Let’s redefine detoxification.
Detoxification is an automatic, natural process where the liver is the primary driver. This means that any substance that enters our body in some way (whether we eat it, breath it in, or place it on our skin) must go through a 2-step process in our liver to make sure we do not absorb any of the “bad qualities” of this said exposure. If our body is unable to clear toxic waste from our body efficiently, our toxic load increases.
What about hormones? Yes! Hormones must also be metabolized. This process relies on the liver as well. It is important to support our detoxification pathways for our body to optimally support hormone metabolism. This is imperative postpartum.
Ways to reduce our toxin burden:
1. Eliminate chemicals in the home
Download my free non-toxic product guidebook to help you achieve a toxin-free home HERE
2. Try avoiding plastic food storage containers- plastics can be absorbed by your body and increase toxicity
3. Reduce pesticide exposure
4. Be mindful of artificial sugars (sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin)
5. Increase water intake
The 4th trimester (postpartum) has been described as the first 3 months of a baby’s life. However, some women feel the effects of childbirth months and even years after children are born.
Many women identify the following during their 4th trimester: painful breasts from nipple cracking to mastitis to a clogged duct, anxiety, depression, digestive changes like constipation, hemorrhoids, weak pelvic floor and core muscles, fatigue, hair loss, and thyroid irregularities. Luckily, there are many natural remedies to support the body.
Consider the following:
For breasts- massage the breast in a warm shower, castor oil massage, probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D
Anxiety and Depression- curcumin, vitamin D, N-acetyl cysteine, hug you partner or baby (hugs increase oxytocin), expose yourself to sunlight, enjoy safe movement, ask for help, diffuse essential oils (blend vanilla, orange and grapefruit) or make a blend in a spray bottle and spray your pillow to rest throughout the day
Constipation- drink minimum 80 oz of water daily, magnesium, do not use harsh laxatives, vitamin C
Hemorrhoids- include fiber in the diet, eat berries, invest in a squatty potty, Motherlove sitz bath and Rhoid balm, witch hazel spray or cotton ball application
Weak pelvic floor and core muscles- contact a pelvic floor physical therapist in your area, virtual classes are available by Pelvienne Wellness (the Vagina Coach)
Fatigue/hair loss/thyroid- this category is best supported by a healthcare provider, consider running blood work to assess thyroid hormones, plus thyroid antibodies, iron and ferritin, sex and stress hormones, vitamin D, B9, and B12 levels
By reducing the toxic burden on the body, the endocrine (hormone) system, immune system and neurological system can be supported. These systems work in synergy to lift women out of postpartum strong and energized.
In Extraordinary Health,
Ready to function at your best? Dr. Byrne, with Phoenician Wellness Center, offers personalized solutions for your health needs.
Click here to schedule a complimentary health consultation to learn how we can help you achieve your optimal wellness.
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