Leave The Juice, Take The Supplements: A New Guide To Detox

Now that we're past the season of indulgence and parties, it's the perfect time for a detox program. Food, stress, environmental factors, and chemicals can all cause toxic buildup in the body. While our bodies can process many toxins, seasonal detox programs can significantly reduce the negative effects of toxins. Toxins are stubborn and love to hide in our fat cells and tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Skin blemishes or dull skin, a sluggish metabolism, sleep problems, poor digestion, weight gain, and low energy levels are all issues that can be improved by eliminating toxins from the body. You might immediately think of a juice cleanse when hearing the word “detox” or “eliminate toxins” but actually, antioxidants can significantly reduce this from happening in the first place by neutralizing free radicals. But often, other means are necessary to eliminate toxins from the body. By taking a combination of herbs and mineral supplements, you can stimulate detoxification enzymes to chelate or pull the toxins from where they are hiding, creating an elimination process. They also protect and cleanse the liver and lymphatic systems. The liver is the main control center for the purification process, so there is extra stress on this organ when on a cleanse. Here are a few of my favorite programs to help eliminate toxins from your body that don’t include a juice program—they're all supplement-based.

Spirulina or Chlorella

What is it? Spirulina is an algae with many detoxification properties and antioxidants. As an added bonusm it’s also a great source for vitamin B12. Blue Majik Spirulina contains phycocyanin, which is a powerful detoxifying antioxidant. How Long? This is a great product to take on an on-going basis to help reduce free radical damage. Most people feel like they have more energy when they use it, but that is one of the benefits of reducing oxidative damage in the body. Get it on Amazon, $17

GliSODin Skin Nutrients

What is it? A cleansing formula that contains milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid, dandelion, SOD, and fruit antioxidants Nutraflora and sulforaphane. This combination of ingredients targets all the necessary detoxification processes to help elimination. Sulforaphane is critical in inducing our natural detoxification enzymes to start the chelation process. Milk thistle, dandelion, and alpha lipoic acid all protect and cleanse the liver. Nutraflora is a fiber, but also acts as a prebiotic which is a food source for probiotics in our digestive system. How Long? This is a 15-day program. Generally, you will feel worse before you feel better. Symptoms such as headaches, bloating, breakouts, and low energy are common. These symptoms are typical with any effective detox nutraceutical program and they will subside after a few days. Be patient and stick with it. The results are very rewarding! Get it on Dermstore, $125

Anima Mundi

What is it? An organic herbal superblend to detox the liver, gallbladder, and digestive system. This formula also has many minerals which hydrate the cells and help in overall detoxification. It contains some of my favorite herbs for cleansing such as burdock root, dandelion, milk thistle, moringa, and turmeric. How Long? I would recommend taking it for at least 14 days and up to 30 days consistently. Add 1-2 tbsp in juice or water before a meal. Get it on Amazon, $25

Herbals — Burdock, Nettle, Mint 

What is it? Herbal teas can complement a nutraceutical detox program, but are also good any time of the year to support overall health. Burdock root, nettle, dandelion, mint, and detox blends are all great. How Long? They can all be taken daily. It’s best to drink them on an empty stomach. Get Burdock on Amazon, $8 Get Nettle on Amazon, $12

Food — Fermented, Fresh, & Fibrous

What is it? Fermented foods like kimchi, raw sauerkraut, kombucha, or fermented non-dairy yogurts can significantly help the digestive tract. They have bacterial cultures that support elimination and also help the absorption of nutrients. They have been scientifically proven to benefit the immune system. Fruit and non-starch veggies that have high water content are great hydrators and contain many different antioxidants and fiber, which reduce bloating and help with proper elimination. Water is key, and it's best to get it from your food. Warm water and lemon first thing in the morning and then brown rice or steel-cut oatmeal are a smart way to start the day. Whole grains are full of fiber, minerals, and plant-based proteins which are more easily absorbed in the morning. Avoid meat, dairy, sugar, refined grains, alcohol and really anything that comes in a can or a box.

If you are considering a cleanse, here are a few suggestions:

It's important to take care of yourself when you do any cleanse. Get lots of rest, eat well, try restorative exercise, and be consistent. Unless you are doing a cleanse with a trained professional, you shouldn't stop eating food. Stay away from laxatives! Laxatives do not remove toxins in the body. They relax your colon so the waste moves faster through your system, which negatively reduces nutrient and water absorption. Stay hydrated!

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