Detoxification / Detox – How Does It Work?

Your body detoxifies itself daily as long as it is functioning properly. However, sometimes problems arise, and more toxins enter the body than it can expel. Toxins can originate from or be exacerbated by cellular waste, environmental pollution, gut imbalances, stress, poor diet, illnesses, prescription medications, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, lack of sleep, inability to sweat, and more.

Numerous Detox Programs – Some Better Than Others

There is an abundance of detox programs, some of which display images or provide anecdotes about large clumps of toxins and mucus being expelled after two weeks of juice fasting, clay treatments, and other detox regimens. However, few autopsies have revealed accumulations of toxins in a person’s colon. While detox programs can be beneficial, they can also burden the body if performed incorrectly or without an understanding of the body's natural detox systems. The medical journal The Lancet (Sies CW, Brooker J. Could these be gallstones? Letter The Lancet 365:1388, 2005.) published an article showing that gallstones resulting from liver cleansing with olive oil are actually saponified olive oil. This isn’t surprising since soap is an alkaline salt made from fatty acids and a base.

An earlier popular detox method was volcanic sand, which was later found to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals. Many detox methods are not what they claim to be. Understanding how the body processes toxins is essential to evaluating these methods. The body has four primary systems for detoxification, and if one system is impaired, it impacts the others.

• Processing cellular waste, particularly lactic acid

• Removing larger waste products via the lymphatic system

• Detoxifying toxins through the liver

• Excreting waste products through the digestive system and skin

Lactic Acid and Inflammatory Cellular Waste

When cells function well, they produce minimal waste. However, if cellular function is impaired, lactic acid and other inflammatory waste products can accumulate, lowering the pH of the fluid surrounding the cells and hindering circulation to and from the cells. Since an adult body contains approximately 100 trillion cells, it is crucial to maintain optimal cellular function to prevent significant waste buildup. Therefore, minimizing the production of harmful waste at the cellular level is a key component of detoxification.

During physical exertion, lactic acid is produced (note that exercise is beneficial for health). Hitting the so-called "wall" often occurs due to an excess of lactic acid, the byproduct that limits endurance. However, this threshold varies between individuals. For example, someone with chronic musculoskeletal pain may experience a 100-meter sprint as a marathon due to a higher baseline level of lactic acid around their cells compared to a healthy person.

Impaired cellular metabolism can also generate harmful waste without noticeable muscle soreness. Addressing this involves ensuring adequate vitamins and minerals to nourish the cells. A high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement can be a good starting point. Additionally, supplements such as magnesium and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be beneficial. Magnesium supports cellular energy production and protein synthesis, while CoQ10, found in nearly all cell membranes, activates essential enzymes and helps generate energy from nutrients. It also functions as an antioxidant.

The Importance of the Lymphatic System for Detoxification

The lymphatic system, a fluid surrounding cells, transports waste products away from them. Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system lacks its own pump and relies on physical activity or deep breathing to move lymph fluid. Daily exercise is therefore crucial. When the lymphatic system is overburdened, the body finds alternative ways to eliminate waste, such as producing mucus. Excess mucus in the morning or after meals may indicate toxin-related issues in the lymphatic system. Another way the body manages overloaded lymph is by transporting toxins to the skin, which can result in acne or dry skin.

There are two large lymphatic ducts on either side of the spine at shoulder height. Pressure, stiffness, or pain in this area may indicate lymphatic congestion. Overloaded lymph can also cause swelling in the shoulder region, pressing on nerves and leading to numbness in the arms or hands during sleep. Lymphatic congestion may also cause headaches that start in the neck and spread to the sinuses or across the head. When the lymphatic system is overwhelmed, lactic acid and other inflammatory byproducts accumulate instead of being transported away.

Children with lymphatic issues may develop problems draining their ears, leading to recurring ear infections that can persist into adulthood if left untreated. The lymphatic system also absorbs fat. Certain fats aid lymphatic transport, while excess or unhealthy fats can cause issues. Eating close to bedtime can overload the lymphatic system, and a low-protein diet may reduce the pressure needed to move lymph fluid. Junk food adds unnecessary stress to the lymphatic system.

Stagnation is the number one enemy of the lymphatic system. Regular physical activity is essential for healthy lymph flow. Lymphocytes, produced in the bone marrow, mature into T-cells and B-cells, which circulate in the lymph. Macrophages in the lymph nodes recognize antigens like viruses and bacteria and present them to T-cells and B-cells, which produce antibodies. A healthy lymphatic system is thus vital for a robust immune system.

Cellular waste travels through the lymphatic system to two collection ducts in the chest cavity, where it enters the bloodstream and is transported to the liver for detoxification.

The Liver

When you inhale or ingest toxins, they are transported to the liver. A well-functioning liver cleans the blood of toxins and waste products. However, if the liver is impaired or overloaded, toxins accumulate in the blood, stressing all organs, including the skin. Prolonged overload can lead to swollen lymph nodes, as the lymphatic system and blood can no longer handle the toxin load.

Some individuals with chronic sinus issues or digestive problems may consistently overburden their liver with toxic byproducts. These toxins can originate from harmful gut bacteria, external toxins, poor diet, the Candida fungus, alcohol, smoking, drugs, or certain medications. Common liver-related symptoms include stress headaches, dry skin, nausea, dark circles under the eyes, and fluid retention.

The liver uses various enzymes for detoxification, typically divided into phase 1 and phase 2 processes. Phase 1 relies on cytochrome P450 enzymes, which require antioxidants to function. Phase 2 involves the elimination of toxins via bile or urine, a process known as conjugation, which requires energy (ATP). Liver-supporting supplements include herbs like milk thistle and dandelion, as well as antioxidants such as Alpha Lipoic Acid, which also supports glutathione production, a key antioxidant necessary for liver detoxification. Calcium D-Glucarate can also support the liver's detoxification processes.

The Digestive System and Skin

The liver channels toxins into the digestive tract via bile secretion. Water-soluble toxins are excreted in urine, while fat-soluble toxins are more challenging to remove and can disrupt fat-soluble hormones and metabolism. To support this process, a healthy gut microbiome and adequate fiber intake from fruits and vegetables, rather than grains, are essential. Grains contain phytic acid, which can interfere with mineral absorption.

An imbalanced gut microbiome can create toxic byproducts that re-enter circulation instead of being excreted. Probiotics can help restore a healthy gut flora. The skin also plays a crucial role in detoxification, acting as a secondary filter to remove toxins and waste that other systems fail to process. Sweating helps eliminate toxins and relieves the liver and gut. A balanced diet rich in nutrients and avoiding toxic chemicals in skincare products support the skin's detox function.

Detox – Reducing Toxins

Detoxification is a vast topic, but the key is to avoid introducing more toxins into the body, consume healthy organic food, and support the body's detox processes in a gentle, logical manner. Harsh, short-term detox programs may remove some toxins but can disrupt the body's natural detox functions. Long-term strategies to minimize toxins and optimize natural detox processes are far more effective.

Detox-friendly diets primarily include organic, grass-fed meat, organ meats, wild-caught fish, eggs, organic fruits and berries, and omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA (not ALA). Such diets exclude grains, refined sugars, most vegetable and seed oils (except organic cold-pressed olive oil), trans fats, processed meats, excessive omega-6 fatty acids, and high-glycemic carbohydrates. Additionally, supporting the detox process involves consuming probiotics with diverse strains, high-quality multivitamins and minerals made from whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids with low oxidation levels, liver detox supplements for phase 1 and phase 2 liver function, regular exercise, sweating, and healthy habits regarding sleep and stress management.

How to Detox the Lymphatic System?

To detox the lymphatic system, regular exercise and a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits are recommended. Other methods include drinking plenty of water and avoiding processed foods.

Products for Detox and Cleansing

Author