How to Detox Naturally
Jan 06, 2025
Dry January has become a popular trend over the past few years but even with the best of intentions people looking to make positive change can be misled with juice cleanses or detox products promising good health. In 2020, the global detox products market size was estimated at just under $50 billion. Clearly the demand is there but what does “detox” truly mean and what is the best way to do it?
The truth is your body already possesses the ability to detox on its own. Detoxification is the body’s natural process of removing toxic substances that it already does to survive. Your main detoxification organs are the liver and kidneys but did you know your lymphatic system, digestive tract, skin, and lungs also play a part in how your body detoxes? Altogether, these organs create detoxification pathways in the body.
The liver has been nicknamed the “grandfather organ” as it’s involved in over 500 essential health functions. Think of your liver as a filter, if it gets too clogged with debris, it won’t function properly. Once your liver is congested, you may start to experience:
- Weight Gain and Poor digestion
- Brain Fog
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Acne and Irritated Skin
- Hormone Imbalances
- Allergies
- Elevated Cholesterol levels
Since we are exposed to toxins every single day through air pollution, personal care products, alcohol, drugs, and pesticides we want to do things each day to support our liver.
Luckily, there’s good news: the liver is an amazing organ that has the ability to heal itself. Unlike other organs, the liver regenerates tissue. Using a combination of nourishing, liver-healthy foods and liver-supporting ingredients, you can help protect your liver and allow it to do what it does best.
Here are some simple things you can start doing today to support your detoxification pathways:
- Stay hydrated. Adequate water intake helps us to flush out excess toxins. Drinking warm water with lemon also helps to create a more alkaline environment in the body to balance out the acidity from toxins. Lemon water has antioxidants that help stimulate the liver.
- Move your body! Exercise not only helps increase lymphatic circulation which supports detoxification, but sweating also releases toxins. It’s a two for one!
- Eat your veggies. Foods that are high in soluble and insoluble fiber can bind and eliminate toxins more easily. Good fiber sources include: broccoli, legumes, bok choy, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lentils, radish, and turnip. Try to incorporate lots of bitter, leafy greens like arugula, endive, and mustard greens which support detoxification.
- Spice up your food: Garlic, turmeric, curry, dill, milk thistle, ginger, and rosemary each contribute to the detoxification process in targeted ways.
- Incorporate high quality protein. The liver needs protein to effectively process toxins within the body. Specific amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are required for certain types of toxin clearance.
- Eliminate processed foods. Most processed foods are laden with sugar and artificial sugars which put extra strain on the liver. Too much refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup causes a fatty build up that can lead to liver disease.
- Supplements: Supplements should never be used in place of a healthy diet but that doesn’t mean we can’t provide extra support. Look for supplements with milk thistle, dandelion. One of my favorite supplements is Support Liver by Biomatrix which you can order here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/clare
As we start a new year, set a goal to shift from looking at detox as a fad or a product you purchase and instead cultivate a mindset of detox as an act of self care and a lifestyle change. Supporting our detoxification pathways is critical to good health and optimized wellness.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323915#12-best-foods
