Debunking the Detox and Exercise myth
06 Feb 2024 by Ted Escobedo 2 min read
Many people believe that working up a sweat is great for detoxing our bodies. While this may sound good, it is simply not true. Exercise provides countless benefits for our bodies but when it comes to detoxing, our liver does all the heavy lifting. But the good news is that exercise leads to a much healthier liver so there is some connection. The liver plays an important role in protecting our bodies from potentially toxic chemicals through its capacity to convert lipophiles into more water-soluble metabolites which can be efficiently eliminated from the body via the urine. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates the nutrients and metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body or that are nontoxic.
Regular exercise is key to a healthy liver. Exercise decreases stress on the liver, increases energy levels and helps to prevent obesity – a risk factor for liver disease. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming per week.
And after all that exercise, it is critical to drink water. When choosing beverages, water is always a smart choice for sugar-free hydration. It helps your liver function properly and prevents dehydration.
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