A Guide to Natural Detoxification

In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded by invisible stressors, from the chemicals in our water to the blue light on our screens. While our bodies are designed with an incredible internal filtration system, the "toxic burden" of 21st-century living can often leave us feeling sluggish, foggy, and out of alignment.

Detoxification is not just a trendy juice cleanse; it is a vital, 24/7 biological necessity. Understanding how your body processes waste and knowing how to support those pathways is the first step toward reclaiming your vitality.

Here is the basics you need to know about the science of "cleaning house" and how to bring your system back to balance.

What is DETOXIFICATION?

• ⁠The process by which the body gets rid of toxic waste
• ⁠It’s a continual process, but importantly things ramps up at night time (if you struggle with insomnia / restless sleep, optimize your detox pathways – don’t skimp on sleep.)
• ⁠Endogenous (coming from inside the body) sources of toxic waste (eg hormone metabolites/ breakdown products)
• ⁠Exogenous (coming from outside the body) sources of toxic waste (eg pesticides / antibiotics on food / chlorinated / impure tap water / synthetic body products / polluted air / etc)
• Psycho-emotional/ relationship / workspace toxicity – address these too if present, stress causes inflammation and cause negatively impact how well you detoxify.
• Digital detox is important too (EMF’s / radiation / overstimulation of nervous system / stress hormones)

What can sluggish detoxification look and feel like?

• ⁠Fatigue/tiredness
• ⁠Headaches
• ⁠Poor sleep / restless sleep / restless legs syndrome / night sweats
• ⁠Acne / skin disorders
• ⁠Irritability / anxiety
• ⁠Frequent nausea
• ⁠Aches and pains

Why is it so important to support DETOX these days?

• Modern day living has resulted in us having a very high TOXIC BURDEN:
• ⁠Pesticides / glyphosate / heavy metals / VOC’s
• ⁠Packaging, plastics, aluminum
• ⁠Synthetic chemical skin care products, anti-perspirants
• ⁠Chlorinated tap water / heavy metals in tap water
• ⁠Air pollution
• ⁠EMFs and radiation

What factors negatively impact how we detoxify?

• Inflammatory diet (diets full of ultra processed foods, processed sugar, too much of the proven inflammation-promoting foods eg gluten, sugar, alchohol will negatively affect who well you are detoxifying)
• ⁠Nutrient depletion (needed for Phase 1 liver detox)
• ⁠Medication (eg paracetamol) and ALCOHOL
• ⁠STRESS = inflammation = strained detox pathways
• ⁠Genetics (some of us are ‘poor detoxifiers’) eg GSTM1 deletion / methylation issues MTHFR / COMT snp’s
• Poor sleep – very NB! Our disrupted circadian rhythm is impacting our ability to detox effectively, NB 22.00 – 02.00 to be asleep to maximize the benefits of detoxification while we sleep.

4 NB AREAS in the body where DETOXIFICATION occurs:

1. ⁠LIVER 
   This is the primary organ of detoxification
   Works in phases 1, 2 and 3
   A remarkable organ, read up on the hepatocytes’ ability to self-regenerate.
   Sends toxic waste to gut and / or kidneys to eliminate from body
   Support with some of these: NAC (n-acetylcysteine - precursor to glutathione,) milk thistle, Sulforaphane, cruciferous veg, dandelion, artichoke (supplements or teas)
   
   
2. GUT
   70% of the gut’s function is detoxification.
   Gut inflammation, leaky gut lining and constipation all hugely impact how well we detoxify.
   Fasting can be very helpful to help detox.
   Manage constipation! MAGNESIUM citrate, enough fiber, sufficient hydration, exercise.
   SUPPORT WITH: low inflammatory diet, cruciferous veg, fresh veg, fiber, fermented food (sauerkraut most wonderful detox support), microbiome support.
   
   
3. ⁠LYMPHATICS
   The ‘gutters’ of the body.
   Puffiness / water retention = sluggish lymphatics
   Glymphatic system cleans brain tissue – active at night.
   SUPPORT WITH: sauna, massage, rebounder, walking, sweating, inversion, hydration
   
   
4. ⁠SKIN
   Detox organ - Gets rid of toxins, heavy metals.
   If you struggle with acne / congestion, work on your detoxification.
   SUPPORT WITH: Sweating. Dry brushing. Coffee scrub. Avoid toxic body products. Jojoba / olive / coconut oil.

We want to hear from you:

Which of these "sluggish" symptoms resonated with you the most?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.