Written by Janet Thomas, Herbalist

So.. why would we want to detox, anyway? 

Perhaps you just finished a round of antibiotics from an illness, or recently had surgery and are looking to cleanse your system from the anesthesia.  Did you undergo chemo, or radiation?  Those treatments come with their own set of toxins.  Perhaps you viewed your town's water report, only to find out there's been abnormally high contaminant levels.  Or, maybe you're just looking to enhance our overall health, drop a few bikini pounds and have higher energy levels. The essential fact is, our environment is overloaded with toxins- and they're impossible to avoid! Our bodies detox many of these daily via the liver, digestive system, the skin and the kidneys- but sometimes, we need a little extra help. In this article, we'll explore the various everyday toxins we're exposed to and their symptoms, common ingredients of a detox diet, and helpful tips to make the most of your cleanse.

Everyday Exposures

Cadmium-Diet, Smoking cigarettes, contaminated work places are general sources of exposure here.  Leafy greens and potatoes can have trace amounts.

Symptoms of Cadmium Poisoning- Headaches, anemia and yellow teeth.

Chromium- Diet and workplace exposure are common sources of exposure. Symptoms of Chromium poisoning- Nose and stomach ulcers, dermatitis from cement exposure.

Pesticides- Symptoms of Pesticide poisoning- Nausea and vomiting, excessive sweating

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- Found in soap, shampoo

Symptoms of SLS poisoning- Skin irritation and acne

Parabens- Preservatives used in personal care products

Symptoms of Paraben poisoning- Redness, itching, blistering. 

Symptoms of Lead poisoning- Pain in joints, nausea, tiredness

Carbon Monoxide- Car Exhaust

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning- Headache, weakness, chest pain, disorientation

These are just a few of the toxins we deal with in our daily lives.  Now that we know how much exposure we have to toxins, let's find out the best way to rid ourselves of them.  There are numerous over-the-counter options when it comes to detoxifying products. From powders and tinctures, to drinks and herbal supplements, cleanse inducers are readily available. Before beginning a detox regime, you'll want to consult with your healthcare provider to better plan for your body's specific needs. Below are some of the more common ingredients (used singularly or combined with others) included in a wellness detox:

• Water- Essential for hydration. Dilutes toxins and helps the kidneys filter waste.

• Lemon- Citric Acid. Enhances enzyme function and stimulates the liver.

  Vitamin C. Antioxidant that boosts the immune system.

• Green Tea- Catechins. Antioxidants that support liver function and detoxification.

• Ginger- Gingerol. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid digestion.

• Turmeric- Curcumin. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports liver health.

• Cilantro- Chlorophyll. Binds to heavy metals and facilitates their removal.

  Phytochemicals. Assist in detoxifying heavy metals.

• Garlic- Allicin. Boosts the production of white blood cells and supports liver detox.

• Dandelion Root- Taraxacin. Stimulates bile production, aiding liver detox.

  Inulin: Prebiotic that supports gut health.

• Milk Thistle- Silymarin. Antioxidant that protects and regenerates liver cells.

• Activated Charcoal- Carbon. Binds to toxins and prevents their absorption in the digestive tract.

• Apple Cider Vinegar- Acetic Acid. Improves digestion and promotes detoxification.

• Cucumber- Hydration. High water content aids in flushing out toxins.

  Antioxidants: Support detox processes.

• Aloe Vera- Aloin. Aids in digestion and promotes bowel movements.

• Cayenne Pepper- Capsaicin. Stimulates circulation and metabolism, aiding detoxification.

Before beginning a detox, here are several tips to help ensure a smooth and successful process. When embarking on a cleanse, you will most likely feel worse before feeling better.  This is because once you release those pesky poisons from your cells, tissues, and organs ,they will be freely floating in your system.  Its necessary to drink lots of water in order to flush them out completely.  Saunas can also be very helpful, as toxins are released through our sweat glands.  Clean up your diet, and don't consume alcohol! That means no processed foods, sugar, or dairy. Remember, we're aiding our body's natural toxin removal process- we don't want to consume anything that will be taxing on the liver and kidneys. Those with serious health concerns should consult a specialist who can safely help guide this process.  Most healthy individuals can benefit from a mild detox twice a year! Again, this is based on the notion that environmental toxins are largely inescapable- one good detox just isn't enough for a lifetime of great health.  The added benefits of clearer skin, more vitality and better digestion are well worth the effort!