Dr. Mia Iyer join us for another innovative detox article. (You can check out her detox drink recipe here and her previous detox practice article here!) To keep up with the local Chiropractor and guru of all things "gut health", find her on Instagram: @onthewellbydrmia or at www.onthewell.com
Detox is more than a marketing buzzword and most, to a certain extent, understand that it is a great way to help us feel better. We may partake in a detox program for weight loss, more energy, or better skin, but not many understand how the actual process works. In my last post, I laid out 5 detox practices that everyone should try. In this article, I want to dive a little deeper into the actual detox process, along with ways to optimize the process within the body!
Let me start by saying that our bodies have set detox systems in place. We detox in 4 main ways: by breathing, sweating, urinating and pooping. Meanwhile, the organs involved are: lungs, skin, kidneys, liver and the digestive system. Humor me for a second here! If you think of these organ systems coming together like a nuclear power plant, then think of the liver as the center piece of the plant. It has the most important functions: Phase 1 and Phase 2 detox. Each of these phases are important in packaging toxins in a way that is acceptable to excrete via the kidney or the colon.
Phase 1 Detox:
During phase 1 detox, the liver uses a team of enzymes to convert substances into detox-ready compounds. These phase-1-detox substances may include medications, alcohol, caffeine or any entity that the body deems toxic. We can easily support the phase-1 "machinery" with some nourishing nutrients such as:
- Vitamin C
- Herbs such as milk thistle
- Cruciferous veggies such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale
These nutrients are crucial as they activate and support the phase 1 detoxification process. So, it is a good idea to make sure we get an adequate amount of these nutrients for optimal liver function during phase 1 detox.
Phase 2 Detox
Next, after phase 1 completes, the prepped up toxins get sent to the phase 2 "machine". During this process, the toxins are further prepped and packaged so they can be shipped out via urine or stool. In order for phase 2 functions to happen smoothly, the liver needs the following nutrients:
- Glutathione: the master antioxidant that soaks up toxins like a sponge!
- Amino acids, such as N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): this nutrient is a precursor to glutathione. Along with NAC, other amino acids include methionine, glycine and taurine.
- Vitamin B12: The detoxing process is very energy demanding. The liver absolutely needs B12 to optimize its energy production process.
So, why is detox important?
In order for the body to process toxins, the liver needs to function optimally. When we lack essential micronutrients, it's easy for the liver to get sluggish and not work efficiently to get rid of all the unwanted goop! An increase in toxic burden can lead to fatigue, brain fog, skin conditions like acne, hormonal imbalance, sleep disturbances and more complex gut issues. Therefore, from an optimal health standpoint, liver function and its detox processes must be in tip-top shape!
In order to make sure our body detoxes properly, a good place to start is with 5 detox practices I mentioned in my previous article. Along with incorporating these tips, adding nutrients mentioned above to support Phase 1 and Phase 2 detox can really help the liver thrive and function optimally! Just make sure you check in with your doctor or pharmacist to update them on your supplement routine!
We hope you enjoyed this more in-depth explanation of the body's detoxification process and how to support it. For more of Dr. Mia, be sure to check her out on her Insta page @onthewellbydrmia and website, www.onthewell.com. All of these supplements can be found on our online store or at a Fruitful Yield near you!
