Wellness Tip: Clearing Toxins

Our bodies generally do a good job of ridding us of toxins, but when toxins are at an elevated level or our health is compromised, a buildup can occur. If you add the toxic impact of chemotherapy and/or radiation, helping your body detox becomes even more important.

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Toxic buildup can cause bloating, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, muscle aches and a suppressed immune system. Additionally, because our lymphatic system plays a big role in removing toxins, an overload can potentially increase the side effects of lymphedema, which is already an issue for many breast cancer Survivors.

So what can you do to help your body detox?

Once chemotherapy and radiation are finished and these important treatments have done their work, you can begin helping clear yourself of the toxic residue that can accumulate.

There’s no shortage of info on various cleanses and detox products and therapies on the market. Be cautious. Not all detox therapies are advisable, especially for cancer Survivors & Thrivers. It's also important to make sure your body is strong enough to do any type of cleanse. Consult with your physician or naturopath before using any product that aims to detox your body. You might find it necessary to wait weeks or even months to begin anything large scale.

But, until then, there are still a few things you can do:

1. Drink Plenty of Water and Certain Herbal Teas

Water is the most natural way to detox your body. Use filtered or purified water, and keep your water intake up throughout the entire day. New estimates put an ideal amount of water at between 80 – 95 oz per day for women and at least 125 for men, and pacing that out rather than gulping down huge quantities in a couple of sittings is preferable. You can also try adding some lemon for its antioxidant properties. 

Speaking of antioxidants, dandelion tea and green tea are high in antioxidants and are reported to aid in liver function, which helps to expel toxins. But again, check in with your physician first before using any “detox tea” on the market.

2. Get Your Circulation and Lymph Function Going

Something as simple as bouncing on the balls of your feet or a mini trampoline for 10 or so minutes a few times a day can get your lymph system going and boost circulation. Exercise, yoga, and stretching can help too. Just be sure to add to your water intake if you are exercising.

3. Increase Your Fiber

Fiber can help move toxins through your digestive track. Natural fiber is available from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, but there are also plenty of fiber products on the market that you could add to your diet.

4. Stick with Organics

While focusing on detoxing your body, many authorities believe it is best to steer clear of processed foods and sugars, as well as produce that has potentially been treated with pesticides and other chemicals. Buying foods labelled "organic" is one way to do that. Think, also, about what you put onto your body, because many skin and hair care products are laden with chemicals. There are often organic options for these products as well.

- PJY