Detox is a hot topic these days. A detox or a cleanse is any process that removes harmful toxins from the body. It can include any variety of techniques, from the increasingly popular detox diets to alternative detox techniques like lymphatic drainage or infrared saunas.
But even as detox becomes more and more common, information about detox for kids is still relatively scarce.
Some detox techniques are universal and applicable no matter what your age. For example, a healthy, balanced diet or regular exercise both support your body’s natural detox systems and benefit children and adults alike. However, some detox techniques – like fasting or strict caloric restriction – are not safe for kids.
Kids aren’t spared from exposure to the rising number of toxins in our environment and diet. They need detox as much as adults. However, because kids are still growing and developing, parents should always opt for more gentle and natural detox strategies.
If you’re a parent navigating detox with children, you probably want to make sure you find safe and natural detox strategies designed with your kids’ health in mind. This blog explores 10 surprising ways to safely detox using functional medicine, addressing the essential and overlooked topic of detox for kids.
Why You Should Detox Your Child
Children are in a constant state of growth and development which makes them uniquely vulnerable to toxins in their environment. Everything from the food they eat to the air they breathe can create challenges in their developing detox systems.
It may surprise you to hear that the number of chemical substances we come into contact with daily is steadily increasing.
A few generations ago, children primarily dealt with exposure to natural elements and simpler compounds from their immediate environment.
But today’s youth face an unprecedented dilemma. A never-ending flood of synthetic chemicals, from the phthalates and BPA found in plastics that make up toys and food containers, to the pesticides and herbicides on the produce in most supermarkets. These toxins are pervasive and almost unavoidable, even when you are aware of them.
Air and water pollution are also on the rise, increasing our exposure to heavy metal toxins and other harmful environmental toxicants like mold.
Not to mention the modern diet, which is rich in processed foods and heavily sprayed with persistent organic pollutants and exposure to genetically modified foods. Another layer of toxin exposure that was virtually nonexistent in previous generations.
Everyone currently living on this planet should detox in one form or another.
So, with all that in mind, how do you make detox safe for kids?
How Can I Detox My Child Naturally
The trick to a natural detox for kids is understanding the challenges growth and development place on your child’s body.
During development, children’s detox systems —the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lymphatic system—are still maturing. These systems are necessary to process and eliminate toxins, a heavy job even for fully developed adults.
In children, the lack of maturity makes it even more critical for them to manage their toxin load.
Natural detox strategies like the ones used at Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, can reduce the impact of toxins on your child’s growth and development. The idea is to build an environment, both internally and externally, that nurtures their growth and creates the foundation for a long, healthy life.
As we dive deeper into functional medicine detox for kids, we want to emphasize the need for patience and care. The goal shouldn’t just be to reduce your child’s toxin load but to do so in a way that supports your child’s growth and development now and in the future.
10 Surprising Ways to Detox Your Kids’ Lives
Below are Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine’s 10 gentle detox strategies for kids, including daily habits and detoxifying foods that will support your child’s natural ability to detox.
1. Movement
Regular movement and physical activity is essential for your child’s overall health. But what you may not know is that it also supports detox by stimulating circulation and lymphatic flow.
Activities like playing outside, biking, or participating in sports can help facilitate the natural elimination of toxins through increased blood flow and sweat.
2. Clean Water
Clean, filtered water is essential for children’s health. Hydration supports healthy kidney function and flushes toxins from the body. Consider using a high-quality water filter to reduce exposure to potential contaminants like heavy metals and chlorine.
If you want to see how clear or dirty your public water is, check out the Environmental Working Group’s tap water database. It will tell you which contaminants can be found in your tap water with advice on how to filter out the contaminants.
3. Eating Organic
Where possible, opt for organic foods to reduce your child’s exposure to pesticides and chemicals from conventional farming practices. The Environmental Working Group also offers an updated “Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen” list every year to help you choose which produce you should buy organic and which can be conventionally grown.
Detox diets and gut cleanses are not always safe for children, especially those that include calorie restriction or fasting as part of their detox protocol. Instead, make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, all of which provide essential nutrients for natural detox.
4. Air Purification
Given the amount of time children spend indoors, you may also consider how to improve the air quality indoors. Use HEPA air purifiers to remove particulates from their environment, and ensure regular ventilation to decrease the concentration of indoor pollutants.
5. Incorporate Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Foods high in antioxidants can protect against cellular damage and support the body’s detox pathways. Berries, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables are excellent antioxidant-rich foods that kids love.
6. Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber aids in digestion and helps eliminate toxins through the digestive tract. Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are all beneficial sources of fiber for kids. Seeds like flax, chia, pumpkin, and sesame seeds are food-based binders to help your kids detox naturally.
7. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, which support detox through the liver.
8. Epsom Salt and Other Baths
Epsom salt baths can help facilitate detoxification through the skin and provide magnesium, which supports numerous bodily functions. Other gentle kids detox bath additives include baking soda or apple cider vinegar, both known for their detoxifying properties.
9. Lymphatic Massage
Gentle lymphatic massage can stimulate the lymphatic system, enhancing the body’s natural detoxification process by encouraging the drainage of lymph fluid. This can be particularly helpful for children who sit for a lot of the day or are too sick to play or exercise.
10. Gentle Binders
Certain natural substances, known as binders, help absorb and remove toxins from the body. Examples include chlorella, activated charcoal and bentonite clay, which should be used only under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure they are appropriate and safe for your child.
Are Detoxes Safe for Kids?
Yes, detoxing is safe for children.
One good rule of thumb – whether you are detoxing as an adult or a child – is to go slow. See how your child responds to each new change or addition so you can more easily figure out what works best for you and your child. This ensures that the detox process is gentle and supportive.
Detox Support at Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine
When you choose gentle and natural detox strategies for your kids, you are investing in their overall health and well-being for years to come.
Daily habits like movement, clean water, organic eating, and air purification, combined with specific interventions such as detoxifying foods, Epsom salt baths, lymphatic massage, and gentle binders, can minimize your child’s toxin exposure and support their natural detoxification processes.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before introducing new supplements or practices, especially more intensive detox strategies, to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your child’s age and health!
Want support as you explore safe and natural detox for your kids? Contact Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine to schedule a consultation today!
A Holistic Approach to Health and Beauty
Whether you want glowing skin or a gentle detoxification, castor oil is a time-tested natural remedy that will support you on your journey to better health. Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, recommends investing in a kit from Queen of Thrones. They have a superior quality castor oil and an organic cotton pad that makes doing castor oil packs simple and easy.
As always, if you have questions about a treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Boulder Holistic today!
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