Simple Steps for a Detox During Lockdown

Hello, friends! I hope that you are holding up okay. Here we are starting week six of lockdown. It’s almost unthinkable, but we are all struggling with negative thoughts, confusion and anxiety together. Each time I have this conversation, I come around to the same conclusion: that we all must continue to take it one day at a time–and sometimes–one hour at a time. This has been one of my life mottos for some time, and now more than ever it holds so true. If we allow ourselves to get lost in long-term thinking, projecting and worries, it leads to complete overwhelm. But if we focus on what is in front of us, the things that we can control, and the moments at hand–well then, it all becomes much more manageable.

Another thing that always helps is finding the good within the bad, the light within the darkness. As with all things, this pandemic brings negative and positive. We are all incredibly aware of the negative consequences of this time in history, but what is less obvious are the positives. One of the hugely positive outcomes of the pandemic is environmental changes. At this moment, air pollution and noise pollution are at historical lows. Without the constant rumbling of buses, trucks, trains and cargo ships, seismologists (who study earthquakes) are able to pick up seismic activity on the other side of the planet that they have not been able to in a century.

With the drastic decrease in noise pollution from passenger and cargo ships, ocean noise has dropped tremendously. We’re currently experiencing an unprecedented pause in ocean noise that hasn’t been experienced in decades. Ambient noise from ships and other maritime traffic increases stress-hormone levels in marine creatures, which can affect their reproductive success. Whales have even shown they can adapt to the noise, pausing their singing when cargo ships are near and resuming when they move away. North Pacific humpback whales are beginning to move northward this month and will soon be swimming with newborn calves in southeast Alaska. This will be the quietest, and therefore least stressful, re-entry that humpback whales have had in southeastern Alaska in decades.

At the same time, as a result of social distancing efforts the harmful effects of air pollution and other environmental contaminants have plummeted. While the entire human race is holding their breath, our Mother Gaia is finally catching hers. Just as there are some positive outcomes for the planet right now, there are also potential positive outcomes for us, the human race. There is so much good that can come from this time if we allow it to form a vastly deeper appreciation for our healthcare and front-line workers who we now recognize as the heroes that they are; to the unprecedented closeness and growth that families and individuals are being forced to lean into during lockdown; to the new gratitude that we will have for the little things when this is all over–like handshakes, hugs, browsing our favorite shops, sharing a meal with friends, birthday parties, and so on.

Another benefit of this time, if we so choose to embrace it, is what it can do for our health. Haven’t we all said at one time or another, if only I had more time to devote to cooking, I could prepare healthy meals; if only I had more time to exercise, I could finally get in shape. For many of us, now is gifted time to take hold of the unique opportunity to seek health and wellness. One way that we can do this is through detoxing. While many of us think about detoxing from the perspective of mainstream addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling) there are a great many physical and emotional toxins that impact our health. This lockdown is a gifted time to implement some simple steps for detox to reset your physical and emotional health.

Here are a few simple ideas and steps for a detox during a lockdown.

Detox from processed food. Much of the food that we find on the shelves of grocery stores these days are processed and full of toxic artificial sweeteners and preservatives. If you would like to detox from processed food during the lockdown, all you need to do is choose whole foods the next time you’re at the grocery store. Whole foods mean food that is straight from the earth, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat. Learn more about whole foods here.

Detox from alcohol or drugs. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from addiction to alcohol or drugs, this lockdown can be an opportunity to address those issues. While the feelings of anxiety and isolation might push us to want to use and numb more, we also have the opportunity to take a different approach. If we have it within our power to tackle these issues ourselves, we can take this time of social distancing where there are fewer opportunities to use (fewer parties, less social functions, no bars open, etc.) and effectively detox from behaviors that may have been holding us back.

For some, going through withdrawal alone is not an option. In this case it’s a good idea to reach out for alcohol home detox and addiction counseling from specialized professionals. If you have private or public health insurance you can reach out to your carrier or check their website to see what options are available to you. Or you can search the web for providers that service your specific needs, just make sure that you choose a provider that is fully licensed and accredited.

Detox from toxic relationships. Another opportunity that we have right now is to detox from toxic relationships, whether it is toxic co-workers, neighbors, old friends, or even family members; most people have at least some relationships that cause stress and pain. Social distancing is a perfect time to cut these people out of your life for a while–if not for good! Take some time and space away from these relationships and also use this time to study how to set strong, healthy boundaries. There are lots of books and even free articles online about this topic and it may not only bring you peace during this time, but it may also change your relationships in a positive way for life.

Detox from stress. Most people are living unconsciously, moving from task to task, with their minds and actions on autopilot. For many, thoughts of stress are constant, money-stress, relationship-stress, job-stress, house-stress, traffic-stress, which impacts our brains health. In a lockdown, we have an opportunity to embrace consciousness and to take a break from many of the stresses of daily life. How can we embrace consciousness?

One way to do this simply is to set aside ten minutes a day for meditation. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just sit in a quiet space and begin to focus on your breathing. Take a long, slow inhale through your nose, so deep that your belly expands and then your rib cage and then your chest. Hold your breath there for a moment and then exhale through your nose, slowly in equal measure. Do this several times, keeping your attention focused on your breathing. If a thought comes into your mind, do not judge it. Simply allow it to pass and then move your attention back to your breathing. You will feel the peace of presence filling your spirit.

Finally, move into deep meditation. Continue breathing but attempt to truly clear your mind and focus only on the nothingness–the space between your thoughts. Set a timer on your phone or watch. Try to maintain this state of complete presence for one minute. Each day, push yourself to add a minute to the length of your meditation. Many people find meditation to be difficult. If you need help to de-stress, you can always connect with the mental health professionals at BetterHelp.

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Detox from social media and television. Whatever your modern vice maybe, now is the perfect time to take a break from it and take up a new hobby or habit that you’ve been dreaming of. Taking a break from Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, or even the news can all be beneficial to your health and wellness. It’s not that you have to give them up forever, but moving away for a bit can free up emotional and physical space in you, allowing a place for new things to come in. Want to start a morning yoga practice? Now is the time. Want to learn how to crochet? This is a perfect time to start. There are endless videos on YouTube that will teach you everything you need to know about millions of topics. So do a little research, make a game plan and let go of a less-than-healthy habit and replace it with something that will fuel your mind and spirit.

I hope that these tips have been helpful for you, sweet friends. There is no doubt that this is a challenging and scary time in the history of the human race; but it is also an unprecedented opportunity. As is always the case in life, it is up to us how we will use the time that we are given. Sending you to love and light always.

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    3 Simple Changes That Will Save Your Life

    This post could save your life. These 3 simple lifestyle changes saved mine. Today I am going to simply share facts with you. These facts (if you let them) will dramatically improve your quality of life. Making these changes can even increase your life span.

    1. Stop Smoking

    FACTS: According to the American Heart Association, cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States, accounting for 440,000 of the more than 2.4 million annual deaths.

    Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. In fact, smoking tobacco is the major risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking. People who smoke are 10 to 20 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the more risk goes up.

    Smoking also causes cancer of the voice box (larynx), mouth and throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and stomach, and causes acute myeloid leukemia. Source.

    FACTS: One year after passing smoking bans, communities in North America and Europe had 17 percent fewer heart attacks compared to communities without smoking restrictions, and the number of heart attacks kept decreasing with time, according to a report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Source.

    FACTS: If you quit smoking, you will:

    1. Prolong your life. According to the American Heart Association, smokers who quit between ages 35-39 add an average of 6-9 years to their lives. Smokers who quit between ages 65-69 increase their life expectancy by 1 – 4 years.

    2. Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks and death from heart disease by 50 percent or more. Quitting smoking also reduces your risk of high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease and stroke.

    3. Reduce your risk of developing a variety of other conditions including diabetes, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, ulcers, gum disease and many other conditions.

    4. Feel healthier. After quitting, you won’t cough as much, have as many sore throats and you will increase your energy.

    5. Look and feel better. Quitting can help you prevent face wrinkles, get rid of stained teeth, improve your skin and even get rid of the stale smell in your clothes and hair.

    6. Improve your sense of taste and smell.

    7. Save money. Source.

    FACTS: What Happens When You Quit:

    After 20 minutes
    o You stop polluting the air
    o Your blood pressure and pulse decrease
    o The temperature of your hands and feet increases

    After 8 hours
    o The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal
    o Oxygen levels in your blood increase

    After 24 hours
    o Your risk of heart attack decreases

    After 48 hours
    o Nerve endings adjust to the absence of nicotine
    o Your ability to taste and smell begin to return

    After 2 weeks to 3 months
    o Your circulation improves
    o Your exercise tolerance improves

    After 1 – 9 months
    o Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease
    o Your overall energy level increases

    After 1 year
    o Your risk of heart disease decreases to half that of a current smoker

    After 5 – 15 years
    o Your risk of stroke is reduced to that of people who have never smoked

    After 10 years
    o Your risk of dying from lung cancer drops to almost the same rate as a lifelong non- smoker
    o You decrease the incidence of other cancers — of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas

    After 15 years
    o Your risk of heart disease is reduced to that of people who have never smoked

    If you smoke again (called a relapse) do not lose hope. Seventy-five percent of those who quit relapse. Most smokers quit three times before they are successful. If you relapse, don’t give up! Review the reasons why you wanted to become a nonsmoker. Plan ahead and think about what you will do next time you get the urge to smoke. Source.

    2. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

    QUESTION: How many people get cancer by being overweight or obese? How many die?

    FACTS: In 2002, about 41,000 new cases of cancer in the United States were estimated to be due to obesity. This means that about 3.2 percent of all new cancers are linked to obesity.

    A recent report estimated that, in the United States, 14 percent of deaths from cancer in men and 20 percent of deaths in women were due to overweight and obesity.

    Colon cancer occurs more frequently in people who are obese than in those of a healthy weight. An increased risk of colon cancer has been consistently reported for men with high BMIs.
    Source.

    FACTS: Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as “overweight” and “obesity,” the risks for the following conditions also increases:

    * Coronary heart disease
    * Type 2 diabetes
    * Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
    * Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    * Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
    * Stroke
    * Liver and Gallbladder disease
    * Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
    * Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
    * Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility) Source.

    3. Eat Whole Foods, Not Processed

    FACTS: The statistics are alarming:

    – One in three people will get cancer at some time in their life

    – Heart disease is the leading cause of death

    – Poor nutrition and physical inactivity together are the second
    actual cause of preventable death in the United States

    On the other hand new evidence shows that:

    – Eating five or more fruits and vegetables per day cuts cancer
    risk in half

    – People who eat more fruits and vegetables have a 30% lower risk
    of premature heart attack than people who eat a few

    – About 25% fewer strokes are projected for adults who eat 8 or
    more servings of fruits and vegetables per day

    – Fruits and vegetables may help keep blood sugar down and control diabetes.” Source.

    FACTS: Processed meat consumption results in 67% increase in pancreatic cancer risk.
    Source.

    FACTS: Inorganic phosphates are found in a variety of processed foods, including meats, cheeses, beverages and bakery products. They are added to increase water retention and improve food texture. Studies suggests a diet high in inorganic phosphates could speed growth of cancerous tumors and contribute to the development of tumors in those predisposed to the disease. Source.

    FACTS: Carcinogens in foods that may be naturally-occurring, caused by preparing or cooking certain foods, or added to it, include safrole, estragole and benzene. Processed foods such as sausages, bacon and canned meats contain high amounts of the preservative nitrite, another known carcinogen. Other carcinogens to look for in food products include:

    * acetaldehyde
    * acetamide
    * azo color and compounds
    * benzidine
    * bis (2-Chloromethyl) ether
    * cadmium
    * chlorinated parraffin waxes
    * 3,3-dichlorobenzidine
    * dichloromethane
    * hexachlorobenzene
    * polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
    * polychlorinated dibenzodioxins
    * polychlorinated dibenzofurans
    * sillica
    * trichloroethylene

    Though it is impossible to avoid every known carcinogen, to decrease risk of cancers and other illnesses, a balanced diet with more unprocessed, whole foods can decrease risk of some cancers and other diseases such as type two diabetes and heart disease. Source.

    FACTS: Nutrients in Whole Foods that Protect Against Cancer:

    1. Vitamin A: Strengthens the immune system. Essential for mineral metabolism and endocrine function. Helps detoxify. True vitamin A is found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil; fish and shellfish; and liver, butter and egg yolks from pasture-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin A than the typical modern American diet.

    2. Vitamin C: An important antioxidant that prevents damage by free radicals. Found in many fruits and vegetables but also in certain organ meats valued by primitive peoples.

    3. Vitamin B6: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Contributes to the function of over 100 enzymes. Most available from animal foods.

    4. Vitamin B12: Deficiencies are associated with cancer. Found only in animal foods.

    5. Vitamin B17: Protects against cancer. Found in a variety of organically grown grains, legumes, nuts and berries.

    6. Vitamin D: Required for mineral absorption. Strongly protective against breast and colon cancer. Found only in animal foods such as cod liver oil, lard, shellfish and butterfat, organ meats and egg yolks from grass-fed animals. Traditional diets contained ten times more vitamin D than the typical modern American diet.

    7. Vitamin E: Works as an antioxidant at the cellular level. Found in unprocessed oils as well as in animal fats like butter and egg yolks.

    8. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Strongly protective against breast cancer. Found in the butterfat and meat fat of grass-fed ruminant animals.

    9. Cholesterol: A potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals in cell membranes. Found only in animal foods.

    10. Minerals: The body needs generous amounts of a wide variety of minerals to protect itself against cancer. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and selenium are vital components of enzymes that help the body fight carcinogens. Minerals are more easily absorbed from animal foods.

    11. Lactic Acid and Friendly Bacteria: Contribute to the health of the digestive tract. Found in old fashioned lacto-fermented foods.

    12. Saturated Fats: Strengthen the immune system. Needed for proper use of the essential fatty acids. The lungs cannot function without saturated fats. Found mostly in animal foods.

    13. Long-Chain Fatty Acids: Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help fight cancer on the cellular level. They are found mostly in animal foods such as butter, organ meats, cod liver oil and seafood.

    14. Co-enzyme Q10: Highly protective against cancer. Found only in animal foods. Source.

    In closing: I truly hope that you will begin living these simple lifestyle changes. If you are non-smoker, not obese, and already eating whole foods, then I challenge you to help to spread this message to as many people as you can. All of the suffering and the disease mentioned above is not necessary. It can be prevented.

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