the lymph, skin, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Karen Masterson Koch is a clinical nutritionist and health educator with over 25 years of nutritional counseling experience. She is the author of Beyond Gluten Intolerance.
*Aloe Vera is very safe to use, however, only take at mealtimes if blood sugar issues are present. Reduce the dose if diarrhea occurs. 2011, Beyond Gluten Intolerance – GIS, BookMasters, Inc., Ashland, OH, Masterson Koch, K.A, Clinical Nutritionist, pages 122-126.
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TACOMA
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Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm
Please call for current deli counter service hours. Grab and go options available until closing.
2951 S. 38th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409