We can all agree – the term “detox” tends to be loosely defined. With hundreds of “detox teas” and products out on the market (that typically don’t define what its supposedly detoxing), its easy to fall into an unsafe practice that may do more harm to your body than good. nighttime detox
Our body has its own unique and efficient way of detoxing through the liver, kidneys and gut. But since we’re living in a world where we are bombarded with 80k+ manmade chemicals per day, it’s extremely easy for the body to become overburdened with toxins that it’s not built to deal with. This is where safe, at-home detox practices come into play.
Safe detox practices need to be a part of our routine to keep our detox organs functioning properly. While elimination diets and clean eating are great for providing the cells the nutrients the body needs, there are additional self-care practices that can help optimize your body’s natural detoxification pathways. While the lung and skin are two of the most prominent detox pathways, the night time is a great time to focus on a few others – specifically, the liver, colon and kidneys.
The best part is, most beneficial detox practices don’t require much money at all and take very little time. It’s a great idea to focus on doing these detox routines at night as we’re winding down before bed and right before our body does it’s nightly reset and clean-out. Here are some easy, affordable and safe nighttime detox rituals that can easily be incorporated into your nightly self-care routine.
Nighttime Detox Rituals
Use Detox “Deodorant”
If you’ve been using commercial deodorant or antiperspirant, there’s a good chance you have a buildup of aluminum, petroleum or propylene glycol, or other chemicals under your arms. Herbalix Nighttime Cleansing Detox Deodorant cleanses away buildup to release waste fluids, supports healthy lymphatic flow, and absorbs all types of aluminum, encouraging a reduction in daytime odors.
Apply as you would with regular deodorant, but this “deodorant” should only be used at night. Works best when you use with an aluminum + toxin-free deodorant during the day.
Try Out Liposomal Melatonin
If you’re struggling with falling (and staying) asleep at night, this is a great option to get some good night’s rest while detoxing the brain. Sleeping is one of the only times the brain has a chance to detox itself. During sleep, the brain cells shrink by 60% (aka synaptic pruning), increasing the space between them so the toxins can be flushed away more effectively.
Liposomal melatonin is an easy way to regulate melatonin levels without taking a pill. Take 1 pump by mouth, coating the inside of your cheeks, inner lips and under the tongue. Make sure to hold in mouth 30 seconds before swallowing.
Drink Warm Lemon Water
Have you ever had lemon water and had to go to the bathroom shortly after? Lemon juice’s atomic structure is similar to the stomach’s digestive juices and encourages the liver to produce bile. Bile helps keep food moving through your body and gastrointestinal tract smoothly.
The citric acid in lemons has also been shown to protect liver function and prevent oxidative damage, helping preserve the liver’s natural ability to detoxify and keep things moving. Lemon water also acts as a mild diuretic.
Pour yourself a quart of warm, filtered water and squeeze in a half lemon. You’ll also reap beauty and digestive benefits by adding this to your morning routine, too.
Take Your Binders
Many alternative healthcare practitioners recommend binders as part of their treatment protocols. Binders are solid, insoluble particles that pass through the gut unabsorbed. They are used to attract and bind toxins to facilitate their passage out of the body through the gastrointestinal tract.
The liver, aka body’s major important detox organ, expels toxins into the bile, which flows from the liver down into the small intestines and leave the body in the feces. But the lining of the gut has many veins and nerves that can pick up toxins and re-circulate them back into the body. And if you have leaky gut, these particles can easily pass through the junctions of the gut lining.
This is where binders come to play. Binders attach to toxic metals, chemicals, and bio-toxins, and carry them out of the digestive tract and avoid reabsorption. Some great binders are chlorella, activated charcoal, and Zeolite, but talk to your doctor first to find what’s right for your unique situation. Binders are great because they typically have minimal side effects and are generally affordable. For best results, take your binders in-between meals or before you go to bed, as they can often carry out necessary minerals with the toxins.
A Little Self-Care Goes A Long Way
If doing nightly self-care is new to you, this may seem like a lot. But creating small, feasible habits can make a lasting impact on your health. If you were to put this into a nightly routine, here’s the steps:
- Make your warm lemon water and take your binders. Make sure this is at least 30 mins away from meals and other supplements you’re taking (when you’re thinking of taking a shower or bath at night, whip this together.)
- Next, take your liposomal melatonin. It’s best taken before brushing your teeth and takes 20-30 mins to fully take effect
- Right before climbing into bed, put on your detox deodorant.
Shop Nighttime Detox Tools
This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. This article contains affiliate links
Just started taking binders for my Lyme protocol and I think they’re really helping! Which chlorella do you recommend?