Detox, or detoxification, is the process of removing toxins from the body. There are many ways to detox, but the most common are through diet, herbs, and supplements. Detoxing can help improve your overall health by removing harmful toxins from your body. It can also help you lose weight, boost your energy levels, and improve your mood. However, it's important to consult with a health professional before starting any detox program, especially if you have any medical conditions.
The most common ways to detox: juice fasting, water fasting, and herbal detoxing.
Detox diets are said to eliminate toxins from your body, improve health, and promote weight loss. They often involve the use of laxatives, diuretics, vitamins, minerals, teas, and other foods thought to have detoxing properties
Juice fasting: Pros and cons
Juice fasting has become a popular way to detox, lose weight, and improve overall health. Proponents of juice fasting claim that it has many benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, increased energy, and better skin complexion. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to juice fasting. Some people find it difficult to stick with a juice fast for an extended period of time, and it can be expensive to buy all of the fruits and vegetables needed for juicing.
Water fasting: Pros and cons
Water fasting is a term used to describe the process of abstaining from all food and drink except water for a set period of time. Proponents of water fasting claim that it offers a number of health benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity, and increased energy levels. However, there are also some potential risks associated with water fasting, including dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. In this article, we will take a closer look at both the pros and cons of water fasting.
Herbal detoxing: Pros and cons
Detoxing, the process of removing toxins from the body, has become a popular way to improve overall health. While there are many different detox methods, one of the most popular is herbal detoxing. Herbal detoxing involves using specific herbs to remove toxins from the body. There are many pros to using herbal detoxing as a way to cleanse the body. Some of the pros include that it is affordable, easy to do, and can be done at home. Additionally, herbal detoxing has been shown to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost energy levels. However, there are also some cons to using herbal detoxing. One downside is that there is limited scientific evidence to support its benefits. Additionally, some people may find it difficult to follow a specific herb regimen for an extended period of time.
Superfood & Herbal Detox
Alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver.
Extremely nutrient dense, Alfalfa can replenish the stores of liver supportive vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K which is stored in the liver and fatty tissues. This important, fat soluble vitamin is found in exceptionally high amounts in Alfalfa and goes straight to your liver where it helps to maintain healthy blood clotting. Alfalfa makes an appearance in almost all liver cleansing tonic recipes, and with good reason too.
Aloe Vera contains powerful antioxidants, which belong to a large family of substances known as polyphenols. Not only this, it actually amplifies the antioxidant effects of vitamins such as C and E, making them work better.This potentiating effect is thought to be due its capability to enhance blood quality – allowing it to more effectively transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body.
Aloe Vera cleanses toxic matter from the stomach, kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver and is an effective colon cleanser.
Ginger(Zingiber officinale )
A staple ingredient in many detox and cleanse protocols, Ginger works its magic by stimulating digestion, circulation and perspiration. Containing over 25 antioxidant compounds, this zingy spice scavenges free radicals whilst stimulating antioxidant pathways.
Ginger combines really well with many other herbs and spices and is a wonderfully supportive and warming root, helping the body in its efforts to detox.
Barley Grass(Hordeum vulgare L)
Extremely alkalising and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, Barlygrass is also an abundant source of chlorophyll - a compound that converts sunlight into energy within the plant. When chlorophyll is consumed it releases a flow of oxygen into the bloodstream, detoxing the body of harmful toxins and impurities, it has the ability to bind to and flush out toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Barleygrass offers protection from radiation and cellular damage, regenerating damaged cells and tissues. It is such a powerful cleanser that it is recommended to start slowly to avoid detox symptoms such as headaches, rashes and nausea. This is normal and is generally triggered by the release of toxins from the cells and tissue, however should these symptoms persist it is advised you contact your health care professional.
Turmeric(Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is an excellent liver detoxifier, with its active ingredient "curcumin" stimulating the flow of bile from the gallbladder allowing the liver to flush out harmful toxins. Bile also rejuvenates the liver cells that breakdown harmful compounds. The liver is the body's primary detox organ and must be kept in optimum condition for a detox and cleanse to work properly.
Turmeric also contain powerful antioxidants which neutralise damaging free radicals and it increases the activity of the body's own antioxidant enzymes - directly blocking, then stimulating the body's own antioxidant mechanisms against free radicals. Giving your body antioxidant support is crucial before, during and after the detox process.
Black Walnut(Juglans nigra)
Parasites can infect the intestinal tract and cause a variety of symptoms ranging from; fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, chills, stomach pain or loss of appetite. Black Walnut Hulls are an extremely effective way to detox and cleanse parasites from the system, containing powerful compounds that help to eliminate microbes from the intestinal system. The high tannin and juglone content is thought to oxygenate the blood which can kill parasites and work as a laxative to expel parasites as part of its cleansing of the body.These compounds all play a vital part in the killing of parasites, even in adult parasite stages.
Black Walnut Hulls can also be used to balance sugar levels, which helps the body burn up excessive toxins and fatty materials.
This small but mighty seed helps to clear uric acid from the blood and joints - high levels of uric acid can cause joint pain and inflammatory conditions such as gout. Celery’s ability to improve blood flow means that it cleanses the joints and cartilage by increasing the level of fluid moving through them. Also powerfully diuretic, Celery Seeds enable the renal system to excrete uric acid more effectively as well as being extremely alkalising, this helps the body to get rid of too much water by increasing urine output. Increasing the frequency and quantity of urine aids in the removal of excess fats, salts, bile, uric acid and urea.
Chaga Mushroom(Inonotus obliquus)
Used for 1000's of years in traditional medicine, the Chaga Mushroom is a potent detoxifier and powerful antioxidant. With exceptional cleansing properties, it is used in TCM to detox the liver, spleen, lungs, cleanse the bowel and to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
With an antioxidant power almost unmatched, Chaga mushrooms are especially high in a compound called super-oxide dismutase (SOD), this is an enzyme which reduces the damage done to cells by “super-oxide”, the most common free radical in the body. Studies have shown that SOD acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, with researchers now investigating the potential of it as an anti-aging treatment as it is known that, as we age, SOD levels drop whilst free radicals increase. Super-oxide dismutase also aids the body in using zinc, copper and manganese. Chaga provides SOD in a highly bioavailable form which we can utilise either topically or internally.
Coconut(Cocos nucifera)
A Coconut Oil detox is especially good to get rid of yeast infections and candida overgrowth. The medium chain fatty acids (MCFA's) in Coconut Oil kill disease causing bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It is chemically very stable and functions as an antioxidant protecting against destructive free radicals and neutralising the effects of many harmful toxins.
The MCFA's in Coconut Oil are used by the body as a source of fuel to stimulate metabolism - as metabolism increases so does the body's natural mechanisms of detoxification, repair and growth
Dandelion(Taraxacum officinale)
The Dandelion herb is especially indicated in detoxification of the liver, restoring hydration along with electrolyte balance. Dandelion root contains a bitter compound, "taraxacerin" that increases the level of bile secreted by the gallbladder, helping the liver to detoxify more efficiently. It is also diuretic, aiding the liver and kidneys to flush away excess water and waste, supporting the body as it eliminates harmful toxins.
Dandelion leaf has been found to promote healthy lipid profiles, suppressing fat accumulation in the liver and reducing insulin resistance. This leaf also contains antioxidants that have a specific effect against liver toxicity.
Detoxing is all the rage right now, and for good reason. Our bodies are constantly bombarded with toxins from the environment, food, and even our own cells. A detox can help clear out these toxins and give our bodies a fresh start. There are many different ways to detox, from juicing to taking detox supplements. The best way to find out what works for you is to experiment a little bit and see what makes you feel your best.
