You might be someone who’s all in when committing to a goal. So, when a health revamp calls, you wholeheartedly turn to a detox or cleanse.
This may stem from feeling sluggish and struggling with your energy levels. Or maybe you have a mild sugar addiction, have been drinking too much alcohol, or have had indulgent weekends with friends. It happens!
Whatever it may be, you’re ready to rid yourself of the toxins and give your body’s systems a much-needed break.
There is some confusion and controversy over whether or not people need to cleanse or detox. Below, we’ll discuss the differences, and why your body may need a helpful nudge, despite innate detoxification systems and processes. You will also find a bit of what I do personally and what I recommend for my clients!
A CLEANSE VERSUS A DETOX
A cleanse typically refers to a short-term program, so if you are wanting to rest your body’s internal systems for a few days, this would be the way to go. A cleanse can last a few days or up to a week, and involves eliminating certain foods or food groups from the diet. The goal of a cleanse is to reset the body’s digestive system and improve overall health and well-being.
On the other hand, a detox is a longer-term approach to supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. A detox typically involves making sustainable lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to toxins and support natural detoxification pathways. For your longevity’s sake, this may be the type of effort needed!
A detox might (counterintuitively) include adding in a diet rich in whole foods, drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution, pesticides, and chemicals, rather than removing things, which has a more negative connotation and energy. A detox program may also involve certain supplements, such as milk thistle, probiotics, or digestive enzymes, to support the liver’s natural detoxification processes. Incorporating a 3-day detox diet can be an effective way to jumpstart these efforts. I’ll give more of my recommendations below!
SIGNS YOUR BODY NEEDS A DETOX
Your body has natural detoxification processes that involve proper function of the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. If you are living a mostly low stress, nutrient-dense, toxin-free life, and getting plenty of quality sleep, you may not need to read the rest of this blog, as your body is probably functioning optimally. If not, your body may need additional support to eliminate toxins effectively.
Here are some signs that often indicate your body needs assistance:
- Digestive issues: If you experience bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, it may be a sign that your digestive system needs support. Whether this is the result of a food sensitivity, an inflammatory diet, chronic stress, or a lack of key nutrients, a detox can help reset your digestive system and improve gut health. This might look like adding or eliminating certain foods or toxins from your diet to reduce inflammation and support the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- Skin issues: Skin issues like acne, rashes, or dull skin can be a sign of toxin buildup in the body. In particular, environmental pollutants, chemicals, or heavy metals can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage cells and tissues throughout the body, including the skin. Premature skin aging can even be a sign of toxic overload via environmental stressors.
- Fatigue and low energy: If you feel tired and sluggish it may be a sign that your body needs to detox. A buildup of toxins in the body causes oxidative stress and inflammation that can impair energy levels at a cellular level by disrupting the processes that generate ATP in the mitochondria of cells. This buildup can also affect the liver’s ability to process and eliminate toxins, which can lead to an unhealthy accumulation in the body. Low energy may also be a result of your body’s inability to properly detox extra hormones, resulting in a malfunctioning endocrine system.
- Frequent illnesses: Inflammation from toxic buildup in your body can cause your immune system to work overtime. This wears down the immune system and makes it less effective at protecting you against bacteria and viruses. Poor liver function also can weaken the immune system. Lastly, toxins can damage the gut lining, leading to leaky gut syndrome. When toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances enter the bloodstream, it will trigger an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and a weaker immune system. If you get sick frequently, it may be a sign that your immune system is compromised.
- Difficulty losing weight: If you have been struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise, it may be a sign that your body is holding onto toxins. Toxins can disrupt hormonal balance, metabolic function, and healthy liver function which make it difficult to lose weight.
- Brain fog and poor concentration: If you experience brain fog or have difficulty concentrating, it may be a sign of toxin buildup in the body. Many of these toxins cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain which leads to neuroinflammation and causes poor cognitive function.
- Autoimmune disease: If you are struggling with an autoimmune disease, it may be worth your while to detox via an elimination diet, test for high levels of heavy metals in your body, or even try a colonic cleanse for removing unwanted worms and bacteria.
DOES MY BODY DETOX NATURALLY?
Your body has its own natural detoxification processes that work together to eliminate toxins and waste products from the body. Here are some of the ways the body detoxes naturally:
- Liver detoxification: The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ. It breaks down toxins and converts them into less harmful substances that can be eliminated from the body. The liver also produces bile, which helps to eliminate toxins and waste products from the body through the digestive system.
- Kidney filtration: The kidneys filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then eliminated from the body in the form of urine.
- Lymphatic system: The lymphatic system helps to remove toxins and waste products from the body through a network of vessels and lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage massages can support this process.
- Sweat: Sweat glands help to eliminate toxins from the body through the skin.
- Digestive system: The digestive system eliminates waste products from the body through bowel movements.
7 WAYS TO SUPPORT NATURAL DETOXIFICATION
Here are a few ways to support the body’s natural detoxification processes:
Eat a healthy diet:
A diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, can provide the nutrients the body needs to support its natural detoxification processes. Certain foods such as leafy greens, beets, and garlic, can also help to support liver function. Focusing on whole foods containing at least moderate amounts of resveratrol, fish oil, quercetin, daidzein, and lycopene, as well as, cruciferous vegetables, allium vegetables (such as onions, leeks, chives, scallions, and shallots), apiaceous vegetables (such as celery, carrots, parsnips, and parsley), and grapefruit are the most effective for detoxing. You can even add my client-favorite detox juice recipe into your mornings!
Glutathione:
Foods that contain sulfur, such as broccoli, onions, and garlic activate metabolic detoxification pathways as well as boost glutathione levels. Glutathione is the “master antioxidant” that speeds up detoxification. Research shows that vitamin B6, magnesium, and selenium, curcuminoids (from turmeric), silymarin (from milk thistle), folic acid, and alpha-lipoic acid may enhance glutathione synthesis and restore vital levels of the antioxidant. Enhance your body’s production of glutathione by supplementing with Optimize Me NAC, which is a precursor to glutathione and more bioavailable for our bodies.
Try Refresh & Reset:
This is a 14-day kit designed to support and promote healthy detoxification and digestion. This easy-to-use kit contains specific supplements to support daily detoxification, powdered daily shake packets of 17 grams of plant-based protein nutrients supporting everything from concentration, digestion, and weight management, to enhanced energy, joint function, and skin and eye health, and a guidebook with recipe suggestions for healthy meals and snacks to support your 14-day program.
Hydrate:
Drinking water can help to flush toxins and waste products from the body and support kidney function. If you do not have compromised kidney function, aim to drink your bodyweight in ounces every day. I like to add lemons and other nutrient boosts to my water! Check out fun ways to stay hydrated, here!
Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise can help to support the body’s natural detoxification processes by increasing circulation, sweating, and breathing. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. If you’re interested in a workout routine that contributes to longevity, here are my recommendations on the best types of physical movement. Also try infrared sauna and sauna bathing for detoxing!
Practice stress-reducing activities:
Chronic stress can impair the body’s natural detoxification processes. Try incorporating stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Here are my mindfulness exercises for reducing stress.
Get enough sleep:
Adequate sleep is essential for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. When your body has accumulated too many toxins and your cortisol levels are high, it can impact your production of melatonin and make it difficult to fall asleep naturally. These are my sleep support products which have been found to be quite effective for my clients and the Serena Loves community. Here are a few ways to optimize your sleep routine.
Reduce exposure to toxins:
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution, pesticides, and chemicals, as much as possible. Use natural cleaning products and avoid processed and packaged foods that may contain harmful additives. I often use essential oils to clean my home. Here are my top 5 for natural cleaning.
In summary…
There are several ways to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, including eating a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, practicing stress-reducing activities, getting enough sleep, and reducing exposure to toxins.
While this list may feel overwhelming, start small and build your way to a sustainable lifestyle! It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any cleanse or detox program.
