More and more people nowadays feel the need to detox their body. The load of environmental toxins that enter our bodies daily is now higher than ever. Research is proving that more and more health problems are linked to toxin overload, such as hormonal imbalances, some autoimmune diseases, headaches and skin problems.

In this article you will discover why fixing your gut is the first priority when you begin any detox program, and top tips for building a good-functioning gut.

When the gut is not functioning optimally

Even when the liver works at its best and keeps on throwing neutralized toxins to the intestines, if the large intestine is not working properly, then the toxins build up locally, cause inflammation and initiate a number of health problems.

Constipation is a very common digestive problem which often leads to leaky gut syndrome. This is a condition where the cells of the intestine become permeable and “leak” toxins in the circulation. Leaky gut is associated with autoimmune disease, food intolerances and chronic disease.

Build a Good-Functioning Gut

So before you consider steps to support your liver and detoxing tools to mop up toxins and heavy metals stored throughout the body, the first step for ensuring proper toxin removal from the body is to build a good-functioning gut.

Top Tips for Building a Good-Functioning Gut:

Add Fiber

At your two main meals aim to fill at least half of your plate with salad, or cooked vegetables. Concentrate on eating more fiber by eating the skin of the fruits, eating the skin of the potatoes, and choosing whole-grain rice. However, if your fresh produce is not organic, it is better to take the skin off.

Rehydrate

One of the main reasons why so many people today are constipated is dehydration. Change your daily routine and try to have water always available to you. Drinking more water will:

– stimulate the natural peristaltic movement of the colon, leading it to function normally

– flush out harmful toxins and

– keep the body hydrated.

Aim to reach eight to ten glasses of water per day. Fresh fruit, vegetable juices and herbal teas also hydrate you.

Add Seeds

Seeds have a very high capacity for capturing toxins. Strawberries, which are full of small seeds in their outer part, have the capacity to bind 90 percent of dietary mercury. Also, fruit seeds in general were found to be very effective in binding and removing arsenic and carrying it out of the body. Seeds like chia seeds and flaxseeds work miracles in establishing a regular bowel opening and cleaning the gut.

Establish a Good Exercise Routine

The bowel is a muscle tube. Like all the muscles in our body, it works better when we exercise. Walking thirty minutes a day or doing other activities can help in establishing a regular bowel movement.

Build a Healthy Bacterial Balance

Our intestines are the home for trillions of bacteria. Beneficial bacteria play a key role in the immune system and in regulating the detoxification of the intestines. Probiotics are foods or supplements that replenish the good bacteria in the gut. You can get probiotics from everyday foods, like authentic yogurt, kefir. Fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, and fermented vegetables are also great sources of probiotic bacteria.

Very often it is beneficial to take a supplement of beneficial bacteria to restore gut balance more quickly.

Take Home Message

• You can significantly enhance the body’s natural detoxification processes by building a good functioning gut.
• Consider doing a gentle detox a few times a year to optimize long-term health.