My Real Thoughts on DETOX
I’ve been holding off on this topic because the beginning of the year is sooo saturated with detoxing…Cleanses!!! Juicing!!! Clean Eating!!! The truth is, when it comes to detoxification, or ~biotransformation~ in FN terms, there’s a little more to it than gargling charcoal or ACV shots.
First of all, it’s important to recognize the amount of toxicity that we are actually exposed to. Through our food, environment, medications, things we wear, touch, breathe. We’re constantly metabolizing foreign chemicals. Things like our makeup and cleaning products and what we store our food in can have a heavy burden on our systems. This can lead to hormone disruption and other symptoms. But even metabolites we produce on our own need to be detoxed, like hormones! Luckily, we have our very own, very smart, natural detox system! There are 2 phases to it and we have to support both equally.
It’s true that our liver is a major detox organ. However, our kidneys, skin, lungs, and GI lining also work hard to detox! Eating to support all of these is crucial for proper biotransformation.
It also depends on what you’re goal is. Are you detoxing from a weekend bender? Do you live in a big city, in an old apartment, and notice some odd symptoms? Are your hormones disrupted? Some symptoms of a heavy toxic load include headaches, skin breakouts, fatigue and sluggishness, itching, poor cognition, even night sweats. And long-term, we see higher inflammation that can contribute to degenerative and autoimmune diseases.
Key nutrients to include are:
B vitamins, found in protein foods and whole grains.
antioxidants in bright colored produce (pigmented berries and veggies)
cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula contain compounds called Glucocinolates that produce further metabolites to stimulate liver detox enzymes. These are only active when chopped, chewed, or blended.
protein foods also have the amino acids needed to support biotransformation of chemicals
The main ways we detox are, firstly, by going to the bathroom. This helps us eliminate toxins, so getting in sufficient fiber and water to make sure you’re having a bowel movement regularly is imperative! Secondly, SWEATING. Studies show that sweating is the most effective way of detoxing, especially heavy metals, versus other bodily fluids. So get in that sauna, or do a high intensity workout, hot yoga, sit in the sun, whatever gets the juices flowing. Menstruation also helps us detox monthly. If you are a menstruating person not on birth control and you’re NOT getting a regular period, eating to support your cycle will help detoxing.
With all of this in mind, if you happen to come across a protocol including these factors, great! There may be a time and a place for strict detox protocols. For example, if you have a parasite (which a lot of us do — EEK), have been exposed to black mold, or are noticing debilitating symptoms. But still, bear caution. Ultimately, there are ways to make simple lifestyle changes that support optimal natural detoxification, without having to buy that pricey juice cleans.