Water infusions, do they actually detox us?

There is a lot of hype surrounding how specific water infusions work to detoxify the body, and though we are all for enjoying water infusions, it is important to understand just what detoxifying means, and how you can go about it.

 

Firstly, though water infusions are hydrating, nutritious, and taste delicious, they do not work to detoxify your body from the toxins that are already present, or that you are prone to.

 

Sure, drinking more water will help your body in the process of flushing out toxins, but the added ingredients don’t actually do anything to aid this process. They do however have other nutritional benefits.

 

Your body, primarily your liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, colon and skin, already have this covered and are constantly working together to remove toxins and excess waste from your body.

 

So how can you detoxify your body?

 

The truth is that the best way to begin detoxifying your body is to reflect on where the different toxins might be coming from in the first place.

 

Pesticides and chemicals, that we often come into contact with on a daily basis, act as endocrine disruptors and can interfere with the production and transportation of human hormones.

 

This can have potential negative impacts on different functions, such as your digestion, sleep, weight management, reproduction and energy levels, and can leave you feeling rundown and in need of a detox.

 

For more information on how to avoid toxins, visit "Avoiding toxins."

 

Unfortunately, though drinking water infusions just aren’t going to cut it.

 

Even though it would be nearly impossible to avoid all contact with toxins, what you can do is reflect on your lifestyle and make changes appropriate for you, to help you minimize your contact with them.

 

• Diet - Try to shop organic when possible, avoid highly processed foods and wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use.

 

• Personal hygiene and beauty products - Your skin is porous, which means anything that comes into contact with it will be partially absorbed. Do some research on the chemicals that should be avoided, such as parabens, SLS, SLES, formaldehyde, phthalates and triclosan, and opt for brands or alternatives that are free of these.

 

• Household environment - Become aware of the chemicals you use in your own home, such as air fresheners, insect repellents and cleaning products. When possible, opt to buy safer brands or use other alternatives. Avoid using disposable plastic containers for drinks or for storing/heating food in, as these cheap plastics contain chemicals that seep into your food and drink.

 

For an ever further overview of toxins, and what to look out for visit "Toxins, the basics."