If I could get a dollar for every time someone asked me if detoxes were a real thing, I'd be one wealthy practitioner. There is a lot of discussion about detoxes on the internet these days. And with the new year coming, I'm sure you are seeing this topic appear in your feed a lot more.
So, what is a "detox"? Do we need to detox? How does our body detox? Don't our "detox" organs already take care of our natural detoxing ability?
These are all great questions, and I am here to help break it all down. Buckle up for one of the most debated subjects. Do we really need to detox?
[signup]
What is Toxic Overload?
Let's start with the basics. If someone needed to detox, this might suggest there is a toxic overload, right? But how does this happen?
Well, the answer is slightly complicated. Our modern world has greatly benefited us in many ways, but it has also led to the presence of various substances around us at all times. Detox is not something our body switches on or off; our body is constantly working to manage and process substances from our bodies.
In a healthy person, our detoxification organs filter and manage these substances from our body effectively, but when our body becomes overburdened, the detox pathways may not function as efficiently, and this is where toxic overload can become a concern.
Chronic constipation, lack of nutrients, genetics, the Standard American Diet, pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs, alcohol, and smoking all can affect our detoxification pathways.
Toxic Overload Signs & Symptoms
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Energy
- Trouble Sleeping
- Tiredness
- Feel Bloated
- Live or Work Around Environmental Pollutants
- Occasional Digestive Discomfort
- Migraines/Headaches
- Skin Conditions
What is Detoxification?
When most people think of detoxification, they think of the liver, but other organs are involved as well, including the GI tract, kidneys, skin, and lymphatic system.
Liver's Role in Detoxification
The liver is an integral component of our body's detoxification system. Liver detoxification is divided into phases that convert substances from lipophiles (fat-soluble) to hydrophiles (water-soluble) metabolites through a series of reactions.
Phase I involves the conversion of various compounds into intermediary substances. It uses enzymes (known as P450 enzymes) to transform chemicals into less harmful forms.
Phase II converts these substances into water-soluble waste products that can be managed by the body.
Phase III uses detoxification organs to eliminate waste from the body via the kidneys and GI tract.
The GI Tract's Role in Detoxification
Healthy bowel movements and nutrient absorption are needed for efficient management of substances. The small intestine is where most nutrients are absorbed, and a healthy colon helps us manage substances that have been processed through the liver via bowel movements.
The Kidney's Role in Detoxification
The kidneys help us manage substances that have been processed through the liver via urination.
The Skin's Role in Detoxification
Our skin helps manage substances through sweating, while our lungs do the same through respiration.
Lymphatic System's Role in Detoxification
The primary function of our lymphatic system is to support the management of substances from our body and protect against invaders by carrying waste from our tissue to the bloodstream.
Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Toxic Load
Testing is a way to explore whether detoxes are beneficial. Specialty lab testing can show your body's current state and its ability to manage substances during phases I and II of detoxification. These tests can be done periodically to monitor progress.
There are many different types of tests to measure detox, and it really depends on your preference or the patient's possible exposure to specific substances.
Most Common Functional Medicine Toxic Load Test
The DetoxiGenomic Profile by Genova shows chemical sensitivities, oxidative stress, and the body's ability to process various medications.
If you don't want to test for substances specifically but do want to see how well a patient can manage substances during phases I and phase II of detoxification, then the Hepatic Detox Profile would be a helpful marker to use before and after a science-based medical detoxification program.
Functional Medicine Approach to Detox
Ultimately, a detox should be considered as part of a lifestyle change. It can start with more focused efforts but eventually should become a sustainable lifestyle change that individuals can maintain.
Nutrition for Detox
In Functional Medicine, diet is often used as a first step for supporting immune and gastrointestinal health since it can help with managing the body's load and any immune reactivity to foods. Many practitioners follow a whole food, low inflammatory, elimination diet, which is a simplified list of foods to eat and foods to exclude as part of a detox program.
Supplements for Detox
Increasing specific nutrients and supplements can help support the body's natural pathways.
Glutathione
We can't talk about detox without discussing Glutathione (The Master Antioxidant). Glutathione plays a role in phase II of liver detox. It functions as an antioxidant, which helps reduce oxidative stress and manage free radicals generated during the detoxification process.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC supports glutathione biosynthesis, promotes detoxification, and acts directly as a scavenger of free radicals
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays an essential role in supporting the body's natural processes, including the metabolism and management of heavy metals.
Milk Thistle
Similar to Vitamin C, milk thistle contributes to overall liver health, supporting the liver due to the antioxidant effects of silymarin and silybin, which are the active constituents found primarily in milk thistle seed.
Silymarin has been shown to support glutathione levels in humans and protect liver cells' membrane by supporting the body's natural defenses.
Dietary Fiber
After substances have been processed in the liver, it's important to ensure your body effectively manages the waste. Fiber is an essential component to proper management as it binds to substances and helps usher them out of the body through the gastrointestinal tract.
Medical-Based Detox Programs
Medical-Based Detox Programs usually combine a combination of nutrition and supplements that support all levels of detox.
Detox programs should always be done under the care of a healthcare practitioner to ensure proper guidance and support. Skip the teas and focus on reducing your load through a scientifically-backed protocol.
Most Common Medical Detox Programs
Functional Medicine Approach Post Detoxification
After a successful detox, adapting to a healthy lifestyle is a beneficial step to help keep your body and detoxification system functioning well. Minimizing exposure to environmental substances, managing stress, maintaining daily hydration, and consuming a balanced diet will help you ensure that your body is getting the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally.
Why Do Some People Believe Detoxing Is a Fad?
With all of the information out there, many people still don't believe that toxic overload is an actual diagnosis.
This can be a valid argument. We have detox organs, and they do what they are meant to do in a healthy person. But considering that over 133 million Americans have at least one chronic condition, one could assume that many people's detox organs may not be functioning as efficiently as they could.
Another reason many people and practitioners alike are cautious about detoxes is there is not good regulation on what can be sold or marketed as a "detox."
Detox is a highly profitable market phrase. The global detox product market size is valued at over 50 billion USD, which has opened the door to many "detox" products landing on the shelves. The quick fix, detox teas, and pills have affected the reputation of proper detoxification methods.
[signup]
Summary
A detox should be considered a lifestyle change and never a quick fix. A proper detox program will provide you with the food guidance, nutrients, and herbs that can support your body's natural detoxification system.
Always consult with your integrative healthcare practitioner for recommendations and an appropriate plan that is specific to your needs.
%201.svg){kind=logo}
