We hear the term “detox” often when it comes to achieving optimum health and weight loss. Although our bodies have sophisticated ways of getting rid of toxic substances through our kidneys, liver, digestive system, skin and lungs, at times they may need help.

“We are constantly exposed to toxins from many sources,” Holly Lucille, ND, RN, author of “Creating and Maintaining Balance,” tells Newsmax. Lucille has appeared on Dr. Oz, The Doctors and several other national programs promoting her ground-breaking work on detoxification. “Our food, water, environment and beauty or personal products — even our own stress and emotions — can lead to toxic overload.

“This is borne out by research. A recent study found that the umbilical cord blood from newborn babies contains almost 300 chemicals including mercury, PCB’s and pesticides. These toxins cause cancer, disrupt the brain and nervous system as well as contribute to birth defects.”

To help detoxify your body, there are methods and supplements you can easily implement.

*Take an Epsom salt bath to pull out toxins. By adding Epsom salts to bath water, you help remove toxins as well as relax the muscles. Since almost half the population of the United States is magnesium deficient because of our over consumption of sugar and processed food, bathing in Epsom salts, which is a form of magnesium, can help replenish this important mineral that is crucial for detoxification.

*Extra exercise. “We all know that exercise is important for vibrant life, but by increasing our workouts by a mere five or 10 minutes we can make a huge difference in our detox program,” notes Lucille. Exercise increases circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system to remove waste material from your body. Because one-third of the body’s toxins are released through the skin, a little more sweat from a little extra exercise can garner big benefits. 

*Hydration. The importance of drinking enough water cannot be stated enough, says the expert. “Water carries nutrients into the cells and waste material out of them. Without adequate hydration toxins can continue to accumulate without the body and not properly excreted.”

*Nutrition. Even with a busy schedule, proper nutrition is one area in which we do have control over our bodies. Lucille says we can reduce our toxic burden by shopping the periphery of the supermarket, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, purchasing organic whenever possible and boosting fiber intake. “Fiber collects toxins in the intestines and helps drive them from the body,” she explains.

*Supplementation. Here are her top picks:

1. Curcumin. Curcumin from turmeric is one of most liver healthy compounds in the world. And since a healthy liver is critical for detoxification, it tops Lucille’s list. Curcumin prevents fat deposits in the liver and enhances certain detoxification enzymes, making it easier for the body to get rid of unhealthy compounds.

2. Glutathione. Glutathione is often referred to as “the mother of antioxidants”, says Lucille. “It can help regenerate spent antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which means you are getting more bang for your buck when you are buying organic produce.” It can also help detoxify “xenobiotics,” foreign substances that disrupt the normal hormone balance in the body such as drugs, food additives and environmental pollutants.

 3. Milk thistle. Milk thistle helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. It also protects the outside layer of liver cells to prevent toxins from getting inside, and increases glutathione levels.