DARE TO DETOX
By now, most of us are aware that we live in a toxic world.
Our food, soil, medications, personal care and cleaning products, building materials, fragrances, the air, etc. have been contaminated in unfathomable ways.
Even as I write this article, I found a beautiful, quiet outdoor space to work from and there is road-paving nearby. All I smell is tar and hot asphalt. Not really the fresh, clean air I was hoping for.
Luckily, our bodies were designed to filter toxins!
Detoxification is a hot topic!
Before you initiate a detoxification process for your body, please read this article.
I’ll explain why less is more and give some examples on how to get started.
TABLE OF CONTENTS / TOPICS COVERED:
DEtox from what?
heavy metals * pesticides * mold * yeast * FUNGUS * PARASITES * CHEMICALS * VENOM * EMF’s * CERTAIN PEOPLE (I said what I said) * MEDICAL PROCEDURES * medications * AND more
WHERE ARE TOXINS commonly STORED IN THE BODY?
fat*
*A person may experience a “toxicity syndrome” as toxins are expelled from the fat cells if they lose weight rapidly.
bone
liver
kidneys
What are some signs that a detox might be helpful?
fatigue, digestive problems, skin problems, immune system imbalances, headaches, brain fog, mood imbalances, anxiety, food intolerances, aches and pains, weight changes, cravings, addictions, hormonal fluctuations, infrequent bowel movements, and more,
especially if symptoms are CHRONIC.
The primary detox pathways:
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LIVER
The liver is the body's main detoxifying organ. It breaks down toxins, including metabolic byproducts, alcohol, drugs, chemicals, and heavy metals, so they can be excreted.
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KIDNEYS
The kidneys filter waste products and undesirable substances from the blood, including medication byproducts and harmful chemicals, and excrete them in the urine. Proper hydration is essential!
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COLON
The colon eliminates toxins through bowel movements. A healthy gut microbiome is achieved through a fiber-rich diet.
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LUNGS
The lungs eliminate airborne toxins and waste products like carbon dioxide. EXHALE!
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SKIN
The skin is a barrier against toxins. It contributes to detoxification through sweating, which releases substances like heavy metals and metabolic waste products.
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LYMPHATIC
The lymph is the part of the immune system that plays a large role in detoxification by transporting white blood cells to fight infections and eliminating foreign substances from the body. Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid, removing bacteria, viruses, and waste products.
DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS ARE ALSO EMOTIONAL PATHWAYS.
For example:
The liver is connected to anger, frustration, and our inner fire.
The Colon is connected to our ability to let go and release.
the kidneys are connected to fear and finding balance.
THe lungs are connected to the fullness of life, but can be limited by Grief and sadness.
healthy detox
Before beginning a detox program, and in general, it’s important to be sure that all of your elimination pathways are open, clear, and operating at optimal capacity.
To gain the maximum benefits from a detox regimen, begin by tending to the following for 28 days, and ideally, everyday.
For many, this alone, would be a healthy detox.
Decreasing your toxic load and exposure.
Maintaining proper hydration (water, minerals, and electrolytes).
Frequently eating gut-nourishing foods and having daily bowel movements.
Breathing deeply and often, including lung-clearing exhales.
Sweating daily, as the skin is the largest organ.
Nurturing the lymphatic fluid through frequent healthy movement.
LESS IS MORE.
Adding supplements and DRASTIC detox regimens to an already over-burdened system can make matters worse.
Working with the body’s natural elimination pathways is the ideal way to detox, in most cases.
If any of these pathways feel blocked, let’s talk!
The body was designed to heal itself.
By reducing toxic burden and providing proper support, the body can eliminate most toxins without additional support.
There are times when additional support is needed. When additional support is needed, I detoxify the liver BEFORE initiating other detoxification protocols so the liver will be able to handle and process the toxic load.
For example, I would detox the liver before initiating a heavy metal or mold detox.
Some detoxification protocols also require clean-up support.
Binders should be taken during or after some protocols in order to fully clear residue from the system. This is particularly true when working with the gut. There may be a need to clear biofilms, parasites from various life-cycle stages, ancient fecal matter, etc.
To discuss protocols or products for mold, parasites, fungus, or yeast, please connect with me at:
relax@weavingalchemy.com
Detoxification can be a wonderful way to improve your health and lifestyle.
I complete a 28 day liver-support detox at the end of each season. If you’d like to know what that looks like, or if you’d like support getting started on your own detox, please reach out!
Supporting the elimination pathwayS:
There are foods, herbs, and essential oils that can support the detoxification organs.
I’ve listed a few of my favorites for you to research.
I am sharing from my own experience.
This is not medical advice. Always consult your physician.
LIVER
Foods: leafy greens, coffee, olive oil, berries, oily fish, beets, etc.
Essential oils: Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Herbs: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale); Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), but not for those with a history of estrogen-related cancers.
KIDNEYS
Foods: leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, red bell peppers, berries, oily fish, etc.
Essential oils: Juniper (Juniperus communis), Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Herbs: Nettle (Urtica dioca), Astragalus (Astralagus membranaceous); Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), but not for those with a history of estrogen-related cancers.
COLON
Foods: probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, fermented foods like sauerkraut, and high-fiber foods; black beans, avocado, lemon, etc.
Essential oils: Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Herbs: Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis), Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
LUNGS
Foods: berries, black beans, lentils, leafy greens, yogurt, fatty fish, citrus, etc.
Essential oils: Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus); Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Herbs: Mullein (Verbascum thapsus); Astragalus (Astralagus membranaceous)
SKIN
Foods: leafy greens, coffee, olive oil, berries, oily fish, beets, citrus, etc.
Essential oils: Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens); Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Herbs: Calendula (Calendula officinalis); Neem (Azadirachta indica)
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Foods: leafy greens, citrus, olive oil, berries, oily fish, grapes, green tea, garlic, pineapple, ginger, etc.
Essential oils: Juniper (Juniperus communis); Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Herbs: Cleavers (Galium aparine); Red Clover (Trifoium pratense)
Browse my “Detox” list on Amazon
Have a question? Is there a detox product you love? Are you interested in working with a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach to help you feel your best?
Let’s connect!
