Do you feel tired all the time? Suffer from bloating, constipation or other digestive complaints? You could need an internal spring clean!

In our modern world, we are faced with daily exposure to a wide-range of toxins and chemicals which we breathe, eat and absorb through the skin. Add onto this the constituents of a highly-refined typical western diet, which can send our detoxifying organs into overdrive. Toxins can also be generated internally due to metabolic processes in the body and from unhealthy microbes such as parasites, bacteria and viruses secreting toxins. These toxins are then absorbed into the bloodstream which affect health and general wellbeing.

Who should detox

A detoxification program can benefit most people. Ask yourself these questions

• Do you suffer from bloating, gas, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea?
• Do you often feel tired or lethargic, no matter how much sleep you get?
• Are you overweight or obese and have trouble shifting weight?
• Do you get recurrent headaches and migraines?
• Are you regularly suffering from muscle aches and pains?
• Do you have difficulty concentrating and feel ‘foggy’?
• Do you have allergies and sensitivities?
• Do you suffer from mood swings, anxiety or depression?

How the body detoxes

Our liver, kidneys and bowels are the main ways in which our body eliminates toxins. Our liver has 2 phases of detoxification which safely removes harmful waste products from the body. Our kidney filters and removes toxins via urine and our bowels remove food waste products. It is easy for these organs to become overwhelmed if too many toxins are produced or consumed compared to what can they can remove.

Detoxification protocols

Choosing a safe detoxification product can be risky business. It’s important to choose from a reputable company that chooses high grade materials in their formulations. Detoxing has a process, and when followed in the right order, excellent results can be achieved.

In naturopathy detoxification involves these three steps

Weed

Just like weeding the garden our digestive system needs to continually remove bad bugs. 
This part of the detoxification aims at removing harmful pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, yeasts and bacteria which contribute to poor health. A variety of different antimicrobials can be used at this stage including clove, pomegranate, wormwood, thyme and black walnut. They can be used to eradicate SIBO, chronic infections, and a wide-range of digestive symptoms.

Implementing fibre at this stage is vital to help the bowels safely remove these microbes—reducing any unwanted side-effects. Examples of fibres include chia meal, psyllium husks and slippery elm.

Seed

The ‘seed’ stage is aimed at replacing the bad bugs with good ones.
It also helps to provide healthy gastrointestinal lining by reducing inflammation and supporting its function and integrity. Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll and many other nutrients—making it nature’s best detoxifier and super food. Turmeric can help to reduce inflammation, reduce free radicals and deliver gentle liver support.

A vital component in ‘seeding’ is to take a good quality probiotic. Good bacteria form a lining in the mucus membranes of the gut – supporting healthy absorption of nutrients, preventing allergies and inflammation, and most importantly infection from bad bacteria.
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Feed

The last stage is to provide liver care to aid the body’s detoxification process.
Milk thistle is the main herb used in the last stage to provide liver protection and repair. Milk thistle is an antioxidant herb that helps to scavenge free radicals which cause damage. Schisandra is another herb which enhances liver health, as well as providing support in times of stress. Resveratrol, another antioxidant found in grapes, berries and giant knotweed, can be used to provide full body protection from toxins. Be sure to feed the body the right nutrition.

Detox diet

To get better results it’s recommend you stick to a diet which follows healthy eating principles, along with the removal of common dietary toxins such as salt, alcohol, caffeine and sugar.

General detoxing guidelines include eating plenty of fresh fruit and veg with healthy sources of protein such as eggs, fish, lean meat, nuts, seeds and lentils.

Avoiding gluten and dairy is certainly an advantage and processed foods, foods with additives, preservatives and artificial colours and flavours are a definite no no.

Caring for your liver

For those who just want daily detoxification support, simply taking a liver formulation can yield great results. It is ideal for people who drink alcohol, eat processed foods and carry weight around their abdominal area. Liver support is specific for those who have high cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver and require ongoing assistance to achieve results. It may also help those who have bad breath, bloating, indigestion and constipation. Again, milk thistle is the hero ingredient in these formulations. The active constituent, silymarin, scavenges for free radicals that cause damage to the liver and body. Other antioxidants such as selenium and B vitamins remove heavy metals, toxins and waste products safely. Gallbladder support is achieved in these kinds of formulas and may reduce cholesterol, gallstones and supports healthy digestion.
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Not sure if you need liver support?

These factors increase the need:

• Skin problems and breakouts
• Regular alcohol consumption
• Smoking cigarettes
• Exposure to environmental toxins by eating non-organic, processed foods, chemical based personal care products and exposure to solvents, glues, paint etc.
• Taking prescription medications and regular painkillers
• Diet lacking in fruits, veg and fibre
• Have a liver or gallbladder condition
• Experience digestive problems such as dyspepsia, bloating and constipation

Supporting your body's natural eliminatory processes can be as simple as changing your bad dietary habits to healthy ones. 

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References

Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence based guide vol. 2. Churchill Livingstone, Australia 

http://www.webmd.com/diet/detoxification-diets-and-procedures-directory

Liu Q, et al. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of spices. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Jun 16;18(6). Pii:E1283
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28621716

Kieffer DA, et al. Impact of dietary fibres on nutrient management and detoxification organs: gut, liver, and kidneys. Adv Nutr. 2016 Nov 15;7(6):1111-1121

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28140328
Zamek-Gliszczynski M, et al. Integration of hepatic drug transporters and phase II metabolizing enzymes: mechanisms of hepatic excretion of sulfate, glucuronide, and glutathione metabolites. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2006 Apr;27(5):447-86

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16472997