Over the last several years, the idea of “detoxing” has exploded in popularity. Everywhere you look, there are products, diets, fasts, and cleansing concoctions promising to purge harmful toxins from your body.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: detoxification is something your body is already doing for you—every single day.
So the best way to “detox” isn’t through extreme methods. It’s by supporting your body in doing exactly what it was designed to do.
Let’s look at your body’s key detox players and how you can naturally support their hard work:
Your liver — the detoxification workhorse
Your liver is your primary organ of detoxification, and it never stops working for you.
It has two distinct phases:
Phase I, where enzymes break toxins into smaller, less harmful pieces (caffeine is metabolized this way), or make them water-soluble so they can be filtered out by your kidneys.
Your liver can also package toxins into bile and send them to your intestinal tract to be eliminated with your next BM.
Sometimes Phase I creates bioactivation—a byproduct that’s even more toxic than the original substance. That’s when Phase II steps in, attaching molecules that trap the toxin so it can be safely escorted out in your urine or stool. Heavy metals like mercury and aluminum are detoxed this way.
To support your hard-working liver, focus on fiber-rich real foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Onions and garlic are especially beneficial. Limit alcohol to one or two drinks (preferably with meals), and avoid soda—both regular and diet.
The supporting cast
Your liver may be the star, but several other organs play vital roles in detoxification:
Your kidneys
Your kidneys filter your blood to remove waste products, metabolic by-products, and circulating toxins.
Show them some love by avoiding processed foods (high in phosphates), getting natural dietary calcium from cooked leafy greens and full-fat dairy, and drinking filtered water throughout the day.
Your lungs
Your lungs help eliminate toxins and gases through exhalation and are crucial for clearing carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants.
Support them by avoiding smoking (of course!) and practicing nasal breathing as much as possible.
Your skin
Your skin is often overlooked, but it plays a powerful detox role by eliminating toxins through sweat—including certain heavy metals and fat-soluble compounds.
Help your skin do its job by engaging in regular exercise, enjoying brief unprotected sun exposure (20–30 minutes), and trying infrared sauna sessions.
Your GI tract
Your gut is a major detox organ. It eliminates waste, prevents toxins from entering circulation, and relies on healthy digestion and daily bowel movements to do its job effectively.
Support your gut by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting sugars and refined carbs.
A very common cause of poor digestion is a lack of digestive enzymes. If you take acid reducers, have had your gallbladder removed, or are over 50, this is especially likely.
In that case, our Digestizol Max Enzyme Formula can help.
Digestizol Max contains 15 plant-derived enzymes to tackle a wide variety of foods, plus a soothing herbal blend to support an inflamed digestive tract.
Your lymphatic system
Your lymphatic system (lymph fluid, vessels, nodes, and lymphatic organs) plays a major role in detoxification.
Lymph fluid bathes your cells, delivers nutrients, and carries away waste. The lymphatic vessels then move this “wastewater” toward lymph nodes—located in your head, neck, armpits, and groin—where toxins are filtered and destroyed.
Unlike your circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no pump. You are the pump—so regular exercise is essential to keep lymph flowing.
Beware: The dangers of popular detox methods
While detox products and trends have become very popular, they also come with significant risks. Two of the most common concerns include:
1. Liquid-only fasts
Many toxins (including pesticides and heavy metals) are fat-soluble and stored in your fat cells.
During a liquid fast, your body turns to fat for energy. But when fat burns, those stored toxins get released into your bloodstream. This can increase your risk of tissue, organ, and even neurological damage.
2. Detox supplements
Some detox supplements are designed to pull toxins out of your tissues. But this can overwhelm your liver, pushing it into overdrive. If it can’t keep up, toxins may seep back into your bloodstream or be re-stored in your fat cells.
And even if your liver can keep up, poor digestion or low fiber means you may not eliminate the toxins effectively.
Other helpful detox-supporting measures
To safely and naturally support your body’s detox efforts:
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Keep stress low.
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Reduce toxin exposure by choosing natural cleaning products, organic skin care, and minimizing plastic use. Avoid herbicides like glyphosate (RoundUp).
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Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
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Exercise at least 3–4 days per week.
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Don’t undereat—your body needs sufficient calories from nutrient-dense whole foods.
Now you know the safest, most effective way to support your body’s natural detox abilities.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
PS: Please note, the office will be closed and shipping paused for Thanksgiving November 27-28. Regular operations will resume Monday December 1.
