It's a brand new year, and a time that many people focus on "detox." But what is detoxification, and why focus on it?

Living produces toxic by-products. Though our amazing human bodies are well equipped to eliminate toxins, our modern environment sometimes overloads our natural detoxification mechanisms, producing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, weight problems, or even serious illness.

You can improve your health by avoiding toxins: Avoid toxic foods and drinks (focus on getting a lot of leafy greens instead), toxic personal care products (use plant-based products and essential oils instead), and toxic household cleaners (use vinegar and baking soda instead). Avoid smoking (breath fresh outdoor as much as possible).

You can also support your liver's two detox phases. In phase I, your liver uses oxygen and enzymes to "burn" or oxidize toxins. In phase II, sulfur and amino acids bind to the phase I oxidized chemicals and get rid of them. Phase I is critical, but can cause damage if you don't have enough phase II activity to finish the work by safely packaging and eliminating oxidized toxins. Phase I detoxification is increased by B vitamins and zinc, and phase II by sufficient dietary protein, sulfur rich foods like garlic and onions, curcumin, SAM-e, and milk thistle (silymarin) to name a few. Vitamin C and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc) boost both phase I and phase II detox.

Other simple detox measures: drink enough water (ounces equal to your body weight in pounds divided by two). Use a sauna or exercise to sweat regularly. Finally, practice emotional "letting go." Each week, take one "recording" you play in your mind that is a re-run of past mistakes, regrets, hurts, or resentments and throw it out. In short, eliminate the things in your life that no longer serve you or support your health.

Monica Eggleston, ARNP, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner at Lakeside Holistic Health. Visit our website at www.lakesideholistic.com, or call us at (208) 758-0568. Join her on Jan. 28, 6-7 p.m. at Natural Grocers for a talk on this topic.