Detoxification is the body’s natural process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins. If your detox pathways are blocked, toxins accumulate, and your body becomes overburdened and sick.
When dealing with toxic exposure and a high toxic load, the first step is awareness of the various toxins, avoiding them and minimizing exposure as much as possible. Then, focus on opening up your detox pathways to safely eliminate toxins.
We’re exposed to toxins from . . .
- indoor and outdoor air pollution
- tap water
- the food we eat
- drugs, vaccines and medications
- internal toxins (oral cavity, infections, dysbiosis, inflammation)
- the thoughts we think, what we listen to and watch, mental and emotional toxins
- environmental toxins, electropollution
- skincare, household and cleaning products
The accumulative load of multiple poisons alters our metabolism causing mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, psychological problems, illness and dis-ease.
Everyone has a specific level of tolerance that cannot be exceeded if optimal health is to be maintained.
Are your symptoms due to a high toxic load and impaired detox pathways?
Symptoms of Toxic Overload
- Aches, pains, joint stiffness, arthritis
- Acne, hives, rashes, itchy skin
- Allergies, histamine issues
- Anxiety, depression
- Autoimmunity, compromised immune function
- Brain fog, memory problems, autism, neurological disorders
- Cancer
- Chronic sinus infections, recurrent respiratory problems
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Cytokine storm, inflammation overload
- Diabetes, insulin resistance
- Digestive problems, bloating, irritable bowel, dysbiosis, altered microbiome
- Fatty liver, chronic kidney disease
- Frequent headaches
- Gallbladder problems, stagnant bile flow, gallstones, no gallbladder
- Gynectomastia (moobs)
- Hidden infections in the oral cavity; mercury amalgams that leach neurotoxins
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hypertension
- Increased ferritin, CRP, insulin, A1c, glucose, uric acid, liver enzymes, iron overload, high mercury, lead and other toxic heavy metals
- Infertility, miscarriage
- Insomnia, sleep problems
- Weight loss resistance, obesity, metabolic chaos
We’re swimming in a sea of toxins and hormone-disrupting chemicals that cause damage and insult to our health, poison our terrain, and create disease, depression and dysfunction.
There is plenty you can do to reduce your toxic load, open your detox pathways and minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Healthy Detox Happens Every Day
- Filtered water: drinking, cooking, showering and bathing. Paula-approved water filters
- Food quality (opt for anti-inflammatory, organic foods, grass-fed, pasture-raised, non-GMO as much as possible)
- Daily sunlight exposure, less artificial light
- Sound sleep
- Air quality (one of the greatest sources of non-dietary toxicant exposure is the air in our homes)
- Awareness of the products used in your home, on your skin, what you cook and store your food and water in, your oral health, chronic exposure to nnEMFs, water damaged homes and workplaces, toxic heavy metals, building materials, and so much more.
Toxins accumulate causing sluggish, blocked detox pathways. Over time, this leads to pain, fatigue, depression, dementia, and disease.
Neurotoxins and Mitochondrial Poisons
- Heavy metals (lead, iron, aluminum, mercury, cadmium)
- Moldy environments, mycotoxins
- GMOs, glyphosate, gluten, sugar, processed frankenfoods, excess alcohol, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, artificial flavors
- Pesticides, insecticides, fluoride, vaccines, drugs, medications, nnEMFs, 5G, artificial light, industrial and agricultural toxins
- Phthalates, BPA, endocrine disruptors and other chemicals found in personal care products, household, gardening and cleaning products
Detox Pathways
There’s significant evidence supporting the use of food as medicine, healthier lifestyle habits, natural therapies, a healthy environment, and targeted nutrition to improve and support healthy detox pathways.
Safe & effective detoxification through 7 detox pathways
LUNGS
— Breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, breath of fire, alternate nostril breathing, nose breathing, energy breath, longer exhales)
— Acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy
— Air filtration, HEPA air filter, live plants in your home and workspace
— Rule out mycotoxin illness, mold and water damage in your home and work environment
— Sensible sunlight and fresh air away from polluted air
— Warm, wet compresses or castor oil packs to the chest, Epsom salt baths, sauna therapy, steamy showers, essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, oregano)
— Sinus irrigation (Neti-pot irrigation, nebulizer, anti-fungals)
— Grounding, nature therapy
— Play an instrument to strengthen weak lungs
— Daily exercise, Qi gong, walking
— Targeted nutritional support, vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, zinc, emulsified oil of oregano, B vitamins, CoQ10, vitamin E, NAC, vitamin C
Factors that compromise and damage the lungs: Dryer sheets, fabric softeners, scented laundry detergents, harsh fragrances, perfumes, air fresheners, disinfectants, non-stick cookware, carpets, smoky environments, moldy water damaged environments, smoking, indoor and outdoor air pollution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), newly built or remodeled homes and buildings, dental problems, heavy metal toxicity, animal dander, chronic sinus infections, food sensitivities, antibiotic overuse, chlorinated indoor swimming pools
Lung emotion: sadness. Establish self-worth, address grief, loss and depression, fear of taking in life
LIVER and GALLBLADDER
— Filtered water (add lemon or lime, Celtic sea salt or Redmond’s salt), dandelion tea
— Bitter herbs, sulfur-rich foods and liver lovin’ foods: lemon, lime, citrus peel, ginger, broccoli sprouts, cilantro, turmeric, garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, carrots, beets, dandelion greens, artichoke, endive, cabbage, radishes, arugula, mustard greens, cruciferous veggies
— Protein: essential for detoxification
— Daily bowel movements
— Sleep 7-9 hours
— Support healthy bile flow
— Donate blood if iron and ferritin are elevated (test to assess)
— Chiropractic adjustments, infrared sauna, red light therapy
— Castor oil packs on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
— Epsom salt baths
— Deep diaphragmatic breathing, nose breathing
— Nutrients such as magnesium, phosphatidylcholine, taurine, B vitamins, nutritional yeast, milk thistle, NAC, calcium d glucarate, tudca, bile salts, berberine, lipoic acid
Factors that burden the liver and gallbladder: Tylenol, NSAIDs, antibiotics, statins, HRT, oral contraceptives, OTC and Rx drugs, heavy alcohol use, glyphosate, fructose, sugar, soda, processed carbs, vegetable oils, fatty liver, insulin resistance, diabetes, food sensitivities, congested bile, toxic heavy metals, hemochromatosis, iron overload, high ferritin, GI infections, constipation, diarrhea, estrogen dominance, mold, water-damaged homes and buildings, anger
Emotions: repressed anger, resentments, bitterness, pride, frustration, moodiness, impatience
KIDNEY and BLADDER
— Drink filtered water (a minimum of 1/2 your body weight in oz/daily). Proper hydration, water filtration and balanced electrolytes are critical to maintain fluid balance, promote normal muscle contractility, nerve function, and support healthy kidney function.
— Dandelion tea, unsweetened cranberry water, parsley tea, uva ursi tea, watermelon seed tea
— Garlic, onions, cucumbers, leafy greens, watercress, bone broth, cruciferous veggies, apple cider vinegar
— Organic food
— Restore electrolyte balance
— D-mannose, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C
— Restore HPA function, support healthy adrenal function
— Epsom salt baths, infrared sauna, yoga, hot wet compresses or castor oil packs applied to lower-mid back area
Factors that compromise and damage kidney health: insulin resistance, diabetes, processed foods, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic UTIs, toxic heavy metals (cadmium, aluminum, lead, iron, mercury), food sensitivities, low eGFR, electrolyte imbalances, mineral deficiencies, NSAIDs, Tylenol, antacids, antibiotics, aspirin, OTC and Rx drugs, pesticides, solvents, dehydration
Emotions: fear, anxiety, shame, disappointment, insecurity, being “pissed off”
COLON and DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
— Identify food sensitivities, avoid inflammatory foods (grains, gluten, vegetable oils, sugar, soy, corn, all processed frankenfoods)
— Heal and seal your gut
— Closeup the kitchen 3 hours before bedtime
— Stop snacking your way through the day
— Sit down during mealtime, practice mindfulness and presence when eating
— Eat slowly, chew food until liquified
— Drink filtered water with a pinch of Celtic sea salt or Redmond’s salt away from mealtime
— Eat organic, non-GMO, pasture-raised, grass-fed foods
— Have one to two daily bowel movements
— Strengthen vagal tone, get adjusted (chiropractic)
— Practice yoga, move your body every day
— Breathe through your nose using your diaphragm
— Consider digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, bile support, ACV, butyric acid, probiotics, soil-based sporebiotics, vitamin D, binders such as pectasol-C, food-grade diatomaceous earth, charcoal and bentonite clay
Factors that compromise and damage GI function: Acid-blocking drugs, PPIs, antibiotic overuse, NSAIDs, aspirin, laxatives, vaccines, non-organic foods, GMOs, glyphosate, Candida overgrowth, infections, dysbiosis, alcoholism, brain injuries, inhaling food, overeating, food sensitivities, chronic stress
Emotional work: let go of control, resolve pain from your past, move forward, release the old, embrace the new, trust your intuitive ‘gut’ feelings
SKIN
— Stay hydrated with filtered water
— Dry skin brushing
— Sensible sunlight exposure
— Epsom salt bath with baking soda, apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay and essential oils (orange, lavender, geranium, sandalwood, carrot seed oil, rose)
— Optimize digestion and healthy GI function
— Eat organic foods
— Avoid processed foods, gluten, dairy, sugar, vegetable seed oils
— Infrared sauna therapy
— Identify food sensitivities
— Eat fatty fish: S.M.A.S.H. aka sardines, mackerel, anchovies, wild salmon, herring)
— Consider essential fatty acids, omega-3s, astaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin D, collagen protein, CoQ10, vitamin C, aloe vera
— Replace endocrine-disrupting skincare products with natural organic products: DIY Recipes for your Hair & Skin
Emotional work: release anxiety and fear-based thinking, control, and poisonous subconscious programming (the news, social media, MSM propaganda)
LYMPH
A strong healthy lymphatic system is essential to strong immunity.
— Bounce, brush and breathe (rebounding on a mini-trampoline, sit and bounce on a Swiss ball, dry skin brushing, full and deep diaphragmatic belly breathing)
— Filtered water (stay hydrated); add Celtic sea salt or Redmond’s salt
— Restore and balance electrolytes
— Herbal bitters: turmeric, cardamon, citrus peels, slippery elm, burdock root, echinacea, silica
— Break a sweat, move your body every day, brisk walking with swinging arms, foam roller exercises
— Lymphatic massage, move the fascia, loofa scrub during shower (especially armpits)
— Self-massage lymph node areas: subclavicular, supraclavicular, behind the lower ear lobe, neck, armpits, breast, stomach, groin, behind the knees, and the ankles
— Elevate feet and legs
— Essential oils: juniper, geranium, marjoram, ylang ylang
— Epsom salt bath (add baking soda and essential oils)
— Alternating hot/cold showers (end with cold)
— Cold water immersion
— Sensible sunlight exposure, red light therapy
— Infrared sauna
— Restful, uninterrupted sleep (glymphatic system)
— Avoid aluminum and other toxic heavy metals
Emotional work: re-center the mind on the essentials of life, explore and heal unresolved emotional traumas, simplify, choose love, joy and gratitude
Glymphatic system. Our brains do the majority of its detoxification at night while we’re asleep. The brain has its own internal detoxing system called the glymphatic system that turns on when we’re asleep getting rid of toxins and removing waste products that could be responsible for neurological disorders and brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The glymphatic system is ten times more active during sleep compared to when we’re awake.
MENTAL and EMOTIONAL
— Daily prayer, spiritual practice, meditation, gratitude-focused mindset
— Forgiveness
— Set healthy boundaries
— Honor, respect and love yourself
— Restore adrenal function, HPA axis, and balance to your nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic tone)
— Consider therapies such as EFT, EMDR therapy, biofeedback, aromatherapy
— Strengthen vagal tone
— Stop snacking and emotional eating
— Practice breathing exercises, longer exhales
— Nature therapy, forest bathing
— Sensible daily sunlight exposure
— Turn off the news, limit social media use, take a digital detox, put your phone away
— Avoid bright screens after 8pm
— Sound therapy, singing bowls, listen to music, Solfeggio frequencies
Along with environmental toxins, we need to release the emotional toxins our bodies have accumulated – like those related to fear, shame, guilt, bitterness, anger and resentment.
A bio-individualized detoxification program that is unique to the individual is paramount. Smart, safe and effective detoxification must begin with a strong foundation, reducing one’s overall toxic burden and avoiding exposure as much as possible. Nutritional status also plays a big role in how well we detoxify, so assessing functional nutrient deficiencies is essential. Supporting the body’s detox pathways can help to reduce the damage caused by toxins, pollution, xenobiotics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Related Posts
- 50 Daily Detox Tips (safe enough to do every day)
- Sources of Hormone-disrupting Chemicals
- Optimize Methylation
- Video: Do You Need a DETOX
- Video: Could Toxins Be Making You Sick?
