Staying healthy is a challenge in today’s society mainly because of unhealthy dietary lifestyles, environmental pollutions, and physical inactivity.
While many factors are beyond the control of individuals, a rather painless step toward good health involves positive dietary lifestyle changes.
Many of these dietary changes result in a healthier body as well as a cleaner environment.
Here are five steps to a cleaner and healthier body.
Prefer Forks Over Knives
Many studies have shown benefits of limiting the consumption of animal protein products and replacing them with nutritious, plant-based meals.
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell is just one such comprehensive research study that links high consumption of conventionally raised animal protein products with cancer and overall ill-health.
The chlorophyll in green leafy vegetables is especially beneficial for cleansing the body of pesticides and heavy metals ingested through impure food, water, and air.
Adopting a plant-based diet is the primary way to cleanse the body of harmful chemical residue, and it is easy on the environment because cultivating vegetables requires fewer natural resources than raising livestock.
Get Rid of the Obvious Bad Habits
If there are any obvious bad habits like smoking or drinking, those are the first things that need to go when starting a new healthy lifestyle and body detox.
Smoking and drinking are two of the most common forms of substance abuse, and they can have a profound impact on a person’s health. Both cigarettes and alcohol contain harmful chemicals that can damage the body, and both can be addictive.
Smoking is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses. Alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, heart problems, and infertility.
In addition, both smoking and drinking can impair judgement and coordination, making it more likely for a person to have an accident or engage in risky behaviour.
Because of the risks, it is important to be mindful of how much alcohol you drink and how often you smoke. Moderate your intake to reduce the chances of damaging your health.
Without getting rid of the obvious unhealthy factors, your body can’t detoxify and get back full health.
Understand The Dirty Dozen List
Because of environmentally irresponsible growing practices, not all vegetables are the same.
Farmers spray many produce items that are naturally prone to disease or pest infestation with chemicals to preserve them until they make it to the marketplace. Not all items are consistently sprayed with chemicals, but the “dirty dozen” list indicates the ones farmers usually spray.
A private consumer advocacy group called the Environmental Working Group lists a group of fruits and vegetables each year that are the most likely to contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Purchasing organic versions of items on the dirty dozen list cuts down on the toxins entering the body while encouraging farmers to continue practicing responsible growing methods in the future.
Shop Locally
Fresher is nearly always better as far as nutrition goes. Small, local farmers often provide a region’s main source of fresh, organic produce.
Local markets typically sell fresh produce that was grown locally. This means that the produce is less likely to be damaged or spoiled during transport, and it will have a higher nutrient content.
Shopping at a local market helps to support the local economy. By purchasing goods from local growers and producers, you can help to ensure that they will be able to continue providing products in the future.
When these farmers receive the full support of the community, they plant more beneficial crops without the aid of chemicals which leaves less land available for conventionally raised crops.
Harnessing The Power Of Plants
One of the best ways to gain the most nutritional value from fresh produce is to process them in a blender. By breaking the cell walls of the vegetables, the plants’ chlorophyll becomes readily available for absorption by the body right from the start.
While juicing produce does the same thing, those who blend their fruits and vegetables retain all of the fiber contained in the produce. This cleansing substance aids digestion and healthy detoxification.
Those who blend waste no part of the valuable resources found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Recognize The Value Of Raw Meals
Preparing raw meals saves on energy and provides the body with nutrients and enzymes needed for healthy digestion.
While the nutrients of some vegetables are enhanced by cooking, most lose nutrients and enzymes when exposed to temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for freshness and consistency.
