It’s springtime, which means increased advertisements for various cleanse and detox programs. Most protocols involve restricting food, drinking specific beverages, or taking supplements. Many of these programs also have big promises, primarily weight loss.
But do you really need a juice fast or parasite detox to get the benefits of detoxing? Do these approaches even work?
Keep reading to learn more about:
- The benefits of body detoxification
- The science of detoxification and why detox programs don’t always achieve their goal
- How to support everyday detox through diet and gut health
Let’s get started!
The Benefits of Body Detoxification
Detoxification is a natural body process that involves transforming fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble ones and then eliminating them from the body.
Your body is detoxing all the time, every day.
Today’s environment contains tens of thousands of chemicals that aren’t naturally found in nature. Because of the increased exposure, the body may become overburdened, and you will benefit from detox support. You may also require support after a specific exposure, such as doing a heavy metal detox with your doctor after testing high for specific heavy metals.
Weight Loss
Many toxins are obesogens, meaning the toxins get stored in fat and contribute to weight gain or weight loss resistance. If you have a hard time losing weight, consider the role that toxins may be playing.
Weight loss is one of the benefits of detox. As you lose weight, you may release toxins into circulation, causing symptoms like detox headaches.
Overall Health
Open and well-functioning detoxification and elimination pathways are critical for total body health. However, detoxification is an energy-intensive process requiring more nutrition, not less. Many popular programs deprive the body of the nutrients necessary for effective detoxification.
The Challenges of Body Detoxification
Once the liver transforms toxins, they need to be eliminated by the body. Clearance happens via the:
- Skin
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Colon
If these pathways are sluggish or blocked, toxins can’t leave the body. They may recirculate, contributing to symptoms.
What Is a Healing Crisis?
A healing crisis describes a worsening of symptoms when supporting detoxification or beginning a new health protocol. It is typically temporary, but it may be a sign that you are moving too fast and need to be less aggressive with your approach.
Eliminating Toxins
Use these lifestyle tools to promote detoxification through the various pathways:
- Deep breathing and gentle exercise
- Sweating in a sauna or hot bath
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Having regular bowel movements
Why Elimination Pathways Should Be Healed Before Detoxing
Before pushing detoxification through the liver, you want to ensure toxins can leave the body. This strategy will help prevent headaches when detoxing and other symptoms.
Gut Health
A primary way the body eliminates toxins is via the digestive system, making a healthy microbiome plus optimal gut health key for detoxification. With imbalances in gut flora, pathogens, and poor digestive function, it’s possible that toxins are reabsorbed into the body where they can cause damage to cells and tissues.
Healthy Detox Cleanse Solution – Focus On:
A nutritious diet is a solid foundation for detoxification support. Both macronutrients and micronutrients are essential. Macronutrients provide the energy required for detox, while micronutrients support liver transformation which requires, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
High Protein Foods
One downfall of many detox or cleans programs is they don’t supply enough protein (or any in some cases). High-protein foods provide the amino acids required for liver detoxification. Protein foods are also good sources of micronutrients, particularly minerals, that support the system.
Foods High in Fiber
Plant foods are essential for detoxification because they contain fiber and antioxidants. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and seeds, help protect cells from the damage that toxins may cause. Antioxidant benefits don’t stop there, as the liver uses them as part of the detox pathways.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are another category to consider for detoxification, as they supply energy and critical nutrients, like vitamin E. Our favorite foods with healthy fats are hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, avocados, coconut, and cashew butter, to name a few.
Most cleanses focus on restriction, but for effective, long-term detoxification, eating foods high in fiber, protein, and micronutrients is key. High-protein snacks, like Scott’s Protein Balls, help meet your body’s needs and promote healthy detoxification.
