5 Things About Detoxing

detox

Feb 28

There is a lot of buzz about detoxing, whether we need detox, if our body can detox without our help, if there are actually benefits to completing a detox. Detox was an integral part of restoring my health so naturally, I think it is an important tool.

1. A detox and a cleanse are not the same.

A detox is a process through which the body’s main organs of elimination (bowels, kidneys, liver, skin) are supported and encouraged to release both exogenous (found outside the body; ex: chemicals and toxins) and endogenous (produced in the body, like excess hormones and cholesterol) toxins. Detoxing is about restoring the body’s function and bringing about enhanced vitality.

A cleanse is a lightening of the body’s load for a few days to a month. This is most often achieved through eliminating or restricting food and focusing on strictly consuming raw foods or juicing.

2. In our modern world, a great diet isn’t enough.

We all know that drinking clean water, eating organic foods, and exercising are essential. Unfortunately we live in a world where we are surrounded by toxins. There are petrochemicals in our environment and in our homes. We have mercury amalgam fillings in our mouth, we take more antibiotics and prescription drugs than ever, and we put chemicals on our skin.

3. Detox is necessary.

Your body can and does naturally detox. Detox happens when the body is armed with the right tools and most people lack a very important tool: a nutrient-dense diet. Considering that the majority of people live in industrialized nations and have a less than wholesome diet, are you surprised to learn that most people suffer from impaired detoxification? The number of environmental toxins

4. Be aware of environmental toxins if you want to properly detox.

There are currently over 80,000 chemicals used in North America contributing to a large increase in the amount of toxins you are exposed to. Topping the list is BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical used in the production of plastics and commonly found in American homes in products such as baby bottles, food packaging, plastic water bottles, and plastic wrap. BPA has been proven to damage the endocrine system in both men and women.

5. Detox seasonally.

Detoxes should help detoxify the entire system—not just the colon or intestines—and helps to remove harmful toxins from the blood and strengthen the liver. Strengthening the liver is vitally important and it’s what most detoxes, weight loss plans, and cleanses lack. Most detoxes work to remove harmful toxins from the tissues (namely fat adipose tissue stores) without any regard for how the body will remove them. The detox I recommend uses a specific amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients to effectively move toxins from your fat stores through your liver and out of your body.

I also rely on a handful of Ayurveda-inspired self-care rituals that support detoxification of the lymphatic system, the liver, kidneys, colon, and skin. These include dry brushing, oil pulling, tongue scraping, drinking warm lemon water, infrared sauna, castor oil packs, coffee enemas, a daily gratitude practice, and gentle movement like walking or yoga.