When you hear the word “detoxification” most people think of drug or alcohol related rehab. Did you know that our bodies are constantly undergoing detoxification every minute of every day? Everything we ingest, inhale, or absorb topically has to be broken down by the liver and excreted through one of several detoxification pathways. The liver is the main organ of detoxification, but many other organs and body systems make it possible for our body to adequately break down and eliminate all chemicals, heavy metals and biological waste products.
We are all born with a different capacity to detoxify. Some people are born with incredible detoxification genes that allow the detoxification pathways to efficiently eliminate waste and toxins. Think of the 100 year old smoker and drinker who also eat poorly but seems to beat the odds and never get sick. They are the rare exception and seem to be the “genetically blessed” or “lucky ones” that have very efficient detox pathways that can handle a big burden of toxins and don’t become bogged down with chronic symptoms or illness. On the other hand, people born without good detoxification genes or efficient detox pathways are not able to handle a high amount of toxins so they’re toxin buckets fill up quicker and when they reach a tipping point, their toxin bucket starts overflowing and that is when they develop symptoms or illness Common symptoms of toxicity or a high toxic burden are frequent headaches, migraines, anxiety, brain fog, acne or skin outbreaks, swelling or puffiness, tendency towards histamine reactions (hives, rashes, itching, chronic food sensitivities), frequent colds/flu’s or infections.
We all need to be detoxing because we are inevitably being exposed to greater amounts of toxins each year. We are all exposed to environmental toxins from pesticides, herbicides, high intake of processed foods laden with chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), hydrogenated oils, high carbohydrates, and sugar. Most tap water contains fluoride, bromides, chlorine, arsenic and other heavy metals. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are found in everyday products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, detergents, body wash, perfume, cologne, and makeup. They contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), PCBs, phthalates, and parabens which are “endocrine disrupting chemicals” which literally disrupt the function of our endocrine organs leading to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, infertility, estrogen dominance and other menstrual abnormalities, polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid abnormalities.
How to support your detox pathways:
Proper hydration: drink half your body weight in ounces daily of filtered water. If you weigh 150 pounds, drink a minimum of 75 oz water daily
Detox foods: foods that support detox are organic non-GMO vegetables and fruits, wild caught fish/seafood, pasture raised chicken/poultry without added hormones or antibiotics, grass-fed/grass-finished beef/game, organic avocado oil & extra virgin olive oil. Limit sugar, high carbohydrate foods, processed foods and conventionally raised dairy products with added hormones/antibiotics.
Regular bowel movements: goal is to have 2 formed bowel movements a day which requires adequate fiber and hydration, good bowel motility, stress reduction, healthy balance of gut flora (microbiome)
Regular sweating: through things like epsom salt baths, sauna, exercise, hot yoga. Some people cannot sweat, even with exercise. This is a clue that their lymphatic system & liver drainage is not working properly and needs to be supported. Another great option is using ½ cup of Magnetic Clay Bath from the company Enviromedica to support elimination of environmental toxins
Adequate nutrition: the detox organs (especially the liver) requires adequate amounts of amino acids, proteins, minerals, B vitamins in order to break down everything that passes through it, including toxins, alcohol, chemicals etc.
Adequate energy: detoxing requires a lot of energy. You cannot detox well from a depleted state or an “energy deficit.” Important to rest and get good quality sleep while actively detoxing.
Adequate sleep: sleep is restorative and allows proper repair of cells/tissues during the detox process. 8+ hours of good quality sleep in a cool dark room supports the detox process and is crucial for proper rejuvenation and replenishing the body’s energy stores
Binders: certain chemicals, heavy metals, and especially mycotoxins from mold can be bound up by “binders” and removed in the stool to facilitate removal from the body. Work with your practitioner to select the appropriate binder and dosing for your condition. A very strong binder for binding oxidative stress is Carbon 60 oil which helps reduce free radicals (reactive oxygen species) which when in excess are linked to chronic inflammation, disease, aging. Other examples of binders include chlorella, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, zeolite.
Digestive support: some examples are digestive enzymes, digestive bitters, ox bile, taurine. Digestive bitters help facilitate bile flow out of the gallbladder which supports liver and gallbladder detox, and fat digestion. Also important to take time to sit when eating, adequately chew food before swallowing.
Lymphatic system: for people with sluggish lymphatic flow, chronically swollen lymph nodes, or poor ability to sweat, a lymphatic massage from a trained professional supports movement of blocked lymph nodes and gets the lymph system draining. Dry brushing the skin before a shower, jumping on a rebounder (mini trampoline), and fascia massage/body work, myofascial release can also support lymphatic drainage.
Castor oil packs: you can make your own or purchase castor oil packs which are applied topically over the liver to support liver detox. These can be worn for a few hours at a time or overnight for stronger detox/sleep support.
