Detoxification
His food was glory
Which was poison to his mind
And peril to his body
Sir Henry Taylor
There are several types of detox you can undertake, including gut, liver, and lymphatic, and several ways to perform them. Common methods of detox include fasting, juicing, and the use of herbs and nutrients to stimulate and support detox processes.
During a detox programme a minimum of two litres of water should be drunk throughout day to assist in the elimination of toxins via the kidneys, and adequate fibre consumed to ensure the bowels are evacuated at least once a day. Good bowel function is essential to minimize the recycling of toxins through the liver, and a detox should never be undertaken while constipated.
During phase I detox fat-soluble toxins are converted into forms that are slightly water-soluble, and sometimes more reactive. Phase I detox produces free radicles, which can damage our cells, and need to be neutralised. During phase II the toxins are attached to a water-soluble molecule, and in phase III they are deactivated then secreted into the small intestine, where they bind to dietary fibre and are excreted via the faeces.1
If the toxins have not been processed effectively they can be re-absorbed and enter the general circulation, leading to fatigue and general malaise. A high protein diet and amino acid supplements that support phase II pathways can help offset this, although their effect is limited. Antioxidants may be of benefit here too, and the herbs St. Mary’s thistle and schizandra have been shown to protect and support the liver during a detox.2
Phase III detox can be derailed by beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens, E coli and Klebsiella, which are common residents in our gut. Calcium d-glucarate, found in grapefruit, apples, oranges, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, inhibits beta-glucuronidase, thereby assisting with phase III detox.3
Total or water fasting is a quick and cheap form of detox, but it is very aggressive. Because it excludes the consumption of fibre or protein, it does not support phase II and III detox or the elimination of toxins via the bowels. There is also a lack of protective substances, such as antioxidants, to limit the damage by the free radicles produced during phase I. Fasting, although a valuable tool for robust people, should not be performed by anyone who is frail, and only with medical approval and supervision by someone with a serious medical condition.
Juice fasting and herbal detox are similar to a total fast in that they can be very effective, but also very aggressive, and therefore they should be undertaken with caution if there are any serious health concerns. They do facilitate elimination and include protective phytochemicals, so they are not as injurious as water only fasting.
Personally, I think the best way to do a detox is with nutritional and herbal support over an extended period of time. This is especially the case if you have health issues. There are many good products available for this, and although they can be expensive they are usually worth the money. It is still important to maintain a high fibre and fluid intake during these slower forms of detox, but this should be part of any healthy diet.
When undergoing any form of detox, and especially if using a slow and gentle method, it is important to minimise your exposure to environmental toxins. Avoid all toxic chemicals, including cleaning products, perfumes and tobacco. Limit intake of spicy foods, and abstain from drug use, including alcohol. An exception here is caffeine, which can assist in the elimination of toxins via the urine and help to deal with the side-effects of detox. Tea and coffee also contain antioxidants that can protect us from the damage caused by the free radicles produced during phase I detox.
Detox should be a part of any healthy lifestyle, and undergoing a regular detox program is essential for optimal health. It is best not to let toxins build up in the first place, and supporting our detoxification system with a healthy diet and regular juicing is a good way to do this.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4488002/#sec4 https://integrative.ca/blog/3-phases-detoxification www.metagenicsinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Metagenics-DetoxPoster-MI.pdf – Detox info.
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541075/ – Milk thistle. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25255087/ – Schisandra. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23201450/ – Schisandra.
- https://insight.microba.com/beta-glucuronidase-friend-or-foe/ www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/beta-glucuronidase – Phase 3 detox.