Tips for Starting a New Year Detox

Welcome to the New Year and new decade! This is the perfect time to tidy up your routine and set some new intentions. Whether you choose to enhance your life with new goals or break old habits, it’s always a good idea to tune into your health.
Some of you may have already started incorporating healthier foods or an exercise regimen to boost your overall wellness this year. Try to take it a step further and incorporate DETOX. This is an effort to eliminate and avoid “toxins” from entering the body. 
Lucky for us, our bodies were designed to do the heavy duty detoxing. Most toxins in your blood are eliminated through the liver, lungs, kidneys and intestines. While your internal organs are working hard to flush out toxins, you can take proactive steps to avoid them from the outside. Start with your diet. What are you consuming on a daily basis? Or how about your skin care? Your outermost skin layer protects you from bacteria, viruses and other infectious agents. Proper skin care will help you maintain a healthy, defensive skin barrier.

Here are 10 healthy tips to get you started on your detox journey:

1. Avoid foods that contain preservatives and other chemicals.
2. Watch out for foods and drinks that are high in sugar or refined carbohydrates.
3. Choose organic foods that are prepared without pesticides.
4. Drink a least 8 glasses of purified water each day for overall hydration.
5. Avoid excessive use of alcohol that can put strain on your liver and kidneys.
6. Maintain a basic skin care routine that involves cleansing and moisturizing your face twice daily.
7. Keep your overall skin barrier healthy by staying properly moisturized during dry, cold weather conditions.
8. Consider exfoliating with a gentle body scrub 2 to 3 times per week to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face or body.
9. Dry brush a couple times a week to exfoliate, increase circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage.
10. Check the ingredients on your skin care products! The skin absorbs more than 20% of what is applied to it.