Your body is designed to protect itself from toxins – the immune system, respiratory system, skin, intestines, liver, and kidneys all fend off threats. So, if you live a healthy lifestyle, should you be concerned about detoxing? Well… maybe: potential threats and exposure to toxins come from everyday sources and some can accumulate in our bodies.
How do toxins get into the body?
Exposure to toxins and the build-up of toxins in our bodies can come from a number of sources:
- the air we breathe
- water we drink
- foods we consume
- alcohol
- drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational)
Pesticides from produce and mercury from fish are a couple of common culprits. The good news is that we can eliminate these toxins from our bodies.
What does it mean to detox?
To detox means to rid the body of toxins. Toxin is a scary word, and to sensationalize would be irresponsible – so no scare tactics here! Let’s proceed with a sensible approach and a healthy mindset.
To detox or not to detox?
Whether you commit to a detailed detox plan or just clean up some habits, timing is critical. The goal is to have the toxins out of your body prior to conception.
If detoxing is not an option (if you’re already trying to conceive (yay!)) or you’re currently pregnant (congrats!) or you don’t think it’s necessary (valid!), remember that your body is designed to protect itself from toxins.
To kick things off,
1) let’s frame detoxing as something to look forward to (high bar, I know) and
2) let’s make sure that you are in the know about why and how to detox.
something to look forward to
Think of it this way – planning is half the fun! The excitement builds, expectations soar, and adrenaline rushes – the experience of planning, in and of itself, can be invigorating. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy, a vacation, or an event – make it a feel-good experience where you enjoy both the anticipation (a proven happiness generator) and the architectonics (delight in the details).
Develop a plan three to six months prior to attempting conception, any closer is potentially harmful because the body is in the process of releasing toxins.
in the know
why consider a detox?
Basically, healthy bodies make healthy babies. The goal is to create optimal health in your body because it connects directly to the health of your developing baby from the time of conception.
“The toxic load we’ve built up prior to pregnancy can have an impact on our children.”
Aviva Romm, MD – goop
According to Aviva Romm, MD, “The toxic load we’ve built up prior to pregnancy can have an impact on our children.” Check out her highly informative Q&A on Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness website goop.
How do you detox?
First, be aware that there are a lot of gimmicks and somewhat extreme approaches to detoxing. The way you choose to detox should feel appropriate for you and approved by your healthcare provider.
Begin by eating organic foods when possible. In her goop article, Dr. Romm reveals that when we switch to organic foods, “in the span of a few days, we can eliminate significant amounts of toxins from our bodies, particularly herbicides and pesticides.”
This is your plan (feeling your excitement through the screen!):
- first, start here – see Start Here to Ensure a Strong Foundation for Baby’s Brain
- then plan meals for clean eating – see Clean Eating is Critical
- prioritize exercise – see Exercise Is Everything
- be sure to drink enough water
- research your cosmetics and personal care products on EWG’s Skin Deep
- clean up your cleaning products – buy natural cleaners or DIY with hellonest
To detox prior to creating life is noble – well done! To make it fun, be sure to frame it as exhilarating by embracing the steps you take while focusing on the outcome – your darling dumpling and your higher calling of motherhood and fatherhood.
Be unapologetically smitten with yourself and frequently recite Dr. Romm’s description of women as “the force of nature that can make the positive change for the next generation.”
Ooh, that’s good.