As environmental toxicity, essential nutrient depletion and chronic emotional stress collectively cause approximately 95 percent of all illnesses, exercise and detoxification are imperative for liveliness and longevity. Pollution, whether environmental, electrical or emotional, causes oxidative stress in our bodies. Regular exercise and detoxification can protect us against the effects of toxicity, especially in conjunction with good nutrition and mind-body techniques for stress management.

Exercise

Exercise is a key element of healthy aging. Not only is exercise important for weight maintenance, it helps us prevent degenerative illnesses associated with a sedentary lifestyle, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, arthritic aches, respiratory problems, and depression. Exercise makes us feel good and ultimately improves and preserves both physical and mental function. Engaging in light-to-moderate aerobic activity for 30-60 minutes per day increases our metabolic capabilities, while lowering levels of insulin and inflammatory chemicals. Additional benefits include preservation of musculature, stronger bones, flexible joints, and emotional stress release. Exercise also promotes detoxification through the bowels, lymph, and, if we break a sweat, the skin.

Any exercise is better than none, and it is never too late to start a manageable exercise regime. People with health conditions should consult their doctors first. The best activities are those we enjoy most, so put on your dancing, golf, gardening, softball, or walking shoes (even better, go barefoot in the grass) and get moving!

Detoxification

We are constantly exposed, often beyond our awareness, to toxins in our food, water, soil, and air, as well as electro-pollutants, such as wireless frequencies. As toxins accumulate in our tissues and cells we become more susceptible to degenerative disease. To help us prevent disease, we need to avoid toxins and detoxify our bodies, as well as fortify our immune systems through other heart-healthy lifestyle practices.

Our body’s detoxification organs include the small and large intestines, liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and skin. Since food residue, fungus, toxic metals, and chemicals can build up in the intestinal tract and leak into the bloodstream, preventing constipation is crucial for health maintenance. Preserve colon health by consuming at least 30 grams of fiber per day, exercising, and drinking plenty of water. Periodic colonic irrigations can also prevent toxic buildup in the small and large intestines. Strengthening the liver, the main detoxification organ, through supplementation can also enhance detoxification.

By sweating, whether during moderate exercise, or in a steam room or far-infrared sauna, we release toxins stored within our subcutaneous fat layer. As strenuous exercise causes excess oxidative stress, passive sweating techniques are preferred. Moderate exercise, however, does stimulate the lymphatic and digestive systems to move toxins through and out of the body. Spa treatments such as seawater hydrotherapy, skin brushing, and body wraps also move lymph by stimulating circulation, as do various massage therapies. Whether you actively or passively detoxify, make sure to drink plenty of purified water with lemon and allow your body to rest.