I put the cart before the horse yesterday in Part I of our discussion on detoxification. Probably because I started my day with a lovely soak in a detox bath. Before we get to a detox diet, let's take a step back in our discussion and address simply how the detox process works. This is important to understand as we lead into foods that heal and help this natural process along.
A number of body systems are involved in the detox process, however, the primary organ of detoxification is our liver. If our liver ceased to function we would quickly become toxic and quite ill. The liver removes toxins and metabolic waste from the body by converting them to water-soluble compounds. Once water-soluble they can be eliminated from the body through urine.
Some waste products are not water-soluble and are transformed by the liver and excreted in the bile. The bile is then transported to the intestines where it exits the body through our bowels. Toxins not eliminated or completely removed by either of these processes may be eliminated through our skin in our sweat.
Unfortunately, our body's natural detoxification, may be impaired or less efficient. This is due to many factors, one of which is inadequate nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In this case, not all toxins are removed from the body, instead they deposit themselves in our fat tissue and nerve cells. Over time this contributes to a wide range of degenerative health conditions.
The goal of liver detoxification is to make compounds more water-soluble and able to be excreted. This function is very dependent on nutrient status. Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, ND Metabolic Medicine Expert
Detox Diet: 3 Simple Suggestions
The process of detoxification depends on key nutrients as well as the vital antioxidant glutathione. We can facilitate our body's own natural detoxification by following three simple suggestions:
1. Eat Real Food
♥ Minimize exposure to antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners and preservatives by eating organic whole foods.
♥ Eat foods rich in glutathione, foods like: Eggs, Whey Protein, Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Curcumin, Tumeric, Turkey, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Onions, Water Cress, Walnuts, Cinnamon, Chicken, Avocado, Spinach, Garlic, Cabbage, Brazil Nuts and Cardamom.
2. Supplement Wisely
♥ Supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids for healthy liver detoxification.
♥ Key supplements include a high-quality multi-vitamin, omega-3 fish oil, magnesium, probiotics and a greens product.
3. Metabolic Rejuvenation
I get lots of e-mails from Healthy Living How To readers asking for recommendations for a detox program. Once a year, in January, I take a month to do the 28-Day Metabolic RejuvenationTM by Douglas Laboratories; a 28-day, 3 phase detoxification support program with nutrients specifically chosen to prepare the body for detoxification, support phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification and finally repair the body and intestinal tract. The program comes complete with instructions on how to implement the program, high-quality supplemental nutrients, a diet protocol, meal suggestions and a shopping list. Click HERE to learn more.
Detoxification Part I : Healing Waters
