It’s time to debunk some detox myths. Contrary to what you may have heard, detox is not a fad. It’s not about being trendy or cool. It’s a necessary part of taking care of your body and achieving optimal health and wellness. In fact, ALL of us detox. It is the main thing the liver does! Before we can talk about how detox works, we need to define what it is.
The Definition Of Detox
If you Google “detox” right now, you will find a wide array of descriptions. At Omnia Health, we view things from a functional medicine perspective. That being said, we define detox as the process the body goes through in order to rid itself of toxins or unhealthy substances. This can also be referred to as metabolic detoxification. Every day, your body’s organs are working to eliminate environmental toxins that come in from things like:
- Bacteria
- Air Pollution
- Plastics
- Heavy Metals
- And More
The key player in the detoxification process is your liver. It acts as the body’s primary filtration system, converting toxins into waste products, cleansing your blood, and metabolizing nutrients and medications to provide you with the important proteins necessary for the body’s health and functionality to be at its best.
How can we help improve our body’s detoxification process?
The amount of toxins in a person’s body is a result of three main factors. The first one is the amount of exposure. The second one is genetics. And the third one is eating habits. Although we have no control over our DNA, we can take initiative to decrease the amount of exposure and to improve our nutritional intake.
One of the most common toxic exposures is from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agriculture, which often occur through the intake of food, water and air.
Source: The Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM)
In regards to toxin exposure, “clean air, clean water, and clean food” is a great place to start. It is also important to educate ourselves and be aware of household items that can contribute to our overall toxic burden. Things like beauty products, household cleaners, and detergents. Being a more conscious consumer will help to guide your purchasing decisions in order to eliminate some of the unnecessary negative exposure. As an example, Honest Beauty is a great, clean ingredient makeup alternative.
For the nutrition part of the equation, it is important to choose foods that not only support the detoxification process, but also help to eliminate them. At Omnia Health, we provide our patients with detoxification food plans that do both of these things. We also take genetics into account. Enzyme mutations — mainly the Cytochrome P450 system — can impact the amount of toxins within an individual’s body and the way they process them. Understanding a patient’s genes allows us to create a more effective, personalized approach. We like to get into the nitty gritty details with our patients but in the meantime, everyone can begin with these easy ways to minimize toxins.
- Choose quality meats and seafood – look for organic and grass-fed
- Peel the skin or remove the outer layer of leaves from produce
- Limit exposure to canned foods
- Cook with non-toxic cookware like stainless steel and cast iron
- Use filtered water for drinking and cooking
The more you know, the more opportunities you’ll have to make lifestyle choices that positively impact your overall toxicity. Even the smallest of changes can make a significant impact. The benefits of detox can be seen AND felt.
How do you know detox is working?
According to The Institute Of Functional Medicine, the goal of a clinically-directed metabolic detox protocol is to provide nutritional support for the pathways involved in the processing and elimination of toxins.
Simply put, you know a detox program is doing its job when you begin to feel an increased sense of wellbeing. It is typical for those who participate in a personalized detox program to experience one or more of the following:
- Decrease in pain levels
- Higher amount of energy
- Enhanced cognitive function and moods
- Better quality sleep
- Improved success with weight loss
The main takeaway is to understand that detox is not a short-term, quick fix. It is a long-term, lifestyle change. It involves continuous education, body awareness, and mindful choices. Omnia Health wholeheartedly believes everyone is capable of leading healthier, happier lives. There are many ways in which we can improve our overall health and detoxification proves to be an effective and maintainable step in the right direction.
Want to experience the benefits of having a personalized, detoxification food plan? Contact us today to get started.
