Three Steps to a Healthier Detox.
More than 85,000 chemicals are known to be circulating in everyday products in the US alone—in cosmetics, clothing, furniture, electronics, cleaning products, construction materials, and more.
These chemicals have potential health effects that range from irritating the lungs to interacting with the immune system or disrupting hormones.
Taking simple steps to enhance your body's detoxification pathways can help to keep you in balance. In the coming weeks I'll be focusing on ways to help you minimize your exposure to hidden toxins and support your body in everyday detoxification.
Let's start with the basics.
TOXINS & DETOXIFICATION
We are exposed to toxins on a daily basis, both from our environment and through our lifestyle choices. Within each of us exists a natural and complex system of metabolic detoxification that works every day to identify and remove toxins from the body. Many factors can contribute to an accumulation of toxins in the body, including:
Exposure to pesticides, plastics, and industrial chemicals
Heavy metal exposure
Bacterial overgrowth in the gut resulting in endotoxin exposure
Poor food choices
Overconsumption of alcohol
Dehydration
Lack of physical activity
Cultures around the world have long believed that the accumulation of toxins in the body is an underlying cause of a variety of health problems. For centuries, various cleansing and detoxification therapies have been used to minimize toxin exposure and aid the body’s ability to break down and excrete toxins.
DO YOU NEED TO “DETOX”?
Our bodies are actively detoxing on a daily basis, however, sometimes they have trouble keeping up! When our natural system of metabolic detoxification becomes overburdened, toxins accumulate in the body. These toxins can cause tissue damage and may interfere with normal cellular processes. Common symptoms of toxic overload include:
Fatigue/low energy
Poor Sleep
Chronic constipation
Abdominal pain, gas, and bloat
Increased allergy symptoms
Headaches
Itchy skin/rashes
Bad breath
Confusion or “brain fog”
Anxiety
If you are experiencing symptoms of toxic overload it may be time to consider a detoxification program. Such a program generally involves:
Reducing exposure to toxins.
Supporting and enhancing the body’s natural detoxification systems.
Encouraging the removal of toxins from the body.
While there are many approaches to detoxification and many programs available, I focus on three simple steps to ensure a safe and healthy detox.
THREE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER DETOX
STEP ONE - FOCUS ON NUTRITION
I am generally not a fan of “juice cleanses”. Not only are such programs lacking in fiber and protein, they can also upset hormone balance by raising cortisol and disrupting blood sugar regulation.
For effective detoxification, I prefer to focus on nutrients that support the body‘s natural detoxification mechanisms and emphasize clean, organic whole foods. In particular, I recommend adequate amounts of quality protein providing amino acids essential to the metabolic detoxification pathways in the liver, and a variety of colorful non-starchy vegetables that add supportive vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
While non-starchy vegetables are alkaline, most toxins are acidic, so consuming these vegetables will help to push acidic toxins to be filtered out through your kidneys. Specialized protein shakes and targeted nutraceuticals may also be utilized to support detoxification pathways.
STEP TWO - INCREASE HYDRATION
Adequate hydration is essential for safe detoxification. Proper hydration can protect the cells and tissues in your body from the damaging effects of toxins. Water intake promotes the removal of toxins from the body through your kidneys via urine, and through your intestines via stool.
During a detoxification program, I recommend a higher than average water intake. To determine the amount that is right for you, take half of your weight in pounds and convert that to ounces of daily water (for example, a 140-pound woman should consume at least 70 ounces of water daily during detoxification).
STEP THREE - TREAT YOUR GUT FIRST
If you have digestive problems, it is essential to address these issues before beginning a detoxification program. This is especially important for those with chronic constipation.
Why is the gut so important in detoxification? Because you have to “take out the garbage”! The gut (along with the kidneys and your sweat glands) is the primary pathway by which toxins leave the body. I recommend support for bowel regularity with water, fiber, and magnesium to help this process.
Bacterial overgrowth in the gut contributes to toxicity by exposing the body to bacterial endotoxins. For those with a history of chronic abdominal bloat, gas, and diarrhea, or irregular bowel movements, identifying and treating underlying gut imbalances is an important first step in detoxification. For some, I recommend an herbal gut cleanse prior to beginning a detoxification program.
Stay tuned for more detoxification tips coming over the next few weeks!