By Dr. Emmanouil Karampahtsis
Detoxing isn’t just a way to lose weight or get through a hangover. It is not a fad diet with unhealthy restrictions where you deprive your body. It is a time to nourish your body and check in on the products you are using on your skin and at home. We are exposed to thousands of pollutants, toxins and chemicals in the environment every day. Giving the body a boost in detoxing can help improve energy and health, and the summer is a great time to evaluate what you are applying and ingesting.
Drink Up
The liver and kidneys are two important organs the body uses to flush toxins. One of the best and easiest ways to help support the liver and kidneys is to drink plenty of water. This is especially important in the summer as it is hotter outside, causing the body’s temperature to rise. Increasing water intake will help these organs perform better, but be sure to choose natural spring water from a trusted source. If you drink water from a reverse osmosis filter, make sure to add some trace minerals as they are completely removed by the filtration process.
Eat Clean
Beyond water, the food you choose is an important part of the detox and health-improvement process. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and organic meats. A plethora of fruits and vegetables are in season in the summer months, making it easy to pack them into your meals. Choose organic options when possible, as non-organic fruits and vegetables can be full of pesticides, and meats can be loaded with nitrates, preservatives and additive chemicals that are toxic to the body. Eliminate or reduce your intake of packaged and highly processed foods; these foods are typically loaded with preservatives, refined sugar and elements that can interfere with the detox process.
Soak up the Sun
The sun is a powerful source of life, and our bodies need it to stay healthy. It is recommended to get 30 to 60 minutes of early morning or evening sun a day. Sunlight helps activate Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin” since it is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D has several functions in the body, including helping to absorb calcium and phosphorous and boost immune system function. Beyond the early morning sunlight exposure, it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. The skin is a huge organ and can absorb the lotions and sunscreens we apply to it – many of them full of unwanted chemicals or fillers. Choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient. Zinc oxide stays on top of the skin and is not absorbed. A high-quality sunscreen with UVA protection is recommended. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the other lotions, perfumes, household cleaners and scented candles you are using. These products can also emit chemicals into the air that you can absorb, so choose natural or organic products that contain less harsh chemicals.
Dr. Karampahtsis is a Naturopathic Doctor, Formulator and Founder of ProlifeStream. He has been in clinical practice for over a decade in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Karampahtsis holds a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from SCNM (SouthWest College of Naturopathic Medicine) in Tempe, Arizona. He is board certified from the American Academy of Anti-aging medicine (A4M) and specializes in hormone balancing, gastrointestinal health, weight management and cancer care.
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