What is a detox and do I need to do one?

What is a ‘detox’?
There are many different definitions of detoxification. The word 'detox' has become associated with fad diets, strict juice cleanses, and general deprivation. 

As a nutritional therapist, my interest is in the process of transforming potentially harmful (fat soluble) molecules into less harmful (water soluble) molecules so that they can be safely and efficiently eliminated from the body in a timely manner.

This reduces the risk of toxins being reabsorbed in the colon. Having the right balance of foods and nutrients in our diet helps this process to work smoothly and prevent disease.

Many organs are involved in detoxification but our liver is our main chemical processing factory and is the focus of this blog post.
 
Liver ‘detox’ involves two steps:

1. Step 1: Reduce the added burden on our liver by reducing some of the everyday toxic loads e.g. alcohol, caffeine, pesticides and other environmental toxins.
2. Step 2: Nourish our liver with the nutrients it needs to work at its best.

 
In simple terms ‘doing a detox’ is a bit like taking your car in for a service.  You won’t leave with a shiny new engine but you might just get something that runs a bit better afterwards.  
 
Common benefits include more energy, healthier skin, less aches and pains, clearer thinking and feeling more alert as well as less bloating.
 
What detox isn’t…

• Detox isn’t a magic cure all that will solve all your health problems in one go.
• Detox isn’t a weight loss programme although you may lose some weight in the process as you start to eat better.

Some signs you may need to support your liver nutritionally:

• Brain fog
• Severe hangovers
• Sensitivity to caffeine
• Night sweats
• Hormone imbalances (e.g. poor oestrogen detoxification)
• Adverse reactions to chemicals in the air – cleaning products, perfumes, petrol fumes – wheezing, sneezing, nasal drip
• Excessive recovery time from general anaesthesia

 
I will be speaking about liver detoxification at the next Revive Yoga Break. Hope to see you there!