Natural Lee

Yes! Children need to detox too. Probably 3 decades ago might not have been as prevalent. However, in today’s world with the many chemicals, and toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis, detoxing for children is needed just as much as for adults. Not to mention a pregnant woman carries many toxins in her body that are passed through to the baby. So children are already born into this world carrying those toxins in their little bodies. The United States has more chemicals and toxins than other countries as other countries ban hundreds more toxins, chemicals and even ingredients that the United States find acceptable to put in our food. There is so much more I could say about chemicals and toxins that it could be its own article. I like to refer people to the environmental working group (EWG) website for more information. There is section on the website called Skin Deep. This section allows you to look up just about anything you put on your body, from makeup, to lotions, hair products and more, and see the level of chemicals or toxins each product or ingredient carries. It also gives a rating and what parts of the body the ingredient can impact (e.g. respiratory, neurological, reproductive, etc.).

First a little high level break down in how toxins are excreted through the body. Water soluble toxins are excreted through the kidneys and out through our urine. And, fat soluble toxins through our liver, gas soluble type toxins through our lungs and our skin acts as a secondary to our stools and urine (liver and kidneys).

Probably the easiest way to help a child detox is through dry brushing. Now for children whose skin is more sensitive this can be accomplished with a simple face cloth (no hard rubbing is necessary… if you are making the skin red you are rubbing too hard). Focusing on the extremities allows you to keep the lymphatic system functioning. Since the lymph has no muscular function only body movement and skeletal muscular contraction can move fluid through the lymphatic system, dry brushing acts almost like a gentle massage to the area. So dry brushing is a great way to keep the lymphatic system flowing.

Exercising is awesome way to remove gas soluble types of toxins from the body through the lungs. This doesn’t mean you need to get your child out there running and doing heavy cardio like a drill sergeant. However, movement of the body that allows the child to breath with great breathes will help the body to eliminate those toxins through the lungs.

Try some yoga or qigong!

Now all of these are great, but not a replacement to a good diet as foods and supplements, even herbal remedies can help assist the body’s own natural detoxification. Before I go on, I want to stress how important it is to work with a nutritionist or a doctor of natural medicine and even an herbalist to be sure you are doing the right thing for you, your children and family. There are so many factors that only an expert can guide you to avoid other types of issues that can come from something as simple as allergic reactions, or contraindications with medications, and other herbs, and supplements. Certain plants, supplements, and herbs can help assist the body’s own natural detoxification.

All of these approaches need to work in tandem with each other. It’s important to start your child on a specific lifestyle of mind, body and spirit. Not saying that a child can’t enjoy a good cookie or a scoop of ice cream. There are wonderful recipes and foods that use good organic and real ingredients that taste yummy. Start an edible garden and see how fast your child starts enjoying food fresh off the vine or out of the ground. Nourishing our mind, body and spirit through food, touch and love is what will keep us healthy and raising our next generation to love themselves and the planet that helps sustain them.

So the point is enjoy life through mind, body and spirit. Create a lifestyle that works for you and your family!

Be Well!

Jamie Lee, MS, RMT, CI, DNM, IMD

Doctor of Natural Medicine and Integrative Medical Doctor

Natural Lee