These days, our bodies are constantly bombarded with toxins that can leave us vulnerable to a host of health problems. From environmental toxins to toxic body care products and processed foods – dealing with toxins has become a part of everyday life.

Fortunately, it’s possible to combat these toxins by tuning in to your unique body chemistry and making smart diet and lifestyle choices. Below are the top tips I share with my patients who want to balance their body chemistry and enjoy increased energy, weight loss, and many other benefits of optimal health and wellness.

Fuel Your Body with Nutritious Foods

What you feed your body and how your body breaks that food down determines what your overall health looks like. This is why food can actually be used as a very effective healing practice (a strategy the conventional medical system typically overlooks).

Foods do affect body chemistry, so it’s important to eat well so your body can do what it physically needs to do. Food choices can help balance hormone levels, increase energy and reduce fatigue, boost mental clarity and focus, and even eliminate acne and hair loss.

By spending time with my patients and learning their stories and histories, I can tailor treatments to address their specific needs. I may recommend a therapeutic diet, a detoxification program, or mindful eating strategies.

Make Healthy Plates

This is a simple but effective way to keep your eating habits in check. Divide your bowl or plate into three sections as follows: half is covered with non-starchy vegetables (dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans), a quarter contains healthy protein (chicken, fish, legumes), and the last quarter is used for whole grains (brown rice, quinoa and other ancient grains).

I typically avoid recommending specific diets across the board, as I firmly believe that everyone has a unique and complex biological design that benefits most from a customized plan. However, following the general guidelines of a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet is a good place for most individuals to start:

  • Consume fewer grains
  • Use wild coldwater fish (salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna) as your main protein source
  • Up your fiber intake
  • Consume little or no dairy

As in all healthy diets, “empty calories” like refined sugar, flour, and processed foods should be limited.

Don’t Forget about Your Liver

One of the main ways that your body rids itself of toxins is through the liver. When your liver function is not optimal, you won’t be able to digest food properly – especially fats.

The easiest way to promote a clean liver is to drink a green smoothie for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Commit to Annual Blood Work

Annual blood work is one of the smartest things you can do for your health. Your lab results should be reviewed alongside a functional medicine practitioner who will take the time to learn your history and form a meaningful relationship with you.

As a functional medicine practitioner, I understand your unique biomedical individuality. Contact my office today so we can begin to form a deeper understanding of how to balance your body chemistry naturally.