Did you know that it’s customary in many cultures to do a detox cleanse once or twice a year? Some people do a cleanse for health reasons. Others do it for spiritual reasons. There are many different types of cleanses. The end goal is to release toxins that have built up in our bodies and minds.
Where do toxins come from?
We live in a much more toxic world than our ancestors did. We are exposed daily to all sorts of toxins and chemicals that our ancestors weren’t. In fact, there are over 87,000 chemicals registered for use with the EPA, most of which have not been studied for safety by any government agency. Furthermore, there have been few studies to determine the effects of these chemicals when used together or with pharmaceuticals.
Every year, the average person is exposed to 14 pounds of these chemicals. Where are they found?
- Foods contain pesticides, additives, food dyes and preservatives.
- Plastics leach into our food and water.
- Tap water contains chlorine, fluoride, and various contaminants.
- The air in our homes contains dust, particulates, fumes and gasses from carpet and furniture.
- Cosmetics and personal products contain chemicals that are absorbed through our skin.
- Chemicals in soaps, detergents and cleaning products are inhaled through our lungs and absorbed through our skin.
- Artificial fragrances in air fresheners, candles and personal products are absorbed through our lungs.
- Medications must be broken down and eliminated.
- Outdoor air is polluted by vehicles, factories and road chemicals.
Many of these plastics and chemicals are hormone disruptors. That means that they mimic our own estrogens, and are much stronger, causing estrogen dominance.
Internal toxins
Did you know that we also make our own internal toxins? Our metabolic processes create oxidative stress. The microorganisms inside our bodies also create metabolic waste and toxins. Finally, our own mental, physical and emotional stresses create internal toxins. This means that our bodies deal with toxic stress from:
- Infections
- Over-exercising
- Poor digestion
- Worrying – about finances, health issues, politics, family and friends
- Toxic relationships
- Traumas
As all of these internal and external toxins accumulate in our bodies, the detoxifying mechanisms of our bodies become overburdened. The body protects itself from these toxins by storing them in various tissues, especially fat tissue, the brain, the liver and in bones.
It is important to periodically restore the body’s ability to cleanse itself and eliminate toxins.
Signs that you need to do a cleanse
Your body often lets you know that it’s overburdened with toxins. The signs may be subtle or they may be glaring. Often these signs are ignored or explained away as the result of a poor night’s sleep or working out too hard or having eaten something that doesn’t agree with us. But when they become chronic, a cleanse greatly improves these symptoms.
- Gas/bloating
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Joint/muscle aches
- Acne/skin rashes
- Weight gain
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Circles under the eyes
- Bitter, metallic taste
- Strong body odor or bad breath
Pathways of detoxification
The body has four main pathways for getting rid of toxins – the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the skin.
Detoxing Through The Liver
The liver is responsible for metabolizing drugs, alcohol, caffeine, hormones, external and internal toxins and a slew of other things. It does this in two phases , each of which requires specific nutrients. It also stores nutrients, which is why it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available to eat. It’s arguably your hardest-working organ. But there is a catch!
After the liver performs its detoxification magic, the metabolites are sent from the body through your bowels. If your digestive system is sluggish, those metabolites sit in the colon and can be reabsorbed, taxing your liver again. So while you support your liver, you also need to support your digestion. Fortunately, with the right diet high in fiber and probiotics, you can support both functions at the same time.
Detoxing Through The Kidneys
The kidneys are involved in several critical functions. They regulate blood pressure, pH, fluids and electrolytes. Probably more well-known, they filter out waste products and send them out of the body in urine. We can only live for about 2 weeks if our kidneys fail. So it’s in our best interest to treat our kidneys well and include them in any cleanse plan.
Detoxing Through the Lungs
We know that we can’t survive without oxygen. As we breathe in, oxygen is absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. Oxygen is carried in the blood and diffused into the cells, where it is used for cell metabolism. Cells produce carbon dioxide as a waste product. Carbon dioxide is diffused out of the cells and into the blood. As we breathe out, carbon dioxide passes from bloodstream and out of the lungs.
Detoxing Through the Skin
We think of skin as a barrier to the outside world, but in fact, our skin is porous and permeable. Blood and lymph vessels run throughout the layers of the skin and exchange substances such as nutrients, waste products and chemicals. Toxins inside the body often surface on the skin in the form of acne and dermatitis. Conversely, toxins outside the body can enter the body through the skin.
What is it like to do a cleanse?
There are many different types of cleanses, but there are some key components to any good cleanse.
Nutrients: An anti-inflammatory nutrient-dense diet is the cornerstone of a good cleanse. This means removing inflammatory foods, such as sugar, alcohol, gluten, processed foods and unhealthy oils. It also means eating lots of nutrient-dense detoxifying foods such as fresh vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, spices, herbs and fiber-rich foods. Some cleanses offer shakes and nutraceutical supplements that make it easy to get all the nutrients you need to support liver detoxification and bowel elimination.
Water: Hydration is another foundation of a good cleanse. Water is needed for all cellular functions and for shuttling toxins out of the body.
Breathing: There are many techniques for using breath to cleanse the body through the lungs. A good cleanse will include this.
Circulation and sweating: We release certain toxins through lymph and the skin through circulation and sweating. This should be included in a cleanse.
Quieting the nervous system: Putting the body in a state of relaxation allows it to do its work of cleaning out physical and emotional toxins.
Restorative sleep: The body does much of its detoxifying at night while we’re sleeping. Allow plenty of time to get your best night’s sleep during a cleanse.
Are there any side effects?
It’s not uncommon to experience some side effects for the first couple of days of a cleanse, especially if you haven’t done one before or lately. As toxins are mobilized and begin to briefly circulate before exiting the body, you may experience:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Hunger
- Trouble concentrating
- Insomnia
- Cravings
- Change in bowel habits
These side effects are temporary and typically mild, going away after the first couple of days. It’s wise to schedule the start of your cleanse on days which you don’t have much scheduled and can rest. Working with a healthcare practitioner is always a good idea when doing a cleanse for the first time. Your practitioner can guide you through any side effects that last longer than a couple of days.
The amazing benefits of a cleanse
If you are experiencing any of the signs that you need a cleanse, you will notice a difference quickly! As your body clears out excess toxins, you will notice:
- More energy/vitality
- Clear, vibrant skin
- Better bowel movements
- Improved digestion
- Increased concentration
- Improved sleep
- Strengthened immune system
- Weight loss
Radiance Functional Medicine offers a supervised medical cleanse. We recommend doing a cleanse twice a year. As a functional medicine practice, we offer many services to help you heal your gut, balance your hormones, or find a way of eating that helps you thrive! Schedule an appointment to get started. Whether you are looking for a Nutritionist or Functional Medicine Doctor in Denver or your local area, we see patients in person and virtually. Call our office at 303.333.1668 to schedule your Initial Consultation.
