The Benefits of Detoxing

Do you feel tired all the time, suffer from bloating, constipation or other digestive complaints? You could need an internal spring clean! In our modern world, we are faced with daily exposure to a wide-range of toxins and chemicals which we breathe, eat and absorb through the skin. The constituents of a highly-refined typical western diet, which can send our detoxifying organs into overdrive. Toxins can also be generated internally due to metabolic processes in the body and from unhealthy microbes such as parasites, bacteria and viruses secreting toxins. These toxins are then absorbed into the bloodstream which affect health and general wellbeing.

The body naturally removes toxins through breath, bowel, kidney and skin. Detoxification can be supported by following a healthy diet and eliminating unhealthy habits (alcohol and smoking for example) and unhealthy foods. Following a specific program can help with this process. 

Who should detox?

A detoxification program can benefit most people and some specific physical symptoms may be alleviated by detoxification. These may include:

• symptoms of bloating, gas, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea
• tiredness or lethargic - regardless of how much sleep you have had
• overweight or obese and an inability to lose weight
• recurrent headaches and migraines
• muscle aches and pains
• difficulty concentrating and feel ‘foggy’
• allergies and sensitivities
• mood swings, anxiety or depression

How the body detoxifies

The liver, kidneys and bowels are the main ways in which our body eliminates toxins. The liver has 2 phases of detoxification which safely removes harmful waste products from the body. The kidney filters and removes toxins via urine and the bowels remove food waste products. It is easy for these organs to become overwhelmed if too many toxins are produced or consumed compared to what they can remove.

Detoxification protocols

Choosing a safe detoxification product can be risky business. It’s important to choose from a reputable company that chooses high grade materials in their formulations. Detoxing has a process, and when followed in the right order, excellent results can be achieved. Detoxification programs often follow a protocol using specific nutrients and herbal medicines along with dietary and lifestyle advice. The protocols include a process which supports removing harmful pathogens (weeding), recolonising with healthy bacteria (seeding) and supporting healthy bowel function (feeding).

Weeding

Just like weeding the garden our digestive system needs to continually remove bad microbes. 

This part of the detoxification aims at removing harmful pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, yeasts and bacteria which contribute to poor health. 

Antimicrobials can be used at this stage including clove, pomegranate, wormwood, thyme and black walnut. They can be used to eradicate SIBO, chronic infections, and a wide-range of digestive symptoms.

Implementing fibre. This is important at this stage to help the bowels safely remove these microbes—reducing any unwanted side-effects. Examples of fibres include chia meal, psyllium husks and slippery elm.

Seeding

The ‘seed’ stage is aimed at increasing good microbes.

This also helps to provide healthy gastrointestinal lining by reducing inflammation and supporting its function and integrity. Some nutrients which help with this include:

Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll and many other nutrients—making it nature’s best detoxifier and super food.

Turmeric can help to reduce inflammation, reduce free radicals and deliver gentle liver support.

Probiotics. Good bacteria form a lining in the mucus membranes of the gut – supporting healthy absorption of nutrients, preventing allergies and inflammation and infection from bad bacteria.

Feeding

The last stage is to provide liver care to aid the body’s detoxification process.

Milk thistle is a very good herb to use in the last stage to provide liver protection and repair. Milk thistle is an antioxidant herb that helps to scavenge free radicals which cause damage.

Schisandra is a herb which enhances liver health, as well as providing support in times of stress.

Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes, berries and giant knotweed, can be used to provide full body protection from toxins.

Be sure to feed the body the right nutrition in healthy organic foods. 

The Detox diet

To get better results it’s recommend you stick to a diet which follows healthy eating principles, along with the removal of common dietary toxins such as salt, alcohol, caffeine and sugar.

General detoxing guidelines include eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables with healthy sources of protein such as eggs, fish, lean meat, nuts, seeds and lentils.

Avoiding gluten and dairy is certainly an advantage and processed foods, foods with additives, preservatives and artificial colours and flavours are a definite no no.

Caring for your liver

For those who just want daily detoxification support, simply taking a liver formulation can yield great results. It is ideal for people who drink alcohol, eat processed foods and carry weight around their abdominal area.

Liver support is specific for those who have high cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver and require ongoing assistance to achieve results. It may also help those who have bad breath, bloating, indigestion and constipation.

Milk thistle is the hero ingredient in these formulations. The active constituent, silymarin, scavenges for free radicals that cause damage to the liver and body.

Antioxidants such as selenium and B vitamins remove heavy metals, toxins and waste products safely.

Gallbladder support is achieved in these kinds of formulas and may reduce cholesterol, gallstones and supports healthy digestion.

Not sure if you need liver support?

The following factors increase the need for detox. 

• Skin problems and breakouts
• Regular alcohol consumption
• Smoking cigarettes
• Exposure to environmental toxins by eating non-organic, processed foods, chemical based personal care products and exposure to solvents, glues, paint etc.
• Taking prescription medications and regular painkillers
• Diet lacking in fruits, veg and fibre
• Have a liver or gallbladder condition
• Experience digestive problems such as dyspepsia, bloating and constipation

Supporting your body's natural eliminatory processes can be as simple as changing your bad dietary habits to healthy ones. 

References

1. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence based guide vol. 2. Churchill Livingstone, Australia 
2. http://www.webmd.com/diet/detoxification-diets-and-procedures-directory
3. Liu Q, et al. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of spices. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Jun 16;18(6). Pii:E1283
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28621716
5. Kieffer DA, et al. Impact of dietary fibres on nutrient management and detoxification organs: gut, liver, and kidneys. Adv Nutr. 2016 Nov 15;7(6):1111-1121 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28140328
6. Zamek-Gliszczynski M, et al. Integration of hepatic drug transporters and phase II metabolizing enzymes: mechanisms of hepatic excretion of sulfate, glucuronide, and glutathione metabolites. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2006 Apr;27(5):447-86 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16472997