• Why can our body be contaminated with toxins?
• What are the symptoms of body contamination?
• How to cleanse the body of toxins after winter?
• Herbs that help cleanse the body

During the coldest part of the year, our metabolism slows down and switches into winter mode. This is the time when outdoor activities are limited, and we crave heavier meals that energize and warm us up rather than refreshing, light salads. All of this causes our bodies to accumulate more toxins during this time. We then feel sleepy, tired, and sluggish, and our fitness leaves much to be desired. To help the body and get rid of harmful chemicals, detoxification is essential. Cleansing methods include a healthy diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits, physical activity, herbal treatments, and nutritional supplements. Let's examine how to recharge your batteries in spring.

Why can our body be contaminated with toxins?

Completely avoiding toxins is impossible, as we are in constant contact with them—we ingest them through highly processed food and the air we breathe. Our bodies can produce toxins themselves when bad chemical reactions occur in the cells. However, it is designed to ensure self-cleansing of harmful chemical compounds, and organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines are responsible for the cleansing processes. Sometimes, especially in autumn and winter, we accumulate so many of these substances that we are unable to excrete them through the natural cleansing process that takes place in the respiratory and urinary tracts. Therefore, it is recommended to detoxify the body in spring.

What are the symptoms of body contamination?

Without a doubt, our bodies need cleansing if we smoke cigarettes, consume alcohol, and enjoy red meat, but not only then. Typical symptoms that indicate the need for detoxification include:

• frequent feeling of tiredness,
• reduced immunity and susceptibility to infections,
• reduced physical condition,
• Lack of energy and frequent feeling of tiredness,
• bad breath,
• unpleasant smell of sweat,
• Digestive problems, flatulence,
• Problems falling asleep,
• concentration problems,
• brittle nails,
• dull hair.

How to cleanse the body of toxins after winter?

One of the most important elements of detoxification is, above all, a healthy, easily digestible, and balanced diet. It is also necessary to limit the consumption of sweets (for which fruit should be substituted), meat, especially red meat, fatty sauces, and heavy dishes, as well as limit coffee consumption and replace it with, for example, green tea. To provide the body with energy and a dose of vitamins, the cleansing diet must include vegetables and fruits, which should be included in all meals of the day, as well as freshly squeezed juices made from them. Vegetables and fruits attributed to detoxifying properties include:

• Parsley - both parsley and root - has a diuretic effect, thereby accelerating the removal of harmful metabolites and toxins, supporting liver cleansing and the digestive process,
• Broccoli - supports the liver's detoxification process, contributes to the increased removal of fat and cholesterol deposits in the vessels; the sulforaphane contained in broccoli supports the removal of toxins,
• Beets are a valuable source of antioxidants that remove free radicals from the body. They provide large amounts of potassium and fiber, accelerate the passage of digestive contents, facilitate bowel movements, and prevent constipation. Betanin, a pigment, has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. Beets support the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys and help remove excess urea.
• Cucumbers - facilitate the cleansing of the body from toxins thanks to the high water content necessary for the cleansing process,
• Cabbage – rich in vitamins and minerals that accelerate the elimination of waste products from the body. It's low in calories, making it ideal for a weight-loss diet.
• Celery - Root and leaf celery accelerates the digestion of excessive amounts of fat,
• supports the processes of digestion and excretion of unnecessary, harmful metabolic products,
• Tomatoes - provide large amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, are a source of potassium, which regulates sodium levels and thus prevents the accumulation of excess water in the body, tomatoes increase the production of digestive juices,
• Lemon - supports liver function and deacidifies the body. Although sour in taste, it is non-acidic and has alkalizing properties.
• Grapefruit - increases metabolism and fat burning,
• Apples – contain pectins, which bind to unnecessary substances and then accelerate their elimination from the body. Eating apples supports the body's detoxification and deacidification processes; they have an alkalizing effect.

Herbs that help cleanse the body

In addition to dietary changes, herbal infusions that have been proven, known, and used for generations can help cleanse the body. Herbs known for their detoxifying properties include:

• Dandelion - has a diuretic effect, supports liver and gallbladder function, rich in vitamins A, B6, C, D and K, minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc, milk thistle - recommended to support liver function, its active ingredient silymarin, stabilizes cell membranes and stimulates detoxification pathways, has anti-inflammatory properties,
• Nettle - is a source of organic acids, flavonoids as well as vitamins and minerals, has a diuretic effect, supplements vitamin and mineral deficiencies,
• Horsetail - has a diuretic effect without affecting the electrolyte balance, improves water and toxin excretion, saves important trace elements, contains flavonoids, organic acids, minerals, phytosterols, phenolic acids and silicic acid,
• Thanks to its high polyphenol content, it has antioxidant, detoxifying and anti-free radical properties.
  
  

Detoxifying the body is a gradual process. After a healthy diet, avoiding unhealthy foods, and limiting meat consumption, we'll notice over time that we have more energy and motivation, falling asleep will be easier, and the changing weather will encourage us to spend more time outdoors. It's very important that, in addition to a healthy, balanced diet, we don't forget to maintain daily physical activity, such as walking, and hydrate properly.