Often overlooked, the emunctories are nevertheless essential to our well-being. They are the organs responsible for continuously eliminating waste and toxins produced by our body. They act as an internal cleansing network , indispensable for lasting health.
To support their efforts, certain simple actions—diet, breathing, hydration, physical activity—can make all the difference. And among natural aids, apple cider vinegar holds a prominent place.
Understanding the excretory organs
There are six emunctories:
-
The kidneys
-
The liver
-
The intestines
-
The lungs
-
The skin
-
The lymphatic system (lymph nodes)
They act in a complementary way to:
-
Filter out toxins
-
Remove the waste
-
Maintaining internal balance
The kidneys: the major filters
The kidneys eliminate water-soluble waste (urea, salts, excess minerals) via urine.
They also regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance .
To do: drink enough water, limit salt, favor draining herbal teas (nettle, dandelion).
The liver: the detoxification powerhouse
The liver transforms toxins into eliminable substances and produces bile, which is useful for the digestion of fats.
To do: consume foods rich in antioxidants (green vegetables, citrus fruits), limit alcohol, saturated fats and ultra-processed foods.
The intestines: solid waste elimination
The colon eliminates solid waste from digestion. An unbalanced gut flora = retention of toxins.
To do: adopt a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, seeds) and natural probiotics.
The lungs: gas elimination
Through respiration, the lungs expel carbon dioxide and other volatile waste.
Things to do: practice deep breathing , gentle exercise, yoga or simply walk in the fresh air.
The skin: the external excretory organ
Through perspiration, the skin eliminates excess mineral salts, urea, and other toxins.
To do: sauna, hot baths, dry brushing, regular hydration.
The lymphatic system: filtration and defense
Lymph nodes filter lymph and help eliminate cellular waste and pathogens.
To do: activate lymphatic circulation through massage, rebounding, walking , and diaphragmatic breathing .
How to support your body's elimination organs on a daily basis?
1. Hydration
-
Still or slightly mineralized water
-
Infusions (nettle, dandelion, burdock)
-
Avoid excessive sodas, alcohol, and coffee
2. Targeted Nutrition
-
Antioxidants: green vegetables, berries, citrus fruits
-
Omega-3: flax seeds, oily fish
-
Fiber: legumes, whole grains, vegetables
-
Fermented foods: kefir, sauerkraut, plain yogurt
3. Physical activity
-
Helps stimulate perspiration
-
Activates blood and lymphatic circulation
-
Promotes regular bowel movements
4. Conscious breathing
-
Abdominal breathing, heart coherence
-
Provides oxygen and relaxation
-
Effectively eliminates carbon dioxide
5. Skin care
-
Hot bath or sauna to stimulate perspiration
-
Dry brushing to activate the lymphatic system and the epidermis
-
Natural products to respect the skin barrier
6. Stress Management
Chronic stress disrupts the functioning of the excretory organs .
Things to do: meditation, yoga, nature walks, time for yourself
7. Targeted supplements
-
Probiotics for gut flora
-
Detoxifying plants (dandelion, artichoke, black radish) for the liver
-
Vitamin C and zinc to support elimination functions
Apple cider vinegar, a traditional ingredient
In many cultures, raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is valued for its traditional use in wellness routines .
Produced through a natural double fermentation process, it provides a tangy flavor and easily fits into a balanced lifestyle.
-
As a diluted drink : 1 to 2 tablespoons in a large glass of water, before a meal or in the morning.
-
As a seasoning : on vegetables or salads to vary the tastes.
💡 Like any natural ingredient, apple cider vinegar is not a substitute for a varied diet or medical supervision.
In summary
The excretory organs are the discreet allies of our inner balance .
Supporting them means first and foremost adopting a simple, conscious and respectful lifestyle : hydration, movement, breathing, and choosing quality foods.
Apple cider vinegar, used for generations, is part of this approach to overall well-being, a natural gesture that accompanies your daily life without replacing a medical approach.
